🖊️ 8—Doll & Bear Legends

TREASURES

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✩ Legendary Treasures ✩

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Dolls & Bears, 8 Finds, $750,000+

Hidden Treasures Found in Everyday Places

Some of the most astonishing treasures aren’t buried underground—they’re 'hidden' in plain sight. News reports have revealed remarkable doll and bear discoveries in ordinary settings, from junk shops to trash piles. By exploring the map, you can trace how different treasure eras, styles, and locations shaped these unexpected finds.

A few legendary examples from the list include:

$25,000 for a nearly discarded doll house
$30,000 for a bargain-priced bear
$66,000 for a rescued, dog-chewed doll

Overlooked for years, these surprising discoveries show how valuable treasures can be—even when hiding in plain sight. Explore the full list below the ad ☟

Vintage treasure-hunt advertising in retro cityscape.

8—Legendary Finds:

1. Prized Puppets—$368,000 for Star TV Props Found in Attic

📽️ 📅 2021 Report: In the U.S., a pair of original puppets from the 1964 television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was discovered in an attic years earlier—proving to be a priceless find due to their rarity and iconic status. Initially estimated at $8,000-$10,000, they fetched $368,000 at auction after restoration and were eventually donated to the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta. Full story in a five-minute video.

Video: 🔗 PBS Antiques Roadshow / YouTube

2. Dollhouse Delight—£150,000 ($195,000) for 1705 Dolls & House Discovered in UK Home

📰 📽️ 📅 2016 Report: An 18th-century English doll's house, crafted in 1705 and preserved with its original dolls and furnishings, was appraised by the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow at over £150,000 (approximately $195,000 USD in 2024). Passed down through generations in the owner's family, this rare historical piece is not only a valuable antique but also regarded as "of national importance" within the UK.

Story, video, and images: 🔗 BBC

3. Doll Discovery—$66,000 for Dog-Chewed Toy Narrowly Escaping Trash

📽️ 📅 2023 Report: In the UK, a century-old doll, despite damage including a dog-chewed leg, fetched $66,000 at auction. Initially destined for the trash, this rare doll—noted for its unique size and detailed craftsmanship—drew robust bidder interest and fetched twice its estimated price, showcasing the unpredictable value of seemingly forgotten items. Full story and images shared in a one-minute video.

Story and images: 🔗 WION / YouTube

4. Doll Discovery—$38,000 for Rare 1880s French Bru Found in Junk Shop

📰 📽️ 📅 2011 Report: In Southern California, USA, a French doll made by Bru between 1885-1890 and discovered in a junk shop for 25 cents, was valued between $28,000-$38,000 by a PBS Antiques Roadshow appraiser. Known for its rarity and the 'magic size,' this doll is a coveted piece for collectors.

Story, video, and images: 🔗 PBS Antiques Roadshow

5. Mourning Bear Marvel—$30,000 for $65 Bear Found in Antique Shop

📰 📽️ 📅 2000 Report: A rare 1912 Steiff 'mourning bear,' bought by a U.S. collector for $65 in an English antique shop, was appraised at $20,000–$30,000. Created in memory of Titanic victims, this black bear is one of only 20 known worldwide, valued for its unique history and rarity.

Story, video, and images: 🔗 PBS Antiques Roadshow

6. Dollhouse Delight—$25,000 for Rare German Miniature Gifted in US

📽️ 📅 2022 Report: In the US, a friend gifted an antique dollhouse, originally from Germany. Saved from disposal, this rare piece showcases intricate detail and historical value. It was valued at up to $25,000. Its discovery emphasizes craftsmanship and rarity. Full story and appraisal posted in a three-minute video.

Video: 🔗 PBS Antiques Roadshow / YouTube

7. Bear Bag Surprise—£15,000 ($18,800) for Rare Steiff Teddy Inherited in UK

📰 📽️ 📅 2023 Report: In the UK, a BBC Antiques Roadshow guest discovered her childhood Steiff teddy bear's huge value. Inherited from her great aunt, the rare, early 1900s bear, once stored in a carrier bag, stunned with a £15,000 (around $18,800) valuation.

Story, video, and images: 🔗 Daily Mail

8. Trash Heap Treasure—$14,220 for Doll Discovered in Refuse Pile

📰 📅 2014 Report: In the USA, a priceless early Izannah Walker cloth doll was discovered in a trash heap, saved by a Rhode Island woman. Its rarity and unique preservation led to a $14,220 sale.

Story and image: 🔗 Antique Trader

These inspiring discoveries reveal the untapped potential of everyday spaces as hidden treasure troves. Explore the top 40 finds below the ad ☟

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