"We Deal In Quality And Trust!"
A Comprehensive Site For Boyds BearstonesTM
Reference / Value Guide & Secondary Market Resource
Introducing our Choice for Boyds® & Lots of Collectibles!
MEMBERS
NEWSLETTER ONLINE
Here Is The Latest Newsletter!
MAY / JUNE 2005
So, this is a little late coming to all of you. Sometimes situations like this
happen. In this case we are experiencing some unexpected problems with
our host server with Email and other critical files that affect you logging
into the Members Area. We hope to have this worked out very soon.
Thank you for your patience thus far and if something else goes awry,
well, we apologize in advance.
Now, let's get back to the real business at hand, those little bears!
We have the latest releases now posted on the site, along with an
Exclusive. We have these listed for you in the Site News and then
a link to view them in Some Notes on Boyds®
We are making preparations for traveling this summer to Clarion
and Gettysburg (see information in Special Announcement). This is going
to be some special times meeting and visiting with so many collectors.
We are hoping that many of you will be able to attend these festivities
and introduce yourselves to us.
With all of that said....
Let's get on to the Bears!!
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This Month's Newsletter is Sponsored by:
L & L Gifts
We have known this family business for years. Their service and friendliness
is an example of how you have always wanted to be treated!
Introducing our Choice for Boyds® & Lots of Collectibles!
L & L Gifts - Call (1-800-831-6603) or Visit Them Today (Here).
Please support our Free Newsletter by visiting
this month's Sponsors!
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*****SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*****
We are now confirmed for two wonderful events this summer!
And we hope you will be able to attend and introduce yourselves
to us...we are trying to get out more and meet more and more of you.
Here are the Events.
June 12, 2005 Sixth Annual Celebration of Boyds®
Clarion, Iowa
This year we will be in the "All Boyds Sales Room"!
There are current retailers and Secondary Market vendors here with
rare and older special resins and plush. This is the place to find what
you have always been looking for.
Our special this year is.........if you bring along a BearstoneTM we will
authenticate the whole package for you free!
The Celebration this year is going to host the new CEO of Boyds®
Jan Murley and a team of product development people will be signing.
This event is limited to 300 registrants, so get going!
We have a link to register and more info in the "Clarion Updates"
Clarion Updates
**********
June 24 & 25, 2005 F.o.B. Jamboree 2005
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
We will be the BearstoneTM "Expert" as part of the Bangzoom team
hosting the "Road to Boyds®" type event. This is where we authenticate
and give an idea of the value of your stone.
This event was just announced in the FoB Inquirer and there will be lots
more information coming on this Jamboree.
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What Do We Have For You This Time?
I. NEW THINGS AT THE WEBSITE
Drawing #130 Open
Fall 2005 Releases
II. PERSPECTIVES
III. FEATURED STONE
IV. SOME NOTES ON BOYDS®
Mother's Day
Carlton Card Exclusive
Bear of the Month
Boyds® Jamboree 2005
V. OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
VI. THE END
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So, here we go!!
I. THINGS AT THE WEBSITE
DRAWING #130 NOW OPEN
Drawing #130 began April 17, 2005 at 12:01 AM
and will close May 10, 2005 at 11:59 PM.
First Prize is a very nice BearstoneTM.
#227756 Bailey...Swing Time 2E
View Bailey
Four days of this drawing have been invalidated due to errors in processing
or receiving or entering the drawing. For this reason the drawing has been
extended four days to May 10, 2005. We apologize for this continued
problem with the Drawing.
Drawings are open to Members Only. Just login and
click on Drawing Entry.
Remember you can enter every day, but only once a day.
And yes, we ship prizes anywhere in the world.
Member Drawing
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FALL 2005 RELEASES
Now available for viewing on the site.
#228449 Melody Angelsong...Heartstrings
#228450 Mr. Kringlefrost...Chip Off The Old Block
#228451 Spencer & Kate...Always & Forever
#228452 Elvin with Ollie...Holiday Classics
#228453 Tressa Bouffant...Work In Progress
#228454 Billy Bearyproud...When I Grow Up
#228455 Momma Softheart w/Bobby...Can I Keep Him?
