He is 12 inches tall and made of Mohair fur. Fully jointed. Long arms
Shoe-button eyes. Sewn nose - vertical stitches. Embroidered mouth. 3 Claws per paw. Wool felt paw-pads. Silver button in right ear - not left - w/no imprint. And that tag is ON the bear.
Thank you so much for your help!
I'm excited to see what you dig up!
Debby

Hi Donna,
Your very well loved and worn teddy is an American bear as you thought, Gund. The four circles for the pads were a way to highlight colors and coordinate Teddy’s appeal. Started in 1898 in Norwalk CN, Adolf Gund began a wonderful tradition for his storied firm. He hired a Russian immigrant, Jacob Swedlin, in 1915, who became his right hand man. As the road advanced, this man became the new owner along with workers from his family. Adolf was very proud of his work ethic. Characteristic of this firm the overstitched seams provided ease in assembly as well as a sturdy stuffed toy. They also had muzzles in this same mode. His fur is mohair, he dates to the 1940s and at 20” is a good sized bear. Most in the 50s were not excelsior stuffed, but kapok filled. His nose is missing, which should have been simple vertical cords. Eyes were glass at this time, before child safety laws. Resale value is quite diminished with the wear, but he could be somewhat restored with a nose and eyes. If that could take place I would put a sale price of $30.00 on him.
Brenda

Hi Brenda,

Bear is 14 in long and in beautiful condition. Solid and stiff, he is fully jointed in five places including 360° at the neck, holding his upright head. He's a light greige ivory, with kind of scratchy fur, but not particularly loud insides. No rips or tears to see what the stuffing is. He has amber eyes with a black pupil that I think are plastic. His rectangular nose is sewn on with thread. His face is serious and focused, but not curmudgingly so. He sits very well, and when seated, has a distinctive large hump on his back.

His snout is long and triangular but not shaved. His ears are curled at the corners of his head and his paws are made of a taupe corduroy. His front paws are normal, but his back/bottom paws are harder, almost like they have cardboard behind them or glued onto them. There is no embroidery to make claws on his toes.
Kind regards
Cassandra

The texture of the “fur” is not fuzzy soft. The arms and legs move as does the head turns completely around. Body is hard as the whole teddy bear is too. Eyes don’t seem to be plastic.
Thank you,
Janene

Hi Brenda,
The bear is 14" tall and I would say condition is very good. Fully stuffed. Crunches with squeezing. Missing felt on two paws. Right ear has a little hole in it where a tag might have been. Body is excellent because it has had clothes on. It is a recently acquired bear from a rummage sale but I sent pics of the little folded note I found it it’s pocket. Tells a little history. From 1908.

Joanne

Hi Shane,
Shinko’s is a great destination in Avon and the owners are equally wonderful! Ken gave his very first teddy bear talk at the invitation of Lois several decades ago! They really bring the town to life! Your teddy seems to English to me…an early Chad Valley. The full torso, long arms, cupped ears, traces of the vertically stitched full nose with a large mouth extension, all speak to the early years. In fact, the hole you refer to in the right ear, could have been from an early celluloid button that was removed. English makers often used a contrasting fabric of velvet for pads, and cardboard under the feet layer. He dates to the 1930s and the claws usually numbered four. His closing hand seam is in the back. The founding brothers- Joseph and Alfred Johnson formed what became later known as Chad Valley. His eyes were amber glass. The mohair is still very good, although sparse. Granted a Royal Warrant for Her Majesty the Queen in 1938, they flourished after WWII. By the 1970s business took a dip, and the English Woolworths began using the Chad name. Your well loved teddy would carry a value of $350.00.

Brenda

Hi Valerie,
Your large sized teddy is American from the iconic Knickerbocker Toy Co. His fur is mohair and possibly the eyes are original. These would be unusual for this firm, but one is shown in Sue Pearson and Dottie Ayers Teddy Bears- 1995. Usually the early bears had glass eyes, on a wire, that were not child safe-and could be pulled out. One reason why many of the earlier teddies are lacking original eyes. Your narrow vertical nose is also a trait of the bears made in the 1930s of Knickerbocker. The replaced leather pads were covers for possibly worn felt ones. Knickerbocker was the firm Shirley Temple had for her movie, Now and Forever, with Grumpy the teddy bear. It also was brown mohair, however, regular glass amber eyes. Perhaps the neck was sewn into place because of the heaviness of the excelsior stuffing. The hand closed seam is in the back, limbs should be kapok. The round device in the tummy is probably the growler. Usually, nonworking by now. After starting as an alphabet block company, this NY Co. produced bears from the 1920s. ID cloth tags were sewn into the front or side seam. They continued until the 1980s. They also made Smokey Bear!
Your prize find is worth $250.00

Brenda

Greetings Brenda,

Bear was purchased at an estate sale. He is 25-26” tall.
Belly has crunchy material underneath fur, arms and legs seem to have some sort of stuffing material underneath. Arms, legs, and head are all movable. Joints feel hard. There are e threaded claw lines on each of the front paws, but none on the feet.

