Introduction . . .

I am now honored to reach out to the collectors and owners
of unidentified bears, stuffed animals and vintage toys.

Ken did this for years and was an expert appraiser. I was his understudy or apprentice and together we viewed and enjoyed each and every request that came our way.

Appraising bears online is a fun adventure for all of us.
We will share our discoveries here on this web page.

Meeting new faces, in teddy bear form, and sharing the knowledge I have gathered, will be a joy. Together we can discover that everything old can be newly appreciated!

Beary best,
Brenda Yenke 

How much is your beloved bear worth?

Cursor down to discover the appraisal procedure.

Hi Brenda,
Here is another bear. Same story inherited from in-laws.
He seems to be in really good shape. The glasses were on him so not sure if he came with them?
He’s 18 inches tall. Movable arms and legs and head. No rips or tears anywhere.
Came with the red/white bow.
Thanks so much!
Nancy

Hi Brenda,
Here is our Steiff bear. We inherited many bears from my father in law when he passed away. My husbands step mom collected them for years. She has a book with information on each bear and many pictures. We just aren’t sure what to do with them. He’s in very good condition. No rips or tears or missing fur. Measures 15 inches high and 20 inches long.
Thank you,
Nancy

Hi Brenda,
Here is Smokey bear he is 21 inches tall has a wooden shovel.

He comes with 4 other Smokey bears in a set of 5 altogether. They have plastic shovels and are smaller. 12 inches 14 inches 8 inches and 7 inches.

She bought them as a group I think or the big one first then the rest in a group not sure.
Thanks so much.
Nancy

Hi Brenda,
Here is another bear and he looks very old and is in great shape, no rips or tears. He is 16-17 inches tall. He has a Teddy Roosevelt pin on his collar which looks original. There is something on side that is solid that moves around when you move him.
I haven’t found any other notes about him from the in-laws.
Thanks for all your work!
Nancy

Hi Nancy,
Your next heirloom teddy is indeed older and dates to the 1940-50s era with a honey gold mohair. He resembles the English teddy bears, with the rexine pads and large round tummy. The horizontal stitched cord nose has a smile, which is not necessarily common for England. However, that sweet smile reminds me of a Pooh bear. The ears are flat and not cupped. The glass eyes are original and sewn outside the head seam. There are no claws, with a hand closed finishing seam in the back. The nose area seems to a bit upward turned, more Pooh like characteristics. His value would be $400.00.
Brenda

Hi Brenda,
Here is a 16 inch bear still looking for some notes on him too he seems to have lost some fur but no rips or tears. He has a hump on his back. His eyes are like buttons.

Not sure why he has the Smokey the bear pin on him.
Thank you!
Nancy

Hi Nancy,
This 16” bear looks to be American, possibly Ideal. There is considerable mohair loss but the backing is strong. His final closure is in the back, with low shoulders, a hump on the back and long arms somewhat curved. The nose is horizontal and matches the claws, the stitching may be replaced. Ears are set low on the head, and the eyes are replaced. He seems to be early, around 1910. The Smokey Bear pin may point to his American heritage. The pin is much younger…1944 for him being inaugurated the Ranger! Value for your early Ideal with wear would be $400.00.
Brenda

Hello,

I have a golden yellow bear that I obtained through a storage auction. This bear is appx. 19" long. Has straw stuffing with claws stitched on the top of its hand paws, none on its feet. It has some patches of thinning and missing fur, a repaired foot, and some holes in one of its paws. There is a small hole above one of its eyes. It is jointed on its limbs and neck with discs, cardboard I assume. It reminds me of Winnie the Pooh. I am looking forward to knowing more about this sweet bear.

Sincerely,

Shannon

Hi Shannon,
Your rather large gold teddy that reminds you of Winnie the Pooh, seems to be more German than English. The inset muzzle done in the shorter mohair and a horizontal cord nose have attributes of the 1930s. The linen pads even have original darning thread repair. He is muscular with the broad shoulders and excelsior stuffing. The eyes are glass and he only has claws on the hand paws. The Hermann family of Germany were known for their inset muzzles and horizontal noses. Usually they had claws on all appendages. The slits in the mohair should be carefully sewn to keep the excelsior intact. The most important part of any Bear is their face, and it seems his features are intact. Value for your almost 20” storage find is $250.00.
Brenda