#228456 Lil' Nick...Happy Holidays!
#228457 Audrey Fallsbeary...Quiet Time
#228459 Poor 'Ol Santa & The Not-Quite-Ready Reindeer
#228466PAW Kristopher Kringleberry...Bearing Gifts
#229000 Christopher T. Bear
#229001 Andrew T. Bear
#229002 Matthew T. Bear
#229003 Jacob T. Bear
#229004 William T. Bear
SPECIAL OCCASION
#82070 Dylan...From the Heart
LIMITED EDITION
#227816 Elbert, Delbert & Fritz...Holiday Beary-Go-Round
Home Page Reference/Value Guide
New Releases in the Reference/Value Guide
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II. PERSPECTIVES
Since this will be the last Newsletter before we begin our travels of the
Summer to Clarion and Gettysburg we thought we would touch on the
primary reasons we continue the site and our work with BearstonesTM.
These reasons go back to our beginnings collecting BearstonesTM--
the mistakes we made, the bad purchases we made, the broken, touched
up and wrong pieces we received and the lack of information we had at
our disposal.
Why do we do what we do?
Simply, to provide accurate information on BearstonesTM so that
intelligent/informed decisions can be made on the purchase, sale and
retention of BearstonesTM. This directive touches all aspects of
collecting the stones. On the site we have the BearstoneTM Basics
- A Learning Center, Bear Care, How To Sell Your Resins and the
Reference/Value Guide. The Reference/Value Guide provides a mountain
of information about individual stones, historical data, some special facts,
variations, the kind of release, indices that correlate time and numerical
relationships and some things we cannot think of right now.
(All just referenced areas can be accessed by links on the side bar of
most pages on the site).
We go further with the site to inform collectors about new releases and
exclusive releases such as QVCTM, Carlton Cards, Longaberger and
others. Our Newsletter seeks to update the collector with pertinent information
about current items and news plus provided special information on a
highlighted stone and and informative article usually dealing with specialized
subject matter.
Even with all of the foregoing information on the site available, it is not all
that there is to know or learn. It is not enough. We understood quite awhile
back that what we had on the site was important, but not everything. The
posting of all of this other information was going to be a monumental effort
and probably would not suffice for a full explanation of the whys and wherefors
that would be necessary for proper understanding. The whole source of
information must be put together in one place to be accessed and read as
a reference. This, of course, became "The Collector's Handbook."
==========
Now, let's go back to before all of the above was born. There wasn't much
out there to use as information to collect the resins. Always questions and
never much in the way of good concrete answers. But....here's a perspective
that may be of interest.
Why do we collect? We just plain love the little critters--some are cuter
than others, some remind us of past history, some are "neat", some are...etc.
Now, why do you collect? Your answer is going to be personal. You do not
collect because your neighbor or anyone else does. Why you collect is always
this way--it is personal. It is an innate esthetic sense that is uniquely your own.
How you collect, however, is not the same question. Consider for yourself
what goes into the decision to purchase a new piece for your collection. You
may find the following: cost, which includes the actual cost, whether you think
you can afford it, how much you want it versus the actual cost; meaning of stone,
which may involve personal rememberances, place in the collection (that one
missing piece in a series, one of the originals that you don't have, etc.); and
availability, which considers how often does this piece comes up for sale.
There is probably a lot more that goes on here than we are listing, but you
get the idea of how versus the why of collecting.
While "Why" you collect is very personal, the "How" of your collecting is a
matter of value. The crux of the decision to buy or not to buy is an acceptable
balance of "Why" you collect versus the cost. Intrinsically the impact of cost
will depend on your knowledge of the item you wish to add to your collection.
Knowledge stems from accurate information.