Rick

Hi Brenda,

this guy is exactly 22" tall.
I don’t know anything about his history. I obtained him at an estate sale. I thought he looked interesting and so
I brought him home. He does have a growler in his back - all of his joints move freely - one leg might be a little loose. He apparently has the wood shavings for his stuffing. I don’t know what else to tell you about him that the pictures don’t show.

Thanks again,

Jerry.

Hi Donald,
Your French mechanical bear with rabbit fur points to Roullette Decamp. The visible “France” marking reveals it was made around 1890, if it was imported into the US. That would coincide with the Mc Kinley Tariff Act, which had to include the words Made In ( country of origin) from 1890-1920. The unique aspect of French toys, most were made for the French market, while German toys were very much imported. The tin French teddies with fur and wooden hands and feet were Fernand Martin. Both were mechanicals. The applied nose and glass eyes give him a puppy dog look- kind and gentle. The bell may be original, with a replaced ribbon. As with any toy, nonworking puts them at a decreased value. But as my late husband used to say…a toy is made for play.. and yes we have a few that no longer work! You could go to a clock shop for a key or try an antique/flea market. We purchased a key from a clock repair shop, has various inserts for different sizes. The interior is paper mâché based. At 10” your specimen French, once walking bear, on all fours would be valued at $150.00. If he worked- double that!
Brenda

Hello Brenda,

This bear came from my mom who got her from a friend. What we know is this bear is an “Ideal Teddy” circa 1910. It is 24 inches. It has some bald spots and one of his arms has a tear (see pic) where wood looking things are coming out. My mom has passed but called him Mr Green. Her friends last name was Green.

Cathy

Hi Peggy,
Your large sized teddy with the wear to the back of his legs is German, most similar to the original Edmund Mechtold in Neustadt near Coburg. They formed in 1909, but in 1948, the son in law took over, renaming it AHU, after his name Albert Hutschau. He formed this new trademark in 1950. After his death in 1960, his widow and sister carried on the business. They closed in 1963. Known for all sizes of teddy bears, the inset muzzle and long arms of the large teddies were a hit at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 1950. Your teddy dates to this time. The eyes are glass, hand stitched vertical nose and mouth extension. The pads are wool felt. What happened to the legs, is he was placed on a quilt or wool surface, where the moths had a feeding time! You could sit him on some cedar chips to make sure this damage was done sometime ago. At 24” he is large, and excelsior stuffed. Value for teddy with the sparse mohair on the back legs would be valued at $150.00.
Brenda

Lisa in Minnesota

Hi Lisa,
Your 16” teddy is American Ideal bear made in NY, and it is often called a “stick bear” with the long skinny legs, and the shorter arms. It was made after the WWI, around 1919. Conserving on materials, the stick bear offered the real Mc Coy for the teddy bear craze. He is mohair, and filled with excelsior. He is five way jointed and may need his head turned and appendages turned. As he appears now, the finishing seam is in the front. Most American bears had this seam in the back. German bears were more likely to have the finishing seam in the front..so a simple few turns, and he will be a happy bear. Ideal was a large manufacturer that made bears for many decades. Rose and Morris Michtom were the brains behind Ideal. Their NY factory address was initially found in the 1907 census. The eyes were most likely glass on a wire shank. Not exactly child proof, but somehow they survived. The shoe button eyes were the early models. The large ears are toward the center of the head. If you have pictures of your Dad with teddy that would help value and be known as provenance. As he appears, the felt hand coverings are sewn over to keep the stuffing in place, and the darning for the feet is meticulously sewn. His nose would have a cotton twill covering while the mouth extension was cord. All in all at antique status, his valve would be $125.00.
Love he was born in Elyria, OH too!
Brenda

