Honey Bears. Who doesn’t love a honey bear? Technically, honey bears refer to four different species of bear, the black bear, sun bear, sloth bear or kinkajou. However, in the antiques and art world a honey bear is often simply a bear enjoying a good old pot of honey.
Below are some examples and price guides of antique and vintage honey bears including an advertising mascot for The Bear Honey Company and a clockwork toy bear.
A ‘Bear’ advertising mascot for The Bear Honey Company by Hawkes & Spinks, British, 1930s,
chrome plated bronze, 3½ inches high
Sold for US$57.38 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2021
HONEY BEAR DOORSTOP | Very large example is remarkably detailed, a full figured comic depiction of upright bear holding puddle of honey and his licking lips. | 15.25″ h. | (Pristine Condition)
Sold for US$1,800 at Bertoia Auctions in 2022
Vintage wind-up bear eating honey, 8″ high, working condition, bear moves his arm up and tongue comes out, eyes move, and bear makes a sound, unmarked, 1940’s
Sold for US$25 at Stephenson’s Auction in 2022
Doulton Lambeth Stoneware Match Stand, Seated Bear
Vintage glazed seated brown bear with a honey pot modelled by Mark V. Marshall.
Doulton Lambeth impressed mark.
Sold for US$275 at Lion and Unicorn in 2022
English Majolica ‘Honey Bear’ Jug, probably by Joseph Holdcroft, in the form of a seated bear holding a bowl and scoop, with mouth acting as spout, in tones of brown and turquoise, height 30cm
Sold for A$200 at Aalders Auctions in 2022