As you probably know, Gund has been manufacturing stuffed animals since 1898. They add new products to their line-up numerous times during the year, i.e. Valentines Day, Easter, Fall and Christmas. In addition, occassionally throughout the year, items are retired and new “everyday” products are added.

Gund enjoys a unique position. They are not only known in the manufactured bear market but also in the collectible world for their longevity and reputation for quality. Gund began their Signature Collection in response to requests from collectors and long-time Gund fans. Authentic limited production bears are a must-have for serious collectors. The Signature line was not only a work of art but they carried the signature of Rita Swedlin Raiffe, Gund’s Director of Design and the daughter of Gund’s co-founder. In 1991 the Signature bears began with Pawtucket. They produced 5 different signed bears in that first year and continued for years making these special signed editions. In 1991 they also began working with Maude and John Blackburn of Canterbury Bears and produced a large number of bears that were signed by the Blackburns and came in wonderful boxes that resembled castles with windows.

Another very collectible bear produced by Gund is the annual “Gundy”. The story of Gundy began in 1983. It was an unofficial beginning because the bear that is considered the first Gundy was actually the 1983 Anniversary Bear. That Anniversary bear celebrated Gund’s 85th year of bear making. The Anniversary bear was so well accepted that in 1984 the first Gundy collectible bear was introduced. Each later version of Gundy has different colors and types of plush and variations in the trim, accessories and display box. In 1991, they started another tradition and developed the annual Christmas bear called “Yulebeary”. The last of their annual collectible line began in 1993 with the production of Baby’s First Christmas Collectible Bear.

As for collectibility of these Gundy bears, collectors know that original, well-preserved display boxes enhance the value of this series. The Signature Series, Mohair Series and Canterbury Bears are valued on condition, size, presence of original hang tag and tush tag and the size of the edition. How many times have I purchased something where the seller claims “comes with tags” and when it arrives, only the tush tag is in place.!!

I am a Gund dealer and I am not only familiar with all the current and some of the retired inventory but I specialize in the Signature and Mohair Collections. I am trying to document their history and compile a chronological listing of each of their collectible lines with dates, edition size and description. If I can answer any questions, please feel free to ask me.

I receive many questions regarding retired Gund items. I don’t specialize in all Gunds, but I have quite a few of the older catalogs and may be able to research something on them. I do carry some of the old retired Gunds, so ask if you are looking for something in particular. I only purchase Gunds in mint condition with hang tags. So many other sellers consider new with tags to mean the tush tag. Please - new with tags means with hang tags and tush tags. Do not remove the tags or the value will decrease immensely.