Have you ever heard yourself say, "It is not worth that much." Reflect on why
you made that statement. You have reasons why the cost was too much. Beyond
basic affordability the reasons get into the knowledge you possess. The knowledge
you possess is dependent upon the information available to you. Therefore, the
decision to buy or not to buy is a balance of "Why" you collect versus the information
you have available to you. If you have very little information you may make a very bad
decision. If you have very good information you will make an intelligent decision about
a transaction.
Whether you have an existing extensive collection or have just started with one or
two pieces the possession of accurate information concerning the collection will be
the basis for retaining the collection. We will not go into a lot of detail or explanation
here, but just give some statements to consider.
+A piece is just that much more special when you know that everything about
it is complete and correct.
+The value of a collection, which may be important to you, is also important if
you pass the collection along to heirs.
+Retaining Value involves, at minimum, these aspects:
Bear Care, Insurance and Assurance.
+Assurance is the verification that you have what you think you have.
+Assurance is the process of authenticating value.
+Assurance is the possession of extensive and accurate detailed information
about your collection, regardless of size.
==========
So, how important is accurate, extensive information to your collecting?
While the "Why" of your collecting is personal, the "How" of your
collecting and the retention of your collection is almost entirely based on
the knowledge that you possess. Our directive for the site and our work
again is.......to provide accurate information on BearstonesTM so that
intelligent/informed decisions can be made on the purchase, sale and
retention of BearstonesTM.
We suppose, that what we really aim to do, is provide assurance. With this
perspective our travels are then meant to give those we meet a "hands on"
introduction to assurance.
We are looking forward to meeting many of you this June. And maybe,
you can finally answer the question, "Does The Bear Collector really know
all that much?" Bring a stone or two and find out.
============
The Collector's Handbook has, in addition to all of
the other information, discussions related to this one
in the line of BearstonesTM. If you are a collector,
The Collector's Handbook is a book that must be read.
The Collector's Handbook
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Need refresh your memory on some basic information
about BearstonesTM? Visit the BearstoneTM Basics.
To Begin Your Journey Of Learning
BearstoneTM Basics
Want to know everything there is to know about BearstonesTM?
Check out The Collector's Handbook!
Here
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JUST A THOUGHT
"If the consequences of our actions do not hold us accountable,
then we are essentially morally bankrupt."
TLS 2005
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III. FEATURED STONE
DIFFERENT NAMES
The featured stone this month is actually a couple of representatives of a
group of stones in the BearstoneTM Collection that have exactly the same
mold, but the names are different. By exactly, we mean everything except the
noted Style Number an/or Name change.
#93434V E.P. Hopster with Lil' Petey...All Cracked Up
#2277927 E.B. Hopster With Lil' Petey...All Cracked Up
#228320V S. Kringlebeary Have A Simple Christmas
#228320 Sandy Claus Have A Simple Christmas
FACTS:
Produced and Released:
E.P. Hopster 2003
E.B. Hopster 2004
S. Kringlebeary 1999
Sandy Claus 2000
Retired:
E.P. Hopster 2003
E.B. Hopster Current
S. Kringlebeary 1999
Sandy Claus 2004
Edition Size:
E.P. Hopster PE of 2400
E.B. Hopster 6000
S. Kringlebeary PE of 3600
Sandy Claus 6000
Variations: Yes
Links:
E.P. Hopster
E.B. Hopster
S. Kringlebeary
Sandy Claus
Discussion:
This is one of those occurances in the BearstoneTM Collection that
makes one stop and say, "Really!" And then the inevitable, "Why?"
And why is not a question that looks as though we are going to be able
to answer. There is nothing within the evidence that suggests a definitive
answer to why they renamed (or renumbered) a stone that is exactly the
same as its counterpart duplicate, except for quesses. What we can do
is give you the facts so that you are aware of these occurances and suggest
possibilities of why the name and/or number change.
Discussion:
Our discussion of the pieces begins with EP and EB Hopster. EP was the
PE in 2003 for that year's Easter Season. It was released through QVCTM
as a PE and numbered as such, #93434V. The choice of the Style Number
is interesting, but not unique. We think, from the comparison to other similar
numberings that the release of this stone was going to be an Exclusive Edition.
