Posted 5 years ago
cloevenich
(1 item)
I purchased this cutie in southwest France and am trying to find out if he's French or not, as well as his age, make, and value.
Here's what I can tell you about him: He is 50 cm tall, with longish blond fur and a shorter haired muzzle. His eyes feel like glass on my teeth (and they are flat on the back with a loop for sewing them on). I do not know if the fur is mohair or something else. His left ear may have been re-attached, as it isn't pleated in like the other one. His right hand is damaged to show the stuffing. His head, arms, and legs are articulated and have either plastic or very firm cardboard disks. His feet and paws are in a felt-like material. He doesn't have any 'claws.' He weighs 900 grams with the orange knitted collar.
I just love him. That face!!! Looking forward to hearing from anyone who may know a little about him.
Thanks so much,
Cindy
Hello there! Welcome to CW. Your bear appears in some ways to resemble an early Steiff bear. They are German produced bears. The interior materials as seen on the open paw are wood shavings which would date the bear, in most cases, to pre WWII ca 1920. If you feel the ears carefully, on some older bears by Steiff there will still be a small metal button that will be impressed with the Steiff name. In many cases they came out as they were played with.
If you feel the body center mass area you may also feel a squeaker in the body. It is not uncommon for those to no longer be functional. I can not say for sure it is a Mohair Steiff, but I am reasonably sure it is a fairly early pre WWII bear..... whoever made it. Hope this helps.
He looks like he could be a French Pintel teddy bear. He is definitely not a Steiff bear. He is really quite wonderful!