Meet John Paul Port

It all started when…

John Port, surrounded by teddy bears as a child.

I was born into a world unlike any other. I was surrounded by teddy bears, dolls, and all sorts of delightful toys. It was a magical place, a world where imagination reigned supreme, and everything was possible. You see, for as long as I can remember, toy collecting has been a part of my family tradition. It all started with my mother, Beverly Port. I remember spending hours with her, listening to her tales about where each toy came from and how she managed to acquire it. I knew from an early age that I would one day carry on the Port family tradition. My love for collecting was ingrained in me from the moment I was born. And now, as an adult, I have made my passion my career.

I have written hundreds of articles on Teddy Bears, for many international publications. My most famous would be the "Bear Sleuth" column written for Teddy Bear Review magazine. I was co-publisher of "Teddy Today" magazine, from 1997-2004. Many bears from my collection have been pictured in books worldwide. I love to share my knowledge by presenting programs, and I provide Teddy Bear identification, at shows around the country. I also sell at various shows to pay for my "Teddy Bear habit." My collection consists of a variety of mohair comfort - from the pristine Steiff to the well-loved Ted with some antique dolls as well. I love them all! I love spreading the joy of Teddy Bear and doll collecting, so here is the Port Collection. I present to you an array of antique Teddy Bears, Steiff animals, toys, dolls, dolls accessories, and Teddy Bear ephemera. I try to find something for every taste, so an occasional artist bear will appear as well - maybe one of my originals. I am a member of the United Federation of Doll Clubs (UFDC) and the National Antique Doll Dealer Association (NADDA), and I stand behind everything I sell. I also take on consignment pieces, please contact me if you have something for sale.

Enjoy this journey down Teddy Bear lane!

Happy Bear Hunting! John

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Steiff Panda Bear

$365.00

This wonderful Steiff Panda is 14 inches tall, is in good condition but missing his Steiff ID. He has no missing mohair or pad damage. He was made in the 1960s.

Steiff "Original Teddy"

$55.00

This sweet little Teddy was made by Steiff in the 1950s. It is 6 inches tall, has glass eyes, and has its original ribbon. Unfortunately he has shed his Steiff identification. He is in good condition with no missing mohair or holes.

Teddy Bear by artist Barbara Conley of Roley Bears

$65.00

This little 7 inch tall Teddy was created by Barbara Conley in the 1990s. it is fully jointed from light blonde almost cream colored, German mohair. It is a magical little Ted.

Antique Teddy Bear Photo Postcard

$40.00

This is an antique photo postcard dated 1909. It shows a little boy dressed as an American Indian shooting a white Steiff Teddy, out of a tree, with a bow and arrow. He is riding his rocking horse. Let’s hope he is a bad shot. This is a very unusual photo, and a great piece of Teddy Bear ephemera. It measures 3.5 x 5.5.

Steiff Skunk 4.5 inches long

$75.00

This stinking cute Steiff Skunk is such a fun piece to collect. He is a mere 4.5 inches long, is in good condition with no tears or missing mohair. He is missing his Steiff ID.

Velvet Steiff Okapi 4.5 inches

$60.00

This adorable and hard to find Steiff Okapi is a mere 4.5 inches long. He is missing is Steiff ID but is in otherwise good condition with no loss to velveteen. He is a cute addition to your Steiff animal collection.

Steiff "Nelly" Snail

$70.00

Oh what a wonderful Steiff creation is “Nelly” snail. She is 7 inches long, and has a blue vinyl shell and velvet body. Her vinyl antennae might have had the very tips cut but I can’t tell and it doesn’t detract from the piece at all. She retains her script button.

Schuco Yes/No Teddy Bear 1930s

$195.00

This charismatic Teddy is 20 inches tall, and was made the Schuco Company of Germany in the 1930s. He is in overall good condition with the exception of his twill pawpaws which are damaged. His mechanism works well. He is a great size.