In the realm of toys, few items hold as much nostalgic charm and enduring appeal as the teddy bear. Behind its adorable façade lies a rich history that intertwines with politics, culture, and the enduring power of love and companionship.
A Bear is Born: Origins of the Teddy Bear
The story of the teddy bear begins in the early 20th century, with an unlikely protagonist: President Theodore Roosevelt. In November 1902, Roosevelt embarked on a hunting trip in Mississippi, during which he famously refused to shoot a defenceless bear cub that had been captured and tied to a tree by his hunting companions. This act of compassion sparked a national sensation, immortalized in a political cartoon by Clifford Berryman, which depicted the President's merciful gesture.
Inspired by this event, a Brooklyn-based toymaker named Morris Michtom, along with his wife Rose, crafted a stuffed bear cub and displayed it in their shop window with a sign that read "Teddy's Bear," paying homage to the President. The bear garnered immense popularity, leading Michtom to mass-produce them under the name "Teddy Bears."
Simultaneously, a German company, Steiff, led by Margarete Steiff, also began producing jointed bears around the same time, although they claimed no direct connection to Roosevelt's story.
The Evolution of the Teddy Bear: From Toy to Icon
From their humble beginnings, teddy bears swiftly became a symbol of comfort, companionship, and childhood innocence. Throughout the 20th century, their popularity soared, with manufacturers worldwide crafting bears of various sizes, styles, and materials to cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
During the early years, teddy bears were primarily made of mohair or plush fabric, stuffed with materials like straw, wood wool, or kapok. They featured jointed limbs, allowing for movement and posing, and details such as glass eyes, embroidered noses, and felt paw pads.
Over time, innovations in manufacturing techniques introduced new materials like synthetic fibres and plastic safety eyes, making teddy bears more accessible and affordable to a broader audience.
What to Look for in an Antique Teddy Bear
Dating a teddy bear involves examining various characteristics, features, and markings to determine its approximate age. Here are several methods commonly used by collectors and enthusiasts to date teddy bears:
Manufacturer's Tags or Labels: Many teddy bears feature manufacturer's tags or labels sewn into their seams, typically indicating the company name, logo, or location, as well as the bear's model or series number. These tags often include production dates or copyright years, providing valuable clues to the bear's age. For example, early Steiff bears feature metal button-in-ear tags with a series of numbers denoting the year of manufacture.
Design and Style: Teddy bears have evolved over time, with distinct design trends and styles prevalent during different eras. Familiarize yourself with the characteristics and features associated with specific periods, such as the early 20th-century bears characterised by elongated snouts, humped backs, and pointed muzzles, or the mid-century bears with rounder faces, shorter limbs, and simpler designs.
Materials and Construction Techniques: Examine the bear's materials, construction, and craftsmanship to glean insights into its age. Early teddy bears were typically made of mohair or wool plush fabric, stuffed with materials like straw, wood wool, or kapok, and featured jointed limbs with hand-stitched details. Later bears may incorporate synthetic fibres, plastic safety eyes, and mass-produced manufacturing techniques indicative of their era.
Condition and Wear: Assess the bear's condition and any signs of wear, damage, or restoration. Vintage bears may exhibit wear consistent with their age, such as thinning fur, faded colors, missing or replaced features, and repairs. Original condition bears with minimal wear and intact features often indicate a well-preserved example of its era.
Documentation and Provenance: Seek out any accompanying documentation, certificates of authenticity, or provenance records that provide insights into the bear's history, origin, and previous ownership. Historical records, photographs, or correspondence related to the bear's acquisition or ownership can help corroborate its age and authenticity.
Comparative Analysis: Compare the bear's features, characteristics, and markings with reference materials, vintage catalogues, and online resources dedicated to teddy bear identification and dating. Studying variations in design, materials, and manufacturer's details can help narrow down the bear's production period and origins.
Makers
There are several well-known makers of teddy bears, each with their own unique history, style, and contributions to the world of teddy bear craftsmanship. Some of the most renowned teddy bear manufacturers include:
Steiff: Founded by Margarete Steiff in Germany in 1880, Steiff is one of the oldest and most prestigious teddy bear makers in the world. Steiff bears are distinguished by their high-quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and signature button-in-ear tags. The company's early bears, produced in the early 20th century, are particularly sought after by collectors.
Merrythought: Established in 1930 in England, Merrythought is another esteemed teddy bear manufacturer known for its traditional handcrafted bears. Merrythought bears are recognised for their distinctive designs, premium mohair fur, and embroidered features. The company continues to produce bears using traditional techniques in its Shropshire workshop.
Gund: Founded by German immigrant Adolph Gund in the United States in 1898, Gund is a prominent teddy bear manufacturer renowned for its wide range of plush toys, including bears, animals, and characters.
Teddy Hermann: Based in Germany, Teddy Hermann is a family-owned company that has been producing high-quality teddy bears since 1912. Known for their attention to detail, Teddy Hermann bears feature fine mohair fur, hand-stitched accents, and timeless designs that evoke nostalgia and charm.
Dean's Rag Book Company: Established in England in 1903, Dean's Rag Book Company is one of the oldest teddy bear manufacturers still in operation. Dean's bears are celebrated for their vintage-inspired designs, classic charm, and durable construction. The company's bears often feature jointed limbs, hand-stitched noses, and vintage-style fabrics.
Over the years, teddy bears have become iconic symbols of childhood, innocence, and companionship, ingrained in popular culture, literature, and media. From storybooks and cartoons to films and advertising, teddy bears have permeated various aspects of society, further solidifying their status as timeless treasures and cultural icons.
