The Development Of Antique Teddy Bears
by Antoinette Quinn
Collectors have become quite enamored by antique teddy bears. It has been a popular toy for years, although it is not old compared to other toys. The soft, cuddly toy brings comfort to all who love them. Children are often given one when they encounter the police for some catastrophic event, or when hospitalized either as an emergency or for a long-term illness or severe injury.
This toy has a very exciting history. It is reported that President Teddy Roosevelt was responsible in part to its development. He had failed to get a specimen on a hunt, but refused to shoot a cub that was tethered to make it easy for him. The first one produced, by a couple of Brooklyn store owners, was a stuffed doll named "Teddy's Bear". It caught on and was an immediate success.
Steiff bears were developed in Germany about the same time, by a German named Steiff. Though they were significantly different from the American versions, they still became very popular. They are still prized as collector's items. Different company began to manufacture their versions of these toys in an attempt to get their share of this important market.
Cheap stuffed toys from Asian companies took over the market, almost making the bear extinct. Its popularity waned a bit after WWII due to these cheaper toys. It seemed to be a thing of the past until late in 1969 when interest revived. In 1985 the first auction devoted to antique and vintage bears brought them to the forefront in attention.
Fake versions began to appear as many decided to try and capture part of the market, but without the expense and effort older ones used. They copied many traits, but not all. Modern collectors can determine fake from the original by close inspection of certain characteristics. Checking characteristics of the model they are considering against older model traits will help prevent their buying a fake instead of an original.
The body and stuffing materials is one indicator of age. The earliest versions had bodies of wool mohair. Silk plush was used just before WWII. Cotton plush was not used until after the war. Synthetics did not come into use until the 1950's. Stuffing in the earliest ones were of excelsior, called wood wool. They were quite heavy. Lighter ones were made with kapok fibers. Foam stuffing did not come into use until much later, and indicate that it is not a antique or vintage model.
Examining facial features will also help determine the older ones. Eyes were first made of boot buttons. Eyes made of glass began to be used around the 1920's. Plastic did not appear until the 1950's. Noses also indicate age. The earliest one were made of woven silk. Later, a variety of styles came into use, with each manufacturer having their own characteristic one.
Paws are another indicator of age. The earliest ones had pads made from felt or cotton. The cotton would have been worn out and probably replaced. Those models produced after the 1930's had velvet or fake leather pads on their paws. This marks them as not being one of the <A href="http://bearsoftheabbey.com">antique teddy bears</A>.
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New Unique Article!
Title: The Development Of Antique Teddy Bears
Author: Antoinette Quinn
Email: nathanwebster335@live.com
Keywords: fashion, clothing, celebrity, style,
Word Count: 531
Category: Hobbies
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