Teddy bears are endearing toys which have been around for generations. People who collect antique teddy bears are sure to find what they are looking for either online, or at an antique fair or dealer. When buying these charming toys, it's helpful to know how to find a genuine product for one's money and also how to properly care for them.
The look and construction of the bear says a lot about its age. Early teddies were fashioned more to look like the real animals. Older toys often have a hump between the shoulders, longer, curved limbs with large feet and wider hips, and a longer snout. The eyes were also usually made of glass or boot buttons rather than plastic as well. Early toys were often made of mohair and stuffed with wood shavings or later kapok or wool, and may show a hand-stitched seam on the body.
It can be helpful to buy a reference guide that clearly lists and describes notable features of teddies. The bears made by a particular manufacturer during a certain time period usually possess characteristics which make them easily identifiable. Prices for individual toys are often listed as well, but these are often the highest going figures and it is usually possible to find the same teddy for less.
It is likely that a teddy may have been repaired at one time or another, but this need not devalue it. Restorations are a common practice of many dealers who wish to try to restore the toy's original appearance and make it more attractive to buyers.
Today, the hot-bed for collector's bears is the internet with its various online auctions. One must be aware however, that there are a number of imposters on the market which are not antiques but are being sold as such. While the features may resemble early bears, these imitations are often plush rather than mohair and available in more colors. Their fur may intentionally worn out to convince buyers of their antique status.
Another bear to avoid are those which are brand new but made by the manufacturer to look old-fashioned. Some deceptive dealers will take these toys and deliberately alter them to look as though they are old and then price them as though they were. Some collectors encourage smelling a bear first to detect an "old smell" but this is not always useful since dealers will clean them, removing such a scent.
It is best to handle these toys by their torsos rather than their limbs, as this may cause damage to the delicate joints. Since they are prized collector's items, they must also be kept away from children and pets. Limiting contact with hands is best, as the oils present in skin can cause deterioration the bear's fur.
Sometimes antique teddy bears attract moths, which can be remedied by placing them in the freezer overnight. To clean a bear, proper care must be taken. Lightly vacuuming it first to remove dust is recommended, then it may be gently sponged off with a mixture of water and soap flakes or fabric wash. Any excess moisture should be blotted up with paper towels, then let the toy dry and gently brush its fur using a clean brush.
The look and construction of the bear says a lot about its age. Early teddies were fashioned more to look like the real animals. Older toys often have a hump between the shoulders, longer, curved limbs with large feet and wider hips, and a longer snout. The eyes were also usually made of glass or boot buttons rather than plastic as well. Early toys were often made of mohair and stuffed with wood shavings or later kapok or wool, and may show a hand-stitched seam on the body.
It can be helpful to buy a reference guide that clearly lists and describes notable features of teddies. The bears made by a particular manufacturer during a certain time period usually possess characteristics which make them easily identifiable. Prices for individual toys are often listed as well, but these are often the highest going figures and it is usually possible to find the same teddy for less.
It is likely that a teddy may have been repaired at one time or another, but this need not devalue it. Restorations are a common practice of many dealers who wish to try to restore the toy's original appearance and make it more attractive to buyers.
Today, the hot-bed for collector's bears is the internet with its various online auctions. One must be aware however, that there are a number of imposters on the market which are not antiques but are being sold as such. While the features may resemble early bears, these imitations are often plush rather than mohair and available in more colors. Their fur may intentionally worn out to convince buyers of their antique status.
Another bear to avoid are those which are brand new but made by the manufacturer to look old-fashioned. Some deceptive dealers will take these toys and deliberately alter them to look as though they are old and then price them as though they were. Some collectors encourage smelling a bear first to detect an "old smell" but this is not always useful since dealers will clean them, removing such a scent.
It is best to handle these toys by their torsos rather than their limbs, as this may cause damage to the delicate joints. Since they are prized collector's items, they must also be kept away from children and pets. Limiting contact with hands is best, as the oils present in skin can cause deterioration the bear's fur.
Sometimes antique teddy bears attract moths, which can be remedied by placing them in the freezer overnight. To clean a bear, proper care must be taken. Lightly vacuuming it first to remove dust is recommended, then it may be gently sponged off with a mixture of water and soap flakes or fabric wash. Any excess moisture should be blotted up with paper towels, then let the toy dry and gently brush its fur using a clean brush.
About the Author:
You can visit the website bearsoftheabbey.com for more helpful information about Guide To Buying And Caring For Antique Teddy Bears
Comments (0)
Posting Komentar