Lovable Teddy BearsVermont, Steiff, Plush, Antique and more!The story of how the Teddy Bear got his name is familiar to just about everyone in America, from longtime collectors to schoolchildren. It is said that in 1902 President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was invited on a bear hunting trip in Mississippi while settling a border dispute between two territories. When the hunting was poor, one of his hosts captured a bear cub and invited Roosevelt to shoot it in an attempt to gain his favor. Instead, Roosevelt refused to fire at a helpless target and thereby earned himself a reputation as a champion of sportsmanship and fair play. The famous incident was immortalized in a cartoon by Clifford Berryman, who chose to portray the animal in question as an innocent, adorable cub, causing Morris and Rose Mitchom to create a stuffed likeness of it nicknamed "Teddy's Bear." The name stuck, and once the Mitchoms displayed their original bears in the window of their stationary store, the public demanded that the Mitchoms sell them their own copy of "Teddy's Bear." Coincidentally, the Steiff company in Germany was making a stuffed bear of their own. This bear looked a little more like a "real" bear, due to Richard Steiff's regular visits to the zoo to sketch animals, but the public reacted to the Steiff bear in Germany much the same way the American public reacted to the teddy bear. Even today, Steiff teddy bears are considered some of the finest bears ever made. More than 100 years later, millions of people are still wild for teddy bears. Although their design has changed countless times over the decades, the spirit of the teddy bear remains the same whether he is wearing cowboy boots or just a ribbon around his neck. One of the most popular and well-known modern teddy bears are Vermont Teddy Bears, which are individually handmade and designed in Vermont with the best quality materials. They are high quality and very popular with adults and kids alike, because while they look nice on display, they are also very playable and soft. Vermont teddy bears continue to be a favorite to this day. There are more than just plush teddy bears available these days for those who just can't get enough of their cute little faces. Porcelain, stone and even crystal bears are made in numerous designs, but the most popular by far is the Cherished Teddies line of figurines. Much like the Precious Moments figurines, this collection is full of loveable bears for every occasion and are great for gift-giving as well as collecting. There's even a Cherished Teddies Club where members can get exclusive figurines with membership and the opportunity to get others throughout the year. Because they are so popular, you can find teddies just about anywhere, which is great news for beginning collectors. Of course, if you're looking for specialty bears like those made by Steiff, it's going to take a bit more effort but most would say that it's worth it. Many collectors prefer to get their bears on a wait-and-see basis, meaning that they'd rather wait and see what comes along rather than limit themselves to one type of teddy. It should come as no surprise that between dealer websites and online auctions there are literally thousands of bears to choose from on the Internet. However, if you're looking for a rare or antique teddy bear, it's best to do a little research first. Thankfully for the new and old collector alike, there are plenty of enthusiasts out there who are more than happy to help you get started! Making good use of bulletin boards and clubs will help you learn more about teddy bears than you ever thought possible. Taking care of your teddies is very important, especially if you want to pass them on to children or grandchildren. Many figurines, such as the Cherished Teddies, are made from high quality resin or stone that is easy to clean and has the added bonus of being fairly sturdy, to protect them in case of accidents. Of course, this doesn't mean you shouldn't keep them in a safe place. Areas away from high temperatures and excessive moisture are the best for keeping figurines in just-bought condition. For plush teddy bears, the clear acrylic boxes used for storing porcelain dolls are an excellent way to display your collection while also keeping them safe from the elements. For extremely old or fragile bears, an airtight box lined with acid-free tissue paper will keep them safe as long you don't plan to handle them too much. Finding out the value of your collection can be a tricky thing, especially if you have different bears from all kinds of different sources. Some types, such as Steiff teddy bears or Vermont teddybears, are easy to find a value for if you have a book or online resources, but for others the value might be purely sentimental. If you have an antique bear that you think might be worth some money, your best bet is to get it professionally appraised. This will not only ensure that you know the exact value of your bear, but most appraisers will also give you a certificate or other documentation to prove its worth. Just like any collection, teddy bears can be an investment or just a great way to share history with your family and friends. Remember, though, that the true value of a teddy bear is in the happiness he gives his owner and that the happiest collectors are those who are not in it for any kind of monetary gain. From stuffed teddies to lapel pins, if you keep this in mind, your collection will truly stand out in the crowd. |