Hi Karen,
Your early teddy, with the side squeaker you mentioned, is American, resembling the Ideal Novelty and Toy Co. of NY. His ears are low on the head (sides), the football shaped body and arms set low on the shoulders are more characteristics of Ideal. The short mohair and shoe button eyes set within the head seam, with the horizontal stitched cord nose and inverted Y mouth extension also carry this iconic bear maker. Three claws were instituted later..first five, then four. Morris Michtom and Rose had a stationery shop in Brooklyn, and this is where their bear making commenced. He dates to 1912, with excelsior stuffing and a slight exposure of that stuffing on his left footpad. Value for your American Ted would be $600.00.
Brenda

Hi Brenda,

This bear belonged to a family member, born in the late 1930s, so I am guessing he had it when he was a baby. His family were German, so perhaps it is a Steif although
I can’t locate any place where a label was attached.
He is 11 in long, 7” when sitting.
He is stuffed with sisal, as there is a hole in the front. His mohair is quite blonde. Felt pads on paws.
Thank you,
Agnes

Hi Agnes,
Your 11” teddy is a sweet one! The mohair, sewn in muzzle with the horizontal cord nose is German, from the Ernst LIebermann factory of dolls and plush toys in Neustadt. Founded in 1894, after the son took over in 1925, they changed to mass production and exporting. They survived for many years with family helpers. Your little guy has the classic pointed toe footpads, wool pads, large glass eyes and is excelsior stuffed. He dates to the 1940s. He could use the holes carefully stitched for closure. At 11”, he is referred to as doll sized. Value for your little Ted would be $150.00.
Brenda

Hi Peggy,
What a sweet profile emphasizing his right side! Your teddy is German, coming from Petz and dating from the 1940s. He has a slight hump on the back to simulate real bears shoulder blades and has a hand closed seam. The arms are low on his body, also making the comparison to the real bear. His amber glass eyes are placed just outside the head seam. The pointed felt footpads are typical traits of Petz as well. They were originally formed in 1859, with plush animals being their popular product. I have later. Anton Kiesewetter died in 1955, and his family took over the business. They were a toy factory located in Neustadt. Three claws were the mainstay. He is excelsior stuffed. A milk glass button was placed on many of the animals, their trademark. Value for your 22” vintage teddy would be $350.00.
Brenda

Hi Patricia,
Your sweet older teddy at 12” looks to be like a much larger example! He definitely needs to have added stuffing to keep his body from becoming very fragile. I would use a soft example, such as kapok. The excelsior requires a stronger backing. The pads are wool felt, with claws. He is American, made by Bruin Manufacturing Co. circa 1907-09. They were also referred to as BMC, which was an embroidered tag on either left or right footpad. They were located in NY, and claimed their bears contained imported voices…growler, in tummy. The Strobel & Wilken Co. along with Frank Owens were marketing agents. They also had outfits, and accessories. The eyes are originally shoe buttons, with a vertical large nose and extension. The ears are cupped and toward the side of the head indicating an early example. Steiff bears had horizontal noses for less than 16”. He is quite worn, but is a rare example. Value for your early American Ted would be $225.00 with proper restoration.
Brenda

Hi Brenda
I have this 15" tall antique bear that I bought at an estate sale. The elderly woman was in her 90s when she passed. She was never married or had children but was an avid collector and had a huge antique collection. I do not have any photos of the lady with her bear. I bought a lot of 10 antique stuffed animal and they just had them in a box. It’s missing the eyes, there is a hole in the bottom and the right ear is separating at the seam and a thread is hanging. The felt pads have discoloration. No other bald or worn spots or holes that I see.  The bear is fully jointed.
I haven’t handled the bear much since I’ve had it, because I’m worried about damaging it. The joints do move. The bear has a working squeaker in it that squeaks when you squeeze it.
Jessica

Hi Jessica,
Excellent mohair on your cinnamon teddy bear! He is German, and dates to the 1940s, most similar to Albert Hutschgau of Neustadt . The 15” size is considered medium, with the wool felt pads and overstitched seams as well as pads. There are no claws. Their factory was located in Neustadt near Coburg. Founded in 1909, by Edmund Mechtold, his son in law, Albert Hutschgau took over in 1948. They advertised the best mohair plush, with their specialty, teddy bears. They ceased operating in 1963. The upward turn of the hand pads, and pointed felt footpads were characteristic of these bears. They had overstitched seams as well, with a working voice box. The nose is vertical cord, with an inverted y mouth extension. His eyes seem a bit small for his large head, maybe they were replaced. Keep the deceased owners name for provenance, at least some connection. Pictures are always very definitive. Value for this teddy would be $400.00

Brenda

Hello Brenda,
I have attached photos of a sweet, old bear that was purchased at an estate sale. I’m curious about him because he does seem so old. I’m not sure if he would be worth anything, or where to even sell him if he was! He is 14" tall and seems to be stuffed with some kind of wood shavings or straw? I found a metal rod that seems to be in his arms. It also appears he was seen together with different fabrics. He looks very well loved, and very old! I’m curious your thoughts?

