Frequently Asked Questions

Much like fashion houses, many teddy makers bring out new collections every year, some of them in several parts. Older designs then make room for new ones, so the selection keeps changing.

Once a design has left the maker's range, it is usually no longer available to order, and it can only be found where it is still on the shelf. If you are looking for a particular teddy, ask us: if it is recent, we can check with the maker.

A limited edition is a design the maker produces in a fixed number, such as 250 or 1,500 pieces, and no more are made after that.

It depends on the maker. Every Steiff limited edition comes with its own numbered certificate; for other makers, ask us about the teddy you have in mind.

A replica is a new teddy made true to a historical model, such as a Steiff bear from 1951. A replica made decades ago is itself a vintage teddy today.

We call a teddy vintage when it is at least 20 years old. Vintage teddies are no longer made, and each one comes with a history of its own.

Makers have lines made especially for adult collectors, such as Steiff for Collectors and the Charlie Bears Isabelle Collection. These teddies are often made of mohair, fully jointed and limited, and the maker marks them as collector's pieces rather than toys.

Handmade teddies differ a little from one another in their faces and fur, so for some designs we photograph each teddy separately. You can then pick the exact one you like by its number.

Start with one teddy you love the look and feel of. Many collectors then follow one maker, one line or one theme, but there is no right way: a collection is whatever brings you joy.

Besides Steiff, collectors of antique teddies look for the early British makers Farnell, Chad Valley and Merrythought, among others. Many collectors also follow teddy bear artists, who make their bears by hand in very small numbers.

The record for an antique teddy bear is held by Othello, a black mohair Steiff bear from 1912, made in mourning after the Titanic sank. He sold at a special Steiff auction in Giengen, Germany, in July 2023 for a hammer price of 180,000 euros.

It changes as new teddies arrive and others find their homes. The most precious ones are usually the smallest limited editions and the rarest vintage teddies: ask us at the Helsinki shop and we will gladly show them.