If you are looking at beginning vintage bear collecting as being a new hobby, you have to first decide if you are deciding on standard or miniature sized bears once you do that, then keep with your choice. If you live in a small home, miniatures could be better since they clearly won't occupy lots of room. Your choices for vintage bears is never-ending, and selecting to stay with one size will make them present a lot better when displayed together.
Once you start your vintage bear collecting hobby, it is best to remember that quality will usually endure with time, and therefore your vintage bears will maintain their value. If you're just beginning out, you will be unlikely to have the abilities to restore that very tatty bear you obtained at auction, as this is a very specialist and expensive job. You would usually expect some 'wear and tear', as if the bear was well loved, it will show indications of this which can add to the bear's appeal. Watch out for stiff joints, substitute parts and then any new, instead of original clothes, because these will detract from the value of the bear.
Look for indications of authenticity along with the markers you could expect. Although (for example) Steiff are well recognized by their ear buttons, they might have been removed for safety reasons. However, the indentation in the ear can remain apparent, as will any scraps of material inside the seam from a removed label. If there's an authenticity certificate, you'll obviously anticipate paying more for your bear and you should keep this safe if you happen to wish to sell your vintage bear later.
Similar to a number of costly and popular products, fakes will usually appear, therefore you are recommended to get a good resource book on vintage bear collecting. This sort of book should explain clearly the options to evaluate as ell as the types of damage you'll want to avoid.
You'll find some other things that affect the value. The scarcer, older and larger bears will attract a greater cost. As a typical rule-of-thumb, anything that's pre 1914 could be more valuable and highly desired. The type of bear that's apt to be tough to find are those that do not smile, the production of this type of teddy could have ended rapidly due to their unpopularity. As an example, the snarling Sussenguth's Peter bears weren't exactly warm and friendly looking!
Last but not least, when vintage bear collecting, consider original intact clothing and packing boxes since this will again improve the value when they have survived over time.
Should you be interested in beginning vintage bear collecting, follow a some of the tips above and obtain a good book that may help you learn what you're really looking for, the values and the way to maintain your bears when you have them home.
Once you start your vintage bear collecting hobby, it is best to remember that quality will usually endure with time, and therefore your vintage bears will maintain their value. If you're just beginning out, you will be unlikely to have the abilities to restore that very tatty bear you obtained at auction, as this is a very specialist and expensive job. You would usually expect some 'wear and tear', as if the bear was well loved, it will show indications of this which can add to the bear's appeal. Watch out for stiff joints, substitute parts and then any new, instead of original clothes, because these will detract from the value of the bear.
Look for indications of authenticity along with the markers you could expect. Although (for example) Steiff are well recognized by their ear buttons, they might have been removed for safety reasons. However, the indentation in the ear can remain apparent, as will any scraps of material inside the seam from a removed label. If there's an authenticity certificate, you'll obviously anticipate paying more for your bear and you should keep this safe if you happen to wish to sell your vintage bear later.
Similar to a number of costly and popular products, fakes will usually appear, therefore you are recommended to get a good resource book on vintage bear collecting. This sort of book should explain clearly the options to evaluate as ell as the types of damage you'll want to avoid.
You'll find some other things that affect the value. The scarcer, older and larger bears will attract a greater cost. As a typical rule-of-thumb, anything that's pre 1914 could be more valuable and highly desired. The type of bear that's apt to be tough to find are those that do not smile, the production of this type of teddy could have ended rapidly due to their unpopularity. As an example, the snarling Sussenguth's Peter bears weren't exactly warm and friendly looking!
Last but not least, when vintage bear collecting, consider original intact clothing and packing boxes since this will again improve the value when they have survived over time.
Should you be interested in beginning vintage bear collecting, follow a some of the tips above and obtain a good book that may help you learn what you're really looking for, the values and the way to maintain your bears when you have them home.
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For more information on vintage bear collecting and ways in which to care for your antique bears visit www.antiquebears.internet.