Thank you so much!
Janelle

Hi Erika,
You surely have a keen attention to the construction of your mystery stuffed toy! It is a bear however, not an opossum. He most resembles American teddies, with the large rounded ears, and the stick like shape to the body. We could say he is Ideal like in sculpture, dating to the 1920s, with replaced oversized eyes that should have been glass stick pin eyes, and were easily removed. Back then, no child safety laws! He is quite hairless in the mohair, but the backing is strong. I see the three claws on each appendage. He is excelsior stuffed, as seen through the back right shoulder. No pads on the hands as you stated. The ears on the opossums were very small, as in real life. Some were felt, others mohair. They had a defined point as well. Your observation with the tail was also interesting. I think it is just a slight indent due to age. You can always move the hands and feet to match a four legged creature to reassure yourself it is a teddy. The nose seems to be stitched rather than a twill fabric. You are spot on with that trait too…many American companies used twill in the 20-30s to require less sewing. The low shoulders, tubular body and pointed nose with five way jointing along with the stitches to hold the head in place, were safe ways to send teddy bear orders. Value for your teddy would be $95.00.
Brenda

Hi Donald,
Your heirloom teddy is an antique  from the American firm of Hecla. The rust colored nose and mouth extension as well as the five claws dates him to the exact time you have on your provenance paper, 1907. They were a short lived firm, with clear glass eyes, set close together and ears that are toward the side of the head. The pads are wool felt, while the arms are set high on the body. At one time, Copper mines in MI were called the Hecla mines. The yarn could be copper colored to some, instead of rust colored. He does have some wear, but I would say his appraisal for $800.00 on this 12” size, would still be valid today.

Your paper note is the provenance. A photo would be worth an additional $50.00, with the original owner and the documentation. He’s a classic American teddy bear!
Brenda

Hi Brenda,
I found this boxed up in my mothers things after she passed. I believe it belonged to my grandmother. It is Mohawk jointed bear, 10” long, looks like early 1900’s, possibly German made, grandparents family are from Germany. I am very excited to find out info for bear, there are no markings on bear to let me know who made it.
Thank you for your help.

Diane

Hi Diane,
Thank you for the additional back views of teddy! First of all, he is one of the sweetest older teddies! At 10”, this size was considered “doll sized”, meaning it could be a companion to a larger doll. Steiff also had this connection with the smaller bears. Yours is American, Ideal like in manufacturer with the simple horizontal nose stitching and slightly downward mouth. The shoe button eyes are also sewn inside the head seam, with ears placed over the head seam. The pointed felt pads on the foot are also characteristic of Ideal. Three claws accentuate the limbs with a slight tear in the front foot area. All in all he is in very good condition for a 1910 teddy. The head sits high on the shoulders. As he stands, the value would be $400.00 with your grandparents legacy!
Brenda

Dear Brenda,
Here is my latest online purchase. Sold as a 1950's Yes/No Schuco bear.
I absolutely fell in love with his comic face and his orange gold mohair; semi curly and fluffy, he retains 100% of it.
From what I can tell, his eyes and all of his stitching are original and intact. Unfortunately, his tail mechanism only does the "No" portion. You need to move his head manually for "Yes" His other joints move just as they should. It appears all but one of his paw pads has been recovered in wool felt. He stands and impressive 24" tall. I cannot detect any kind of a noisemaker in him. Any tidbits you could tell me would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
David

Hi David,
What a fine example of the great Schuco yes/no teddy! His expert mohair coverage is pristine and so very full. He is all original, with replaced pads on three extremities and the right hand being the original wool felt. We can see a slight difference in color on the replaced pads, a bit more pink instead of the off white. The stying of this large teddy with the mechanism inside was a work of art. The older yes/no teddies 1930s, all had the metal tail encased, while the newer pieces (1950s) were clamped. It is common for them to say no more than yes. The fact he had limited talking ability, may have saved him in retrospect. The better reason to let him sit and not play! The styling of the turned down hands was purposeful for these German teddies. They were considered more friendly and very calming. Although our Schuco’s have amber glass eyes, maybe your Schuco’s eyes were possibly painted. The nose is original and perfect, along with the mouth extension.
Mr. Schuco at 24” would be valued at $3,500.00
Brenda

