Cherished Teddies

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All the Cherished Teddies began life as pictures by artist Priscilla Hillman (whose other collections include Calico Kittens, Priscilla's Mouse Tales, and My Blushing Bunnies). The Cherished Teddies Collection began in 1992 by designers Priscilla and Glenn Hillman, and has been one of the top performing collectibles. The collection features a wide range of teddy bear figurines, each with their own unique designs and personalities. The figurines are known for their cute and whimsical designs, and many collectors consider them to be highly collectible. They are often dressed in nostalgic outfits and posed in charming positions. Many of the figurines are designed to commemorate special occasions, such as holidays, weddings, and birthdays. Some early Cherished Teddies are sought after and collectible, as seen on this page, but most prices of their figurines have come down. Over the years, the Cherished Teddies collection has become a popular choice among collectors and enthusiasts of all ages. In addition to the figurines themselves, the collection has also spawned a variety of related merchandise, such as plates, ornaments, and other decorative items. Each Cherished Teddies Figurine carries a Certificate of Adoption. Once completed they could be forwarded to and registered at the Cherished Teddies Adoption Centre. All the Cherished Teddies live in Cherished Teddies Town, and many of the figurines relate to specific collections.

Priscilla Hillman

Hillman was born in 1948 in West Virginia, and she began her career as an artist after studying at the Columbus College of Art and Design in Ohio. Hillman joined the ENESCO Corporation in the 1970s as a designer of greeting cards, and she later began working on figurines. She created the first Cherished Teddies figurine in 1992, and the collection quickly became a huge success. In addition to the Cherished Teddies collection, Hillman has also created a number of other figurine collections for ENESCO, including the Calico Kittens and Purrstone collections. Today, Priscilla Hillman is retired, but her legacy lives on through the continued popularity of the Cherished Teddies collection and other figurines she created during her career as an artist and designer.

In 2009, the Cherished Teddies Club celebrated its 15th Anniversary and was one of the most popular collectors clubs. It enabled members (called 'membears') to receive joining gifts, the opportunity to buy exclusive Cherished Teddies and to keep up with all the latest bear happenings through the club newsletter, The Town Tatler.

Note: I don't think the club is still active. They have a Facebook page, but that hasn't been updated since 2016. Cherished Teddies is now owned by Enesco, but they don't have any new Teddies in their shop.

Identification and value

• Six or seven digit numeric format (e.g. 104047 or 0000832)
• Six digit numeric format with a single letter suffix (e.g. 476595R)
• Three or four digit numeric format prefixed with "CT" (e.g. CT003 or CT0112)
• Three digit numeric format prefixed with "CRT" (e.g. CRT240)

It's worth noting that CT and CRT pieces are Cherished Teddies Club Membership pieces, but there is no official meaning assigned to the remaining numbers. However, blocks of numbers are usually reserved for different series, sets, and licensees. The model number serves to uniquely identify the figurine model, and every figurine should have one. However, smaller models and hanging ornaments may not have a visible model number printed on the item itself.

Are cherished teddies worth anything?

To value your Cherished Teddies figurines, consider these factors: age, condition, original packaging, retired or suspended status, limited edition, club exclusives, and signed items. Age is important as older figurines are more likely to be retired, produced in fewer numbers, and may be more difficult to find in good condition. Condition also affects value, with perfect condition figurines being more valuable than damaged ones. Original packaging can add value, as it may protect the figurine and some collectors demand it. Retired and suspended status can also increase value, as limited supply increases demand. Limited edition figurines are also more valuable due to limited availability. Club exclusives and signed items can be valuable as they are limited edition and may have a higher demand from collectors. Signatures of Priscilla Hillman are the most valuable, and probably worth the most, but those of other prominent figures may also be collectible.

Links

• Find books and Cherished Teddies on Amazon

Browse other Enesco ceramics:

Cherished Teddies value and price guide

What's your Cherished Teddies worth in 2024? Here are some recently sold items with prices.

Cherished Teddies forum

I am looking to downsize my collection of over 300 teddies. Is there any information on current values and/or retired status available?

I'm looking for Priscilla Hillman Cherished Teddies in teacups. 2001 The little bears have a soft body & bear head is hard. The number on th bottom of my cup is #770515F. If th Teddie has pink flowers on her hat, then so does th teacup, yellow flowers on hat, then yellow flowers on cup, etc. Hope you can help. Thx

Hello. I'm trying to get any information on selling my grandmothers collection of Cherished Teddies. They are catalog and in boxes. Most never opened. At one point she was the biggest collector in California. As she would attend the meetings ever month in San Diego. We had a lot of adventures finding the ones she was missing. If anyone is interested I'm will to let go for half the price. Just need to find a good home for them. Thank you!