The Collection Story
Thirty-five years of passion, preservation, and the art of teddy bear collecting
Janie Lee Nash
Teddy Bear Collector & San Antonio Teddy Bear Club Treasurer
A Teacher's Journey
For thirty-five years, she dedicated her life to teaching—shaping young minds, fostering curiosity, and building community in San Antonio classrooms. But alongside her work as an educator, another passion quietly grew: the art of teddy bear collecting.
What began as a simple appreciation for these timeless companions evolved into a lifelong pursuit of preservation, authentication, and storytelling. Each bear in her collection carries history—craftsmanship from another era, memories from previous owners, and the quiet dignity of objects made to last.
Treasurer, San Antonio Teddy Bear Club
Her expertise and dedication led her to serve as Treasurer of the San Antonio Teddy Bear Club, where she helped organize events, authenticate pieces, and connect collectors with shared passion. Through the club, she learned from fellow enthusiasts, attended shows, and deepened her understanding of what makes certain bears truly exceptional.
She developed an eye for quality—recognizing authentic Steiff button-in-ear markings, understanding mohair grades, identifying pre-war construction techniques, and spotting the subtle details that separate museum-quality pieces from reproductions.
Evaluated by the Queen's Teddy Bear Doctor
The collection's significance was formally recognized when it was evaluated by the Queen of England's Teddy Bear Doctor—a rare honor reserved for collections of exceptional quality and historical importance. This professional authentication confirmed what she had always known: these weren't just toys, but artifacts of cultural and craftsmanship significance.
The evaluation process examined provenance, condition, rarity, and historical context. Each piece was documented, authenticated, and appraised—transforming a personal collection into a recognized archive of teddy bear history.
5,000+ Bears: A Legacy Collection
Over three and a half decades, the collection grew to more than 5,000 teddy bears—spanning eras, manufacturers, and styles. From rare pre-1920 German bears with elongated snouts and hump backs, to classic 1950s Steiff mohair pieces, to limited-edition artist bears, the collection represents the full spectrum of teddy bear history.
Each acquisition was intentional. She didn't collect indiscriminately—she sought pieces with character, provenance, and craftsmanship. Bears with original tags. Bears with documented histories. Bears that told stories beyond their stitching and stuffing.
Now, select pieces from this extraordinary collection are being offered to fellow collectors and enthusiasts who understand their value—not just as collectibles, but as connections to history, craftsmanship, and the enduring appeal of these beloved companions.
The Bear Family Legacy
Her passion for bears extended beyond collecting—it became part of the family identity. Her husband was affectionately known as "Big Bear," and their son carries the name "Bear" to this day, a testament to how deeply this love for teddy bears wove itself into their lives.
This collection represents more than three decades of dedication. It's a teacher's careful curation, a club secretary's expertise, and a mother's legacy—now available to collectors who will appreciate and preserve these remarkable pieces for generations to come.