Hi Erica,
Yes, your initial feelings about Silberstein are correct, with that unusual head seam and the appointments we see! Heinrich Silberstein was located in Berlin, and in 1906, he advertised animal bears with velvet paws and movable parts. There became a legal dispute with Steiff, who took them to court. Matters resolved since many other companies also advertised these movable parts, and the teddy bear multiplied! Your example is very early, 1906, making him antique. The velvet has worn off its nap…meaning the backing is what you see. The cord claws and mouth were very thick, and all still very evident. They had velvet feet, yours merely resembling the cloth backing. The stuffing was probably a combination and called “sub”, a term used in the factories. My late husband gets the credit for positively identifying this bear from Germany, after reading texts and then seeing one in person. Before that time they were unidentified or perhaps American. Their faces are the true ID, with that seam you mention that encases the sweep of the contours around the ears and forming his traits. He can be restored with stuffing, very carefully as his mohair is sturdy and intact. Value for your iconic German Silverstein 12” teddy with wear would be $400.00.
Brenda

Hi Vera,
Your newly acquired teddy is mint, and at 21”, considered a large sized teddy. He appears to be an artist bear, with the additional creative touches of silk inspired pads. The fur is most likely a wool or wool blend possibly taken from a coat. He is attentive with the big cupped ears to hear, and has a leather like nose with the mouth stitching matching the eyes (iris). He is five way jointed. The stuffing may be polyester fill, perfect for new creations. The paw pads are made from a silk Victorian crazy quilt. The cut out initials are nicely preserved to add their identity. All four pads have this silk presentation. The eyes are plastic, and the iris matches the mouth extension. He is five way jointed, or an articulated teddy. Artist bears made a debut in the marketplace with Beverly Port designing and promoting this special craft. Prices have come down like most items today, but he is original and would carry a value of $75.00.
Brenda

The bear is 14 inches tall, 5-way jointed.
He belonged to my Mother in Law, maybe from the 30's or 40's?
Thank you for your help!

Sandy

Hi Sandy,
Your 14” mohair teddy is American, made by Character Novelty Co. They were formed in 1932, under two New Yorkers, in Norwalk CT. Caesar Mangiapani was the designer and Jack Levy was the salesman. They eventually had a showroom in NY after 1945. This company became famous, with the Elvis song, (Let me be your) Teddy Bear in 1957. Pictured on the jacket of the record is a Character teddy bear! Your example is older, 1940s, with the air brushed claws, shoe button eyes with white circle felt backings, vertically stitched cord nose, red felt tongue and original silk bow. His felt pads are mint as well. If you have pictures of your Mother-in-law with the teddy that would add to provenance. It still can be provenance with a written letter to include her info. Value for the original mint teddy would be $275.00.
Brenda

Hi Karen,
Another large one…and this is American with the fabric nose that may have been re-stiitched. His ears are also cupped and sewn toward more of the front, almost monkey style. That is the Ideal look, dating him to 1914. The American Stars and Stripes nutcracker displayed by him and his patriotic necktie, and the eagle landing on the flag, make for a great outing. His mohair is very gold, with the arms placed close to the body. His pads are re-stitched as well. Ideal Novelty and Toy was early, started by Morris and Rose Michtom. We saw the census report in 1907, that lists their business in NY. Nothing before that time was recorded. Usually the eyes were inside the head seam in the earlier bears. Stuffed with excelsior, he was cared for over the years. Most had claws, but wear also could have been a factor. He does have a cord extension for the septum and mouth. Considering his updates, a value of $800.00. would be appropriate.
Brenda

Hi Brenda,
The bear is 19" standing
Golden color Mohair.
The eyes are black- Not glass maybe plastic or other material. Has a working growler. Makes some cute noises when you move him.
I bought this bear from an estate sale.

The person had a whole bunch of wonderful dolls and stuffed animals.
She originally had this guy dressed up and infant cloths. Called the Cutest One.

Hi John,
Your sweet vintage teddy is even more interesting with your added history! The small mohair bear is a Steiff, dating to the late 1950s. With your added notes on your Grandfather, it makes teddy’s story very interesting. I think he was purchased in Germany, as part of the 100th Anniversary of US Pres. Theodore Roosevelt’s October birthday in 1958, calling it the Nimrod bear. They even had a special Festival in Germany for this occasion, and it was covered on our TV News, CBS broadcasting. At this time, they could have had overruns at the factory, selling such bears without costume, buttons, or tags. The buttons were merely clipped into place during the early years, and could easily be removed. The later birthday celebration for the 125th year was made exclusively for the US market, in 1983. This set of three campfire teddies are 9” teddies,with colors of gold, white, or brown, all costumed within a cardboard box. Since your Grandfather was a Chief Stewart on SS America, I think he would have chosen such a bear with TR in mind of his USS Theodore Roosevelt NATO Warship! Value for your teddy with provenance would be $300.00.

