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For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
Over the years, I've gathered quite a few bears. Most of them have been as gifts, each coming with a great deal of sentimental value for one reason or another. A few of the ones that have the most meaning for me however, happen to be the few Steiff ones I have. I got my first Steiff a few years back and since, I've really taken to them, even purchasing a few (new ones) myself.
I'd like to get into collecting bears, more specifically Steiff bears. The issue is, I don't know much about them, or about collecting items of this nature in general. I'd like to learn enough to be able to see one for sale, have a general idea of it's value, it's authenticity, and know that I'm making the right decision.
Are there any good places to start learning? I've tried doing some searches online, and found a few good sites describing the change in ear buttons over the years, etc, but not much else beyond that. I still, for example, don't know why some of my bears have a yellow tag in their ear and some have a white one, or how the hump in the back came to be. I'm not sure about any good places to look for bears (at less then premium prices), or what to look for when determining condition. Any direction, be it in the form of books, websites, or just general advice that you could provide would be helpful and greatly appreciated. Thanks.