Hi Brenda,
This Steiff Bear was passed along to me from my mother who was born in 1934. It is 18" tall and does have a little wear. I can only guess it is 1940's or early 50's due to the white "Made in US Zone Germany Tag"?
The bear does have a metal Steiff button in the left ear, a collar with a "Teddy Baby" tag and bell. I may have had Ken evaluate this bear some years ago but unable to find that. Any additional information and value would be so appreciated! Thanks so much,
Colleen

Hi Colleen,
What a nice keepsake from your Mom! He has the zone tag intact…Made in US Zone Germany, 1947-53. The button is perfect and underscores this era as well. He is the maize mohair, with blue leather collar, bell and chest tag attached. He has slight wear, with the cardboard inserts to help him stand, is coming loose from the foot. A simple repair with interlocking stitches could fix this. Teddy Baby was first developed with a closed mouth in the late 1920s, then began to talk with this opened mouth! Your example is a large one. The down turned paws have a friendly and kind appearance. Steiff did this to help warm the public to the German toy industry. In fact, Richard Steiff, the originator of the teddy bear, had a great friend who trained bears in the Haggenbeck circus. Their circus book actually predates the Steiff Teddy Baby! Value for your heirloom teddy would be $500.00.
Brenda

Good Morning Brenda,

I have acquired this blue antique bear at storage unit auction. He has wood shavings filler. He is 24" long, has jointed arms and legs. He has some damage at his ear, chipping on an eye, and his legs are loose.
Any help would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Shannon

Hi Shannon,
Your large 24” excellent bear is German, resembling the Hans Leh factory Lin Coburg. He is a silk acrylic material, with a magnificent blue glow. The contrasting muzzle and ears are a shorter plush, and the eyes are plastic. There are no claws, but the toe is pointed, one of their traits as well. He has no mouth extension. The flat ears match the pads. I think he was a carnival bear, made as a prize for a game. Dating to the 1950s, this also would indicate the loose legs you mentioned- they are wire joining both legs. Peter and Hans Harry Leh took over the business when their father died in 1945. The manufacturing continued until 1985, when Peter suffered disability.
His vintage value today is $150.00
Brenda

Hello Brenda,
I bought this big guy from a woman in BC Canada. She said she bought it at an estate sale several years ago. And he only came out of a box at Christmas time. He is approximately 30 inches. He is definitely stiff when hugged. At one time, it looks like he would be able to move all five joints. But the left arm has been sewn to his body. He is also missing the black paw lines on his left paw. He has a few bald patches, but for the most part, most of his fur is intact.

Hi Ronda,
Wow…what a magnificent teddy bear from a storied teddy bear company! He is a relative to Winnie the Pooh, the famous English teddy owned by Christopher Robin and all the great adventures. J.K. Farnell was one of the first companies to make teddy bears. Agnes and Henry, children of John took over the business in 1897. They eventually formed Alpha Works in 1921, and the Alpha trademark was synonymous with Pooh bear! Your example is an even earlier teddy, dating to 1915. At 30” he towers over most others. The typical stitching of the hand paws is the chapel window design with five extending sewn claws on the wool felt. Usually the feet had cardboard inserts for standing. Yours are redone pads. Farnell used the best mohair and it usually was quite dense and luxurious. The large cupped ears, very long arms and sizable legs too, all contribute to his glorious presence. The shaven muzzle, vertical nose cord and the two elongated upward, outer stitches all are in perfect condition. His large glass eye are equally enticing. Value for you teddy would be $5,000.00 and up. Your bathing technique was perfect as well as his Christmas only appearance for most of his life! The left arm could be gently repaired to work as a joint.
Brenda

Hi Brenda,She is 30 cm high and 38 cm in length. The condition of the mohair is excellent. The nose is not stitched and made of felt. Glass eyes, articulated head. I am able to move the head in any position. The neck comprises of two very stable metal rings. There is an internal metal structure in the legs. This is also very stable. firmly stuffed with straw. I was told my the seller that he has a ," Circa of 1920 and of French origin." However, I believe her to be later. I am thinking of," M.Pintel Fils & Cie? Any information will be greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
Patricia

