Ceramic Teddy Bear Bank Appraisal

Teddy Bear Bank by Troystalgia Inc. (1985)

This item is a collectible Teddy Bear Bank produced by Troystalgia Inc. in 1985, originating from Golden Valley, MN. The bank depicts a seated teddy bear figure, crafted from what appears to be a durable metal, likely pewter or a similar alloy, given its aged, dark, and textured surface finish. The bear features a classic, friendly expression with well-defined eyes, a small nose, and a slight smiling mouth. Its ears are rounded and prominent, and its paws are clearly articulated, with one arm slightly raised as if in a wave or greeting. The surface of the bear exhibits a finely textured, almost 'fur-like' finish, giving it a somewhat rustic or antique appearance despite its relatively modern manufacturing date. The overall color is a dark, matte, silvery-grey, consistent with an aged metal patina. The bear sits on a rectangular, flat base, which is also made of the same material and has a slightly smoother, more uniform finish compared to the bear's body. The dimensions cannot be precisely determined from the image, but it appears to be a tabletop size, perhaps 4-6 inches in height. Based on the context provided, the item is stated to be in 'excellent condition,' and observable details support this, showing no visible signs of significant wear, corrosion, chips, dents, or repairs. There are no obvious manufacturing marks visible in the provided image, but the 'Troystalgia Inc. 1985' attribution indicates a clear manufacturing origin and age, placing it within the mid-1980s collectible market. The item's primary function as a bank is implied by the 'bank' in its name, suggesting a coin slot is present, likely on its back or underside, though not visible here. The craftsmanship suggests a cast metal production process, with good detail retention for a collectible item of this type.