Collectible: Is your old teddy bear worth a small fortune? (Video)

A new teddy bear costs a few euros. But it is the old treasures, especially the plush toys from the German manufacturer Steiff, that collectors are after. They are house-trained, do not need food and are always allowed to go to bed – all children and adults love these pets. Plush toys have delighted their owners for 130 years. Collectors have long since discovered children’s toys. A new teddy bear costs a few euros. But it is the old treasures, especially the plush toys from the German manufacturer Steiff, that collectors are after. Anyone who still has old bears or other Steiff animals in good condition should take a look at the manufacturer’s identification mark: the famous head in the ear and, if still present, the flag. Because all animals from the time before 1970 are valuable in collectors’ circles. Very old bears are traded for prices in the six-figure range. Somewhat younger specimens still achieve four-digit sums. The button in the animal’s ear indicates the approximate age: If the teddy bear has a button embossed with Steiff in capital letters, it probably dates from before 1952. A shiny nickel button also indicates a really old copy. This button was introduced from 1952: Here the Steiff lettering is in cursive and raised. The hollow rivet made of nickel with the Steiff lettering in cursive was used from 1969. In 1978, nickel was replaced as a material and the two-part brass button was introduced. The website sammler.com provides approximate assistance in determining the age using the buttons and flags. If you keep your eyes open: you can sometimes find bargains on ebay.