As a result of all these wide ranging bear motivations, we get many questions about our collectable bears -- especially the Muffy's and other Vanderbears made by the North American Bear Company. As you may have seen on many of our pages, we link you to our Amazon.com affiliate for the Muffy Price Guide which is now in its second edition. This is helpful for both new and experienced collectors -- both in determining a fair price for an older, out of production collectable bear, and for insurance purposes. It is also a good resource for images of all the more than 290 different bears, family bears, and friends made in this series since the early 80's. Similar guides are available for Boyds Bears (of which we carry a limited line) Steiff, and many other collectable bears from over the years. The current "Secondary Bear Market" or Bear Collectables Market has been down over the past 12 months after a 5 years all time high period. As with many other collectables, there is a constant ebb and flow in current market value, but the overall trend is still on the climb. It is noticable that when the overall US and global economy is booming, toys we use to distract us or provide a fantasy world are not so necessary as in harder economic times. Nostalgia gives way to the here and now. Still, the overall Bear Market is there and healthy. Such trends just make this an especially good time to invest because some prices have temporarily dropped. In general, for a bear to be collectable, it must be undamaged, wearing an entire outfit with all accessories, and preferably still have its hanging tags which identify the clothing group/issue of the bear. Stains, pets, smoke damage and exposure to bright light on a prolonged basis are the leading causes of decreased valued in an otherwise collectable bear. Cigarette & cigar/pipe smoke can irrepairably damage any stuffed animal/plush within a matter of days or weeks. Here at Purciful's, we are very careful about selecting our older and out-of-production bears and we will never sell you a bear in this undesireable condition. As we all know, there are bear and doll hospitals throughout the world which can mend tears, tufts, torn seams, and missing bits -- but smoke damage, fading, and stains are next to impossible to recover. If you are in need of a good bear or doll hospital, we try and keep our list of "bear surgeons" up to date and will gladly refer you. If you or your children have animals which are worn from love and play, they are very special bears indeed -- but usually are collectable only after 75 years or so when a style has become so rare that only the truely loved remain. Bears which are in "mint" or "near mint" and "excellent" condition, should be stored away from dust, smoke, light, and pets -- preferably in sealed bags or boxes. Bears kept in their pristine original packaging will bring higher value later in their life, but even the lightly played with and tenderly kept will have an increase in value over time. It's very important to know whether you are buying a child a bear to play with or to keep as a collectable -- because crossed purposes can only confuse a small child, or make them anxious about playing with or loving an otherwise perfectly adorable bear. Perhaps if you are thinking in terms of investment, such bears should be kept in a special cabinet and enjoyed for their appearance -- and then have a designated "play bear" playmate for the child to dress, snuggle, tote, imagine with, and care for. The relatives in your collection cabinet then become out of town cousins, or neighbors who are noticably aloof or difficult to contact. Keeping the bear's role in the family in mind as you purchase will take a lot of needless pressure off children who may not understand why such a toy could be "off limits". --Closets and chests are always a good storage place until children are old enough to understand increasing value and resale in the Secondary Bear Market. A show like PBS's Antiques Road Show may help older children begin to understand about collecting and caring for unusual toys. Whatever your reason for buying Muffy or one of her friends, be sure you enjoy them -- because they are truely unusual little bears and bunnies -- unlike most bears, they are never meant to be alone. They have family and friends; they love to play dress-up, they have favorite past-times, they have toys and play together, and even travel the world together -- just like the rest of us. They are happy, cheerful, playful little bears -- never sour, sad, grim or scary like many of the bears made in the past. These are good friends and should always be treated as such. We here at Purciful's offer free appraisal services for those looking to sell their collections, and we do buy collections on an ongoing basis. If you have an estate collection to sell, or are just looking to make room for other projects, we will be happy to look over your list of bears and other plush and their accessories. |
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