Hi Patricia,
Your very charming mohair Fox terrier reminds me of Caesar, the famous English dog who belonged to King Edward VII. In fact, I think that was the intent of the maker. As the King was laid to rest in 1910, his faithful companion followed the casket with duty and purpose. Caesar’s grave is at Marlborough House, he passed in 1914. So, your dog was most probably made by an English maker, in the 1930s as you thought. The neck joint for this dog is also evident in Knickerbocker toy dogs. Their legs differed though, being both straight while yours has the hind legs with a formed foot. What is very unusual is the felt used for the nose. Almost all products had hand stitched nose cord. This fabric might have been a time saving adjustment. He does have the hand sewn cord for the mouth extension. The ears are tucked under, while the glass eyes are sewn into place. His value would be $250.00. The slight wire could be gently sewn over with tiny stitches to obscure it.
Brenda

Hi Brenda,
This is a large 24” beautiful fellow. He is stuffed with excelsior, has original nose and mouth stitching with amber glass replacement eyes that are very, very close very close in size and color to the originals (received him) with only one eye). His upper felt paw pads are intact and his lower pads are original though there is some excelsior showing.
Looking forward to learning more about this majestic, mystery fellow!
Thanks,
Karen

Hi Karen,
This is quite a large teddy measuring 24” tall. He is a brilliant gold mohair, and is American. The very large head and wide apart ears, make him impressive! The damage I see is to the wool felt in the paw pads. Of all places, this is the easiest to remedy with either plug ins of similar felt, or covering the holes. He is quite attentive, while he stands..even more impressive. He dates to the 1912 era, and has traits of Ideal as well. The stuffing is excelsior, and he seems perfectly content with this posture. The eyes who mentioned are glass, nose and mouth original as well as no claws during this period. At 24” he is the bear statement! The Victorian alphabet blocks make a lovely display point. Value would be $ 1,200.00.
Brenda

Hi Karen,
This teddy is American, with the four claws, horizontal cord stitched nose, arms placed lower for the shoulders, and slightly cupped ears. His shoebutton eyes are placed on the head seam. I see no mouth extension. The mohair is short and the backing is also visible. He has some traits of Ideal, dating to 1909. This was also the time teddies were in demand, so they really had to step up production. The triangular head is shown in the back view. His arms are longer than his legs, showing his early production. Ideal bears were definitely lower in the totem pole for quality. There is a slight toe point of the foot pads. He is finished from the front closing seam. Value for Bow tie teddy is $900.00.
Brenda

Hi Karen,
Your #1 teddy is a German manufactured mohair bear and is quite a lovely one! The longer mohair, glass eyes and large cupped ears placed high on the head have traits of the HJ Leven Co. that was based in Sonneberg. They were actually the first doll company-1912, then turned to teddy bears in the 1920s. Your example dates to 1925. They made a wide assortment of teddy bears,and animals ! Your example has a finishing closing seam in the back. The unusual slant in the arm pads were to fit the large arms. His 3 claws were typical of many German companies. What is so great about this bear is the longer, full mohair! He is nearly an antique..one year away from the famous 100th birthday. Arms set lower on the shoulders,compliments his profile! At 16”,he is a prize. The company had excellent direction, and talent. Value for your teddy would be $2,200.00
Brenda

Hi Julie,
Your mohair bear on all fours has many American traits with the overstitched seams and wool felt pads. The eyes are glass, while the small cupped ears and slightly worn nose reveals a vertical stitch. He appears to date from the 1930s, and could have been an early Gund bear. Adolf Gund founded his company in 1898, but did not make bears until the 1920s. He was a German immigrant, and later hired Jacob Swedlin, a Russian immigrant who worked right with him and later took over under Adolf’s care.
Teddy bears have movable arms and legs, while this bear is more realistic and has no joints. The collar appears to be original leather. If you had provenance- information on the original owner etc. that would add to his value.
As he stands, value would be $350.00.
Brenda

Hi Brenda,
If you have time to tell me what you might know about this teddy bear, I would appreciate it. He is about 25” tall. His paws are covered with a fabric that is cracking, and it looks like their surface was scratched. He does not have any “claws” stitched on, and it doesn’t appear as though there was ever stitching on the paws. His fur is soft and could be mohair. His limbs are all jointed, and his head swivels 360 degrees. His nose is vertically stitched, and his mouth is V shaped. His eyes appear to be amber colored painted glass. His muzzle is not shaved, and his head is sewn in a V shape with 2 seam that start in the middle of his ears and run underneath his eyes to the tip of his nose.

