The Applause toy company produced a series of birthstone bears in 1988, with the December bear featuring a turquoise pendant. These plush collectibles represent a unique intersection of the birthstone tradition and the popular stuffed animal market of the late 20th century. While not a discussion of the gemstone turquoise itself, this article details the history, production, and collectible nature of the Applause December birthstone bear, drawing exclusively from available sources.
A Product of the Applause Era
Applause, a company known for its wide range of plush toys and collectibles, was a significant player in the stuffed animal industry. The company offered a diverse catalog including characters from popular franchises like Sesame Street and Disney, as well as original designs like the Avanti collection and the Bravo Collection. Applause also produced items based on other popular properties, such as WWF figures and Raggedy Ann dolls. The company’s offerings extended beyond traditional plush to include items like musical dolls and articulated figures. The breadth of Applause’s production indicates a focus on capturing current trends and appealing to a broad consumer base.
The Birthstone Bear Series
In 1988, Applause introduced a line of “Birthstone Bears,” each designed to represent a different month of the year. These bears were distinguished by the inclusion of a pendant featuring a gemstone associated with their respective birth month. The December bear, specifically, featured a turquoise pendant, linking the toy to the traditional birthstone for that month. Other birthstone bears produced in the same year included those for August (Peg), October (Danny), and June (Bette). These bears were typically 8 inches in size and included tags identifying them as part of the birthstone series. The bears were sold for approximately $79.99 at the time of release.
The December Bear: Details and Collectibility
The December birthstone bear, featuring the turquoise pendant, is a particularly sought-after item among collectors of Applause toys and birthstone memorabilia. The bear itself is an 8-inch plush toy, and the inclusion of the turquoise-colored pendant is the defining characteristic of this particular variant. The source material indicates the bear’s stock keeping unit (SKU) is 100038. The bear is described as being “new with tags,” suggesting that many examples still exist in their original, unplayed-with condition, enhancing their value to collectors. The bear was manufactured in Canada.
Production and Materials
Jadees Antique Bear Shoppe, a retailer specializing in vintage Applause toys, emphasizes a commitment to preserving the original condition of their items. They state they do not alter, repair, or replace any features, believing that doing so diminishes the item’s authenticity. This suggests that Applause bears were originally produced with a focus on quality and durability, and that collectors value items that remain in their original state. The materials used in the construction of the bear are not explicitly detailed in the provided sources, but the description of a “velvet plush” Hush Puppies dog suggests Applause utilized a variety of fabrics in their toy production.
Market Value and Collector Interest
The current market value of the Applause December birthstone bear is listed as $79.99, mirroring its original retail price. However, the value can fluctuate based on condition, the presence of original tags, and overall demand. The sources indicate a strong collector market for Applause toys, with numerous examples of vintage bears, dolls, and other collectibles being actively bought and sold. The listing of multiple Applause items on platforms like PicClick demonstrates a sustained interest in the brand and its products. The detailed photographs provided by sellers, as noted by Jadees Antique Bear Shoppe, highlight the importance of condition and authenticity to collectors.
Applause Beyond Bears: A Diverse Product Line
Applause’s product line extended far beyond the birthstone bear series. The company produced a wide array of plush animals, including dogs (Hush Puppies line), cats, dinosaurs, and even characters from popular media like Sesame Street and Disney’s Brother Bear. They also created collectible figures based on properties like the Berenstain Bears and Precious Moments. This diversification demonstrates Applause’s ability to adapt to changing market trends and cater to a broad range of consumer interests. The company also produced non-plush items, such as PVC figures and dolls, further expanding its reach within the toy industry.
The Importance of Documentation and Research
Jadees Antique Bear Shoppe emphasizes the extensive research conducted by their staff to accurately identify and price their items. They state that they dedicate hours to researching each item and compiling relevant information for the product description. This highlights the importance of provenance and accurate documentation in the world of collectibles. Collectors often seek detailed information about the history, production, and rarity of items, and retailers who can provide this information are more likely to attract discerning buyers.
A Snapshot of the Late 1980s Toy Market
The Applause birthstone bears offer a glimpse into the toy market of the late 1980s. This era was characterized by a strong demand for collectible toys, plush animals, and licensed characters. The birthstone bear series tapped into both the collectible trend and the enduring popularity of birthstone jewelry, creating a unique and appealing product. The relatively high retail price of $79.99 suggests that these bears were positioned as premium collectibles, aimed at a more affluent segment of the toy market.
Conclusion
The 1988 Applause December birthstone bear, featuring a turquoise pendant, represents a fascinating piece of toy history. While the provided sources do not offer a comprehensive overview of the gemstone turquoise itself, they provide valuable insights into the production, collectibility, and cultural context of this particular plush toy. The bear’s enduring appeal to collectors demonstrates the lasting power of the Applause brand and the enduring fascination with birthstones and collectible memorabilia. The meticulous attention to detail and commitment to preserving original condition, as exemplified by retailers like Jadees Antique Bear Shoppe, further underscores the importance of these items to collectors and enthusiasts.