The first thing you want to do if you have an antique teddy bear is assess its condition. What color is it? is it light or white or brown or black? The general rule is the lighter it is, the more it is worth.

Now what kind of condition is it in? Does it have worn spots where it has been played with? Please stand back and look at the antique teddy bear like a buyer and not a seller. Some wear is acceptable, but not as a rule.

What kind of joints does it have if it has joints at all? Some bears are called jointed because the arms and legs move. Is there any missing pieces? Eyes and mouths and even arms and legs are sometimes missing. Do you have the part that fell off? If so keep it handy as it can be repaired.

What type of eyes does your antique teddy bear have? Glass or shoe button eyes or sewn on eyes? This will be relevant to the age of the bear. Does the bear have a button or the remains of one in its left ear? If it does have a button it may be a Steiff teddy bear and this is very good for a high appraisal. Measure the bears height. The height also adds to value.

Now that you know alot about your bear, write it down and go to your favorite . Use the information you have obtained to compare your bear to ones that are for sale. Always keep an eye on completed listings and use these to determine your antique teddy bear’s worth.

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How Do You Clean An Antique Teddy Bear?

Firstly, do this at your own risk! By their very nature, an antique teddy bear is delicate, having often spent many years being handled by children and most have undergone some repair during their lives.

Some of the fillings used in the older bears were never designed to be washed, so never put your bear in the washer! Apart from it being traumatic for the owner watching the little thing spin, your antique teddy bear will probably come out in bits!

If your bear is really valuable, seek professional help and do not attempt cleaning it on your own. Professionals are insured (check first though) but you are not. If you must attempt to clean your bear do make sure it is in excellent condition first and wear cotton gloves to prevent the transfer of natural oils from your hands. Use a little luke-warm water with some very mild liquid detergent that is specially designed for fragile fabrics and swish it up. Dip a sponge or very soft cloth into the foam only and gently stroke the fur. Do not make the fur wet! Dab off any wetness with a dry soft cloth, but do not rub the material.

Leave your antique teddy bear in a warm and natural atmosphere to dry completely on his own. Then fluff up the fur gently with a soft brush.

There are not that many around, but a really useful book to read that is full of excellent tips and information about cleaning and restoring your antique teddy bear can be found HERE.

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