Appraisals

Appraisals

If you need help appraising the value of your favorite Smokey Bear item or collection we can probably help. The Smokey Bear Association has become the nationally recognized source for answers to questions ranging from manufacturing date, origin, value, and authenticity.  The appraisals will be conducted by SBA members who have years of expertise buying and selling Smokey Bear items while building some of the largest collections in the US.   Most appraisals for one or two item will be free of charge.  Large collections appraisals will be billed accordingly.  Please contact the Smokey Bear Association at smokeybearassociation@gmail.com for more information.

Dear Sir,

 I have been directed to your organization by Lynn Stanko, NAL Special Collections ARS USDS. Are you or your members able to identify the Smokey in the pictures, shed some light on its history and establish approximate value?

 I find nothing on the RJ Mealey Corp but did identify the Levi’s as approximately 1966. I have had this animatronic Smokey for years stored in the back of my shop. The control unit tubes light up when plugged in, it is missing one hand/uniform/upper body fur but hat, pants, “talking” head and belt are present.

 Thank you and kind regards,

 Mark Goodman

OK I need some help. I have 2 decks of the 1997 Coke Convention Smokey playing cards with 2 different jokers on the back of the deck. Is one of them a fake? Thanks Keith Suttles.  Please reply to smokeybearassociation@gmail.com

1997 Coke Convention Smokey playing cards jokers?

I was wondering if you could tell me the value if any for these late 50’s early 60’s posters
Ty
Brian

Smokey Bear Buckle

Got a new Buckle for my collection so thought I would send a picture along for you to pass along, I have never seen this one before and I cannot find any information so I am looking for the when and where if anyone out there may know, it is marked W.E.G. on the back with no other markings, 2 1/2 high, 2 1/4 wide , notice the saying is, You can prevent Forest fires, there is no Only ??, I believe this closely resembles the image created by Chuck Kuderna in 1965, what do the experts say ???, it is pewter.

Success Story

Jack

I was directed to your Smokey Bear Collectors association by Helene Cleveland of the National Forest Service. She said that your association is probably more knowledgeable than the Forest Service when it comes to Smokey collectibles.

I have a paper Smokey Bear poster that I believe is the vintage 1970 poster “Smokeys Friends Don’t Play With matches” showing Smokey breaking a match over his knee. The poster appears authentic to me with the government printing information on the bottom margin as follows

70-CFFP-2a Your State Forester and Forest Service – U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
U.S. Government Printing Office: 1969 O-363-999

Recently, a woman told me that it’s not authentic because she believes that poster was only printed on cardboard and not on paper. Would anyone in your organization be able to verify if this poster was printed in a paper version as well as cardboard. I know that many posters were printed on paper for distribution to schools and other organizations.

Thank you for your time,
Monica……………………………………………….

Monica,
I am the president of the Smokey Bear Association and have passed your request for information on the poster to over 100+ club members. I’m sure we can get you the info that will answer your questions concerning your poster. I will get back to you as soon as I get a answer. Thanks for being a friend of Smokey Bear. Jack………..PS this Friday is Smokey’s 69 birthday……………………………….

Jack,

Thank you so much for your time and that of your members.

Smokey is one year older than I. I just celebrated my 68th. He’s an icon for all ages!

Best regards,
Monica ……………………………………..

Monica, Please see the emails I attached in response to your question.

It looks like the poster was produced in both cardboard and paper. I have had many of the club members send me a answer to your questions and they all seem to agree. The first email from Robert R. and the last one I attached from Craig W are the two people who I would call experts on the posters.

I hope this answers your question. If you have any other Smokey Bear related questions please don’t hesitate to ask. The Smokey Bear Association members are always willing to share their love and knowledge of Smokey. Enjoy your poster and thanks for being a friend of Smokey Bear. Jack

Jack, Nancy and Monica: The poster is real. It has a CFFP number. This art work was printed in Paper, Cardboard and
small decals.
It was printed by the Government Printing office in 1969. It was released in 1970, as the 70-CFFP-2a number indicates.

This poster would have been the second Smokey item print for 1970, an a, b, c etc… would have been what the item was
printed on. (The a, b, and c vary per year. One year an a poster maybe paper, the next cardboard)

If anyone has questions, contact me at smoakibear@yahoo.com

Robert

According to the Harry “Punky” McClellan book, “Remember….Only You”, this is a 1970 CFFP School Poster and was most likely on paper for mass distribution. CFFP = Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention. I think it is authentic!

Martha Smith

It is from 1969 and yes, they did print some posters on paper as well as cardboard.
Rik

It should have the date on the bottom corner. Virginia FS has just brought out the image on the poster as a vinyl magnet………. phnamx3

Hi Jack, This poster is listed in Harry “punky” McClellan’s Book, Remember only You, as a School Poster for 1970, no mention as to it being issued on cardboard, just my guess would be paper only, what do I win ???
Larry

Hi Jack, According to Punky’s book (my go-to on posters) this poster was produced by CFFP in 1970 as a school poster. If you have Punky’s book, it’s on page 59.
Hope all’s well up there in Glide. Bend is getting closer——
Thanks, Deanne

Jack,
They still today make Cardboard & paper posters. The paper are cheaper and can be used indoors and given away at prevention events. The cardboard are generally for outdoor use by the agencies in campgrounds etc. The CFFP # is followed by an a (paper) or b (cardboard).

Craig Williams………………………………………………………………………….

Jack,

Thank you again for your groups generosity in sharing their knowledge. Such a chorus of responses puts my mind completely to rest. Your help is greatly appreciated.

I’ll also be sure to call Helene Cleveland of the Forest Service and tell her how absolutely correct she was in guiding me to you.

Monica