​Teddy Day: Most expensive teddy bears to ever exist (2024)

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​Teddy Day: Most expensive teddy bears to ever exist? ›

​​Louis Vuitton Teddy Bear​

In popular culture

Winnie-the-Pooh is based on a teddy bear owned by Christopher Robin Milne, the son of author A. A. Milne; the character first appeared in a 1926 children's book and has been adapted by Disney for animated shorts since 1966.

While the Louis Vuitton bear may be the ultimate collectable bear, many vintage Steiff bears and collectible bears are sought after for their rarity. The number of Steiff bears available today is limited as many antique animals were well loved and did not survive the last hundred years.

One of the things which sets Charlie Bears apart from others in their price range is that they are made using only the very highest quality fabrics such as European plush and Schulte mohair. Some of the bears have what is called a 'Random Plus' design, and this gives the effect of multi-coloured, multi-tonal fur.

In 2000, Steiff collaborated with luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton to create the priciest Teddy bear in history costing a whopping $2.1 million. The buyer is the well-known Korean collector Jessie Kim, who bought the item from the Korean Teddy Bear Museum.

In reality, however, our stuffed, furry friends are a reasonably modern invention. The first teddies were actually only made in 1902, and at Pollock's Toy Museum near Goodge Street you can meet the oldest surviving specimen: Eric.

- Grizzly Bear 399 - She's known as the matriarch or the queen in Grand Teton National Park. She's famous for coming out with two, three cubs. And now, miraculously came out with four cubs, which is very rare.

Richard Steiff the father of the Teddy bear

In 1902 Richard Steiff, Margarete's nephew, designed a toy bear made of mohair called Bear 55PB. Inspired by American President Theodore Roosevelt, the initially nameless bear received its name Teddy, which is still known today.

Made in 2000, Steiff joined the fashion luxury brand Louis Vuitton to make the world's most expensive Teddy bear. The buyer is the renowned Korean collector Jessie Kim who placed in the Teddy Bear Museum in Korea.

How can you tell a fake Steiff bear? ›

All authentic Steiff teddy bears have a trademark: a button sewn into their left ear, attached to which is a tag bearing either the company name, an illustration of an elephant, or both.

By nature, a Steiff bear is a toy. That means if your bear is particularly old, it's likely to have been well loved and played with. But if your bear is in good condition (bonus if it's like new or never been played with), it will likely fetch a higher price at auction.

Charlie Bears The Wind in the Willows Ratty - Rare Number 1 of 500 – LoftVintageToys.

Steiff Alfonzo Teddy Bear - ~$16,000

Princess Xenia's daughter inherited the bear and sold it in 1989 for nearly $16,000. After that, the bear was released again in a limited edition run in 1990. One of those bears still sold at Christie's in 2004 for 574 pounds or about $742.

One of the most valuable Care Bear is the super rare Nobleheart Horse Care Bears Cousin - a highly-coveted vintage piece which can fetch around the $800 mark. Also in demand is the Proudheart Cat Care Bear Cousin, which is worth more than $500.

One of the most valuable Care Bear is the super rare Nobleheart Horse Care Bears Cousin - a highly-coveted vintage piece which can fetch around the $800 mark. Also in demand is the Proudheart Cat Care Bear Cousin, which is worth more than $500.

TY Beanie Babies

Created in 1993, Beanie Babies emerged as a major fad and collectible during the second half of the 1990s. They have been cited as being the world's first Internet sensation in 1995. They were collected not only as toys but also as a financial investment, due to the high resale value of ones.

Good quality and early Teddy Bears and Soft Toys such as Steiff toy animals, cartoon and comic strip characters such as Bonzo, Dismal Desmond, original Disney Mickey Mouse soft toys and early soft toy animals are always sought after by todays collectors.