Out & About July 2017

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A very rare Steiff black teddy bear, circa 1912
(known as the Titanic Bear) – £18,880 – June 12, 2014
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Thomas Plant discovered his love for auctioneering
at a young age, living on the family farm. Watching
the man with the gavel at local cattle auctions was a
regular event, and Thomas quickly decided on which
side of the rostrum he’d rather be.
He went on to take a degree in antiques and served
his apprenticeship with leading auction houses,
including Christie’s in London.
Today, Thomas is the co-owner of Special Auction
Services in Newbury and is also a favourite TV expert
on BBC programmes, including Bargain Hunt, Flog it!
and Antiques Road Trip.
If you’ve any jewellery, antiques and collectables
you’d like valued for auction, don’t forget SAS hold
free valuation days every Wednesday at:
Saleroom Two, 80 Greenham Business Park,
Newbury, RG19 6HW.
Telephone (01635) 580 595
for an appointment.
TOPTIPS FORTEDDY BEAR
COLLECTING:
1. Do your homework. Buy reference books,
study the market. Don’t rush into buying.
2. Start cheap – there are plenty of vintage
bears for as little as £20 to £80.
3. Visit museums, auctions and fairs – where
you can see bears in person and handle them.
When buying at auction, ask for advice
and condition reports.
4. Talk to dealers, often a reasonable place
to buy your first good bear. At least
you know you are getting what
they say it is.
ONCEYOU ARE FAMILIAR
WITHTHE MARKET:
1. Buy the best you can afford.
2. Don’t over-restore.
3. Buy a display cabinet, keep all your
bears here. It is much easier
to protect your investment. Once full,
buy another cabinet, before
another bear.
4. Consider purchasing bears by smaller
unknown makers – they can be just
as rare and charming as well-known
makes.
5. Teach yourself how to gently clean
bears, starting with low-value
ones, then do small ‘mum-style’ repairs.
Never use glue. If something special
needs doing, give it to a good restorer.
6. Important to keep bears dust-free,
check monthly for moths and
every new purchase should go in the
freezer for 48 hours wrapped
in several plastic bags.
BEWARE
• If it’s under £200 and it looks like an antique Steiff
in good condition, it is not an antique or Steiff
• Do not buy on-line until you know your stuff
Jena Pang with his collection
An extremely rare Steiff ‘paper-plush’
teddy bear circa 1919 – £8,260 – July 18, 2013