Posted 10 years ago
dhumphrey12
(31 items)
Picked this little guy up from an estate sale, I was told he was the first Teddy Roosevelt Teddy Bear. He wears a pin that says It,s a good thing push it along dated 1896. No markings any where he has button eyes. Not convinced does anyone recognize this bear he is approximately 18" any help will be greatly appreciated
He is Not the 1st Teddy Roosevelt Bear which was made by Steiff in 1902 . Steiff made the 1st ever "Teddy" Bears and other companies took up making them soon after seeing what a hit they were . Your Bear looks like a Artist Bear to me not a factory made or antique bear . The first and early Teddy bears had very long arms, felt pads ,they did not look like yours . The arms and paws all wrong , body shape wrong and the shoe botton eyes are a clue he was made by a teddy bear artist or a company made collectible bear. I would need to hold him to date but right now I would say fairly new. The Name "Teddy" In Bear refers to Roosevelt no Bear actually carried his whole name except reproduction or collectors editions might name him that or a Bear artist .
Thank You so much very helpful information.
Your welcome . It is always easier when we can hold them but I am 100% sure he is not a early 1902 bear . He is a cute fellow though :-)
On side ways view I can actually see where his hair was trimmed like Doll artists do . My Friend makes Teddy bears that are repro's and they are so good they can trick you .But I have seen him trimming mohair to make look older or because he wants it shorter .