Note the other two QVCTM releases (2004) that did not come out in the
regular line but are numbered in a similar manner and Exclusives.
#93554V Papa Bearsworth With The Scholar...Proud Moment EE
#93528V Lucy Bearhugs and Friend...That's What Friends Are For EE
The use of the "9" number gave the illusion that EP was going to be an
Exclusive Edition and we thought that it would be given past history of
this type of release and numbering. Not so. 2004 came around and what
showed up but EB Hopster. Exactly detailed as EP. "Really." In fact, EB
showed up in the regular line and numbered accordingly ( #2277927).
The question of why comes in here and our guess is that they just didn't
have anything ready for the 2004 Easter Season and used EP again, since
he was a small release, but renumbered and renamed him.
Discussion:
Our next example of same mold, different name is one that came out a lot
earlier than EP Hopster. This one is S. Kringlebeary, released on QVCTM
in 1999 as a Premier Edition. S. Kringlebeary had a normal PE Style Number
(#228320V) and this indicated that it would be out in the regular line sometime
down the road.
Well, the exact mold of S. Kringlebeary did come in the regular line in 2000.
The surprise was that S. Kringlebeary was now Sandy Claus. That's it, same
everything, except the name change. And, since we really had not ever see
anything quite so drastic we were going, "Really. Really? Really!!" And the
Why? was a "really" good question.
Time has a way of simplifying some things for us. In this case, it was a matter
of being away from the question for a year or so. Confusion is our guess as to
why "...Have a Simple Christmas" was Sandy Claus in the regular line. How so?
In 2000 there was another S. Kringlebeary released. Huh? As a Special Occasion
released for 2000 there was #83015 S. Kringlebeary...Santa Wannabe. We are
guessing that the two being released at the same time was too confusing for the
shippers, factory, etc. Therefore, they decided to not name S. Kringlebeary from
PE fame the same as the PE, but rather "...Have a Simple Christmas" simply
became Sandy Claus.
Discussion:
The above discussed stones are not the only stones to have the distinction as
variations due to the name change. There was at least one other, #227712 Bailey
As The Bride GCC and #227712 Bailey The Bride, released in 1998 and 1999
respectively. We did not highlight this one because we have no clue as to why
the name change. These are exact duplicates in all respects, except for the name
change. And stranger still is the fact that there were several other GCC pieces
released in 1998, but with no name change when they came out in regular editions.
Discussion:
It must be noted that what we have discussed so far are stones that had exactly
the same molds and coloring and then a name change. One should not confuse
the Exclusive Editions from QVCTM and the comparative regular line releases
such as #228395-1V Ashley Kate Pirouette...The Recital vs #228395 Ashley
Pirouette...The Recital. These EEs are a noted special breed of stone that were
planned to have a name change along with a coloring change.
Ashley Kate Pirouette
Ashley Pirouette
Discussion:
After all of this talk about these name change stones of the same mold and color,
what can be said? Just what we said in the beginning, "Really?" "Why?"
*****
To truly appreciate the historical development of Bearstones(TM) it is suggested
that you subscribe to The Collector's Handbook where the entirety of this develop-
ment is presented.
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IV. SOME NOTES ON BOYDS®
MOTHER'S DAY
Heather and Tristan
A mother's love is everlasting! Momma bear Heather holds baby Tristan. Heather
is a 14"H jointed light gold poly and bean-filled bear with a floral print dress, and
springtime hat. Lil' Tristan is a 4" white bear.
Momma Bunchalove... World's Best Mom
Tell mom she's the best! Bearstone features Momma holding a pot of springtime
flowers, and makes the perfect gift with any potted plant or flower basket.
Edmund's Sunny Basket with Potter McNibble
Lil' sunflower basket resin treasure box opens to reveal a sweet sentiment about
mom, a tray with a sunflower bloom, mother's day card and a lil' garden mouse
hidin' down below! Look for the bear hidin' in the blooms!