The seams on the back of the head run from the middle of the ears to the neck. The 2 back seams do not meet in a V shape. There is a seam down the middle of the front and the back of his torso. There is also a seam down the center of the front and of the back of his legs. His fur is in very good condition, and isn’t missing anywhere. Thanks for your time,
Joy

Hi Joy,
Your very large teddy seems to be English with the downward stitches at the outer nose, and the oilcloth type pads, with the cracking. His eyes are sewn just a tab bit outside the glass eyes, and the ears are located high on the head indicating a later bear, circa 1950. He is a very round bear, firmly stuffed with long legs and shorter arms. The hand closing is done on the back, and I see that V shape you mentioned. He has a great stoic look with a wide girth. No claws as you mentioned. At 25” the mohair to make him was extensive. Value for your English Ted would be $725.00. Brenda

Hi Brenda, I have a special bear that I acquired when I purchased a house and contents were left behind. I know he’s a Hermann bear but I cannot find anything online about a bear of this size. The home owners were Polish and their house was a 1960’s time capsule with many things from the 1940s as well. I have a feeling the bear was used for a display, maybe special ordered? He has been covered in plastic and looks as if he has been brushed. He is articulated and he moves freely. 60" tall.
Jennifer

Hi Jennifer,
Your very large Teddy Hermann must have been a promotional piece.. over 48” ! The West German tag means it was made between 1949-1990. With the fabric content listed as 30% cotton and 70% acrylic, it is constructed of a lesser quality fur covering as opposed to mohair. He reminds me of Chewbacca from Star Wars, with the longer length of fur and that fur collar. Possibly could be his standing in place with arms only articulated? Teddy Hermann was made by Bernard Hermann, the eldest son in the Hermann dynasty. Johann snd Rosalie started the toy factory in Sonneberg in 1896. All six children stayed in the plush business. Puck was one bear who had longer mohair and bendable arms, in the 1950s. Today, Hermann bears are less collectible than Steiff, but even the newer ones are selling for less than expected. It’s a matter of appeal and function. I would estimate this large bear to have a value up to $400,00. It has positives and negatives with the size.
Brenda

Hello Brenda, I found this bear at a thrift shop about 10 years ago. He is a non jointed, musical sitting bear that is 9.5" tall.

He was originally blue, the nose is vertically stitched. All four paw pads match & look like terry cloth. The music box still works very well & plays a traditional lullaby. His fur is unlike any other bear I’ve seen. It almost looks like rows of curly hair. I’ve wondered about his origins for a decade & look forward to what you can share about him.
Thank you,
Donna

Hi Donna,
Your unjointed musical teddy with original working box is American, made by the Character Novelty Co. He was meant to be a crib bear, with no hard joints. The music box was guarded by the stuffing! Character was founded by two New Yorkers- Caesar Mangiapani and Jack Levy. They complimented each other, Caesar was the designer while Jack did the selling. Established in 1932,they also had a showroom in NY. Jack retired in 1960, then Caesar passed away in 1983. The material seems to be a cotton blend, a vertically stitched cord nose and remnants of a felt tongue. I see red lines near the eyes, which are wooden show buttons. His ears are cupped and very large…so much better for hearing! This company provided Elvis Presley with his teddy bear on the record jacket of, Let me be yourTeddy Bear, a 45 single record in 1957. If he was blue- in mood not color, he is happy now! The fact the music works is great! Value would be $35.00.
Brenda

Hi Brenda,
I am 77-yrs old today 1/16 and I believe my bear is older than that because my parents purchased it as a coming home gift when I was born. bear is 17.5" tall. All its limbs and head are movable and the fur appears to be in good-excellent condition, no rips or tares or wear marks. The eyes appear to be marble like. It has been stored away safely in a plastic bag for as long as I can remember and was not handled very much. Apparently I didn't bond well with the bear, Lol. Any guidance as to the history and worth of the bear would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
David

Hi David,
Wow…what a mint example of a very famous American teddy bear maker- Knickerbocker Toy Co. of NY. I say famous because Shirley Temple’s movie, “Now and Forever”, featured Grumpy, a Knickerbocker brown teddy from 1934. Your mohair brown teddy was made later, with velveteen pads, a shaven muzzle, glass eyes, and is 18” tall. He is five way articulated, arms and legs jointed as well as the movable head. Knickerbocker began the toy industry with lithographed alphabet blocks, and in the 1920s, they made teddy bears and other animals. They also were licensed to make Smokey Bear. Your teddy dates to the 1940s, and because your 'bonding was delayed'... now teddy presents himself as if he were made yesterday! He has the original vertical cord nose and mouth extension. Value for Ted would be $400.00.
Brenda