Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Odd Antique Teddy Bear

Last year I found this antique teddy like no bear I've ever seen. She's American and probably dates to the early 1920s, but other than that I'm stumped by her. She has the most unusual body construction:  her proportions are odd, with long, thick, perfectly straight arms and short, equally thick legs with very curved tops. Her torso is incredibly