Mommy Kisses
A lil' kiss for mom! 7"H white sparkle fur jointed bear with pink butterfly wings
holds pink and blue flower embroidered with "Butterfly Kisses for Mom."
You may view these items on the Boyds site at the following link:
Mother's Day
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CARLTON CARD EXCLUSIVE
An Exclusive from Carlton Cards was released for the Spring of 2005. It is
called Beth with Jessica, Alexander & Nicholas...Family Tree. We have this
one now posted on the site under New Releases of the Reference/Value Guide.
Reference/Value Guide
#2277952CAN Beth with Jessica, Alexander & Nicholas...Family Tree
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BEAR OF THE MONTH
"Whether it's a unique combination of color, fur and size; a unique outfit
or accessory, or even be a unique function, each Boyds Bear of the Month
edition will be unique in design from any Boyds Bear that has ever, or will
ever exist! That's why Boyds Bear of the Month Collection is available
exclusively at participating Boyds Paw Dealers and only in limited quantities!
Check out the upcoming editions…find a participating Paw Dealer near you
from our on-line list and get your paws on your Boyds Bear of the Month
…before the once in a lifetime opportunity passes you by!"
Here are some of the Bears:
Quincy P. McBearsen
16 inches high and made of super soft chenille with gingham paw pads and
neck ribbon, Quincy is one soft and cuddly cutie that will steal your heart!
Dee C. Washington
With her built-in Star Spangled Banner wind-up music box, red, white and
blue Americana sweater, and All-American spirit, Dee C. Washington is a
patriotic bear to be proud of!
Big Jake
He's big, he's burly, he's adorable…he's Big Jake…a 40 inch high bear
featuring a brand new fur design never used on a bear of Jake's stature!
If you're looking for a big bear hug…Jake's your bear!
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BOYDS® JAMBOREE 2005
Coming June 24th and June 25th 2005 at the Gettysburg Boyds Bear Country.
The main theme is Chocolate. Among the various activities, which will be
expanded upon in time by Boyds® will be a "Road To Boyds®."
They so far have described it as such, "We've even got the folks from Bangzoom,
who bring you the Boyds* Tracker Guides..., to come in and appraise your stuff!
It'll be just like that show where folks find out their cherished Ming Dynasty vase
really came from a five and dime while the guy next to them finds out the chair he
trash picked from his neighbor is worth more than his house!"
========================
It is always good to have the official Boyds® Site in your
Favorites Folder because then you can check for new things.
Boyds® Official Site
You might also want to check Boyds® Bear Country.
Boyds® Bear Country
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V. THE END
Yep, that's all there is for this time!
AND HEY!! HAPPY BEAR HUNTING!!!
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Certain parts of this Newsletter may not be reproduced,
retransmitted or reprinted in whole or part without the
written permission of Secondary Marketplace,
An internet Division of TL&B Enterprises, USA.
Copyright 2005.
Boyds BearstonesTM is a Trademark of The Boyds
Collection Ltd®. The Bear Collectors Newsletter is
not affiliated directly or indirectly with The Boyds
Collection Ltd®. The use of the Trademark is for reference
to disseminate information regarding these products.
The Boyds Collection Ltd®. does not share the opinions expressed
in the Bear Collectors Newsletter.
The Bear Collector.com does not endorse products nor mitigate
transactions of the Sponsors and/or Advertisers in the
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entirely the responsibility of parties directly involved. The
Bear Collectors Newsletter, TheBearCollector.com, Secondary
Marketplace and TL&B Enterprises are absolved of any third party
involvement whatsoever may transpire, written or unwritten.
IMPORTANT!!
This document is provided for informational purposes only.
The information contained in this document represents the current
view of Secondary Marketplace on the issues discussed as of the
date of publication.
Information provided in this document is provided "as is" without
warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not
limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a
particular purpose and freedom from infringement.
The user assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy
and the use of this document.
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