Brenda

Greetings Brenda
This item on purchase, was stated to be German & over hundred years old from a op-shop Despite it much loved appearances this 27" tall bear remains very adorable. Her face is a classical friendly, her eyes appear to be glass, brown with black pupils. She has the remnants of the 5 claws and the possible remnants of the thread which held the Steiff tag in the ear. It has the seam down the middle and is stuffed with a straw like substance.

Her joints are definitely vintage the head rotates on a cardboard fashioned support. Her limbs only move in a up and down manner with some slight circular rotation. She has had a repair, I believe to he nose. Re stitched. He paws appear original. She is missing covering cloth from her paws and feet. She goes appear to make a noise when moved.
If you could help me with a appraisal and identification it would be great.

Thank you,
Deidre in Australia

Hi Deidre,
Your old teddy, even with the wear, has a definite presence. She most resembles a French maker, called F.A.D.A.P. The large feet, hand closed body seam in the back torso, large cupped ears, and the upturned nose. He dates to the 1920s, the very early years for the teddy bear industry. France was early on their fur covered animals, both mechanical and still, but came into the bear industry with less demand for quality. The nap on the left leg trends upward while the right leg has the normal downward flow of the mohair. A small sample of quality control. The fur is quite worn as well, not a fault of manufacturing, but simply well worn. The nose cord color would be correct if the bear was originally white, however, I see a golden hue. Golden bears had black noses and cords. The five claws would be very early….1905, and France did not have teddies at that time. The artistry to recreate teddy left their mark. The additional black eyes are replacements as well. She is a large bear, with excelsior and kapok stuffing. The pads are open, and could be gently closed, filled in with like fabric. At 24”, a very large bear. This company was at Divonne-les-Bains, a town near the Swiss border. They ceased business in the 1970s. Value for your reworked French teddy with wear would be $ 175.00.

Brenda

Hi Brenda,

The bear came from my mother. I don’t know where she got it. He is about 4 3/4” tall and about 5 1/2” long. Looks like glass eyes and of course the green collar. On the tag is written 195.

Carol

Hi Carol,
Your sweet little bear is a Steiff, from the 1950s. It is called the Original teddy, but can also be called a standing bear on all fours, the young bear. His collar is perfect, leather and has the bell attached. At this time the buttons in the left ear were mainly clamped into place, and could be gently removed. Later models had a machine type mechanism that was not easily removed, and could cause damage to the mohair. His color is caramel, they also did a white bear. The head should be jointed and is easy to move from side to side on the round disc. He is in excellent condition, and may be waiting for a sleigh of toys! I have a similar sized teddy that I put small wooden skies on his foot area and gently kept them in place. Value for your vintage small bear would be $100.00.
Brenda

Hi Carly,
What a sweet teddy, who is also in excellent condition! I do think he is German, with a few traits from Cuna & Ootto Dressel,from Sonneburg, exporter of toys. They were a family company, with traits similar to Steiff. The shaven muzzle, red glass eyes outside the head seam, and the vertical sewn nose cord and the long extension for his mouth resemble these teddies. A few examples had the pointed footpads, with the wool felt covering. He is hand closed in the front, with large cupped ears and no claws. I would date him to the 1940s with the shorter arms. At 16” in such fine condition, his value would be $350.00. Very wonderful gift for yourself…mint and classic!
Brenda

Hi Carly,
Your great antique teddy seams to most fit with the German manufacturer Herman Eckstein, who had a factory in Neustadt near Coburg. He dates to the 1920s, with the long arms and slight upturn at the paws. The eyes are red glass, with right eye sewn on the seam, while the left one is just outside the seam. He has large cupped ears, and a horizontally sewn cord nose with mouth extension. The shoulders and hump are rather nonexistent. He is closed with the hand stitching on the back. The 4 claws on each extremity match the nose. The felt pads have some wear with excelsior showing. I would consider him a large 24” teddy. The mohair has a few areas of wear, but the head is the most important aspect. I would value him at $400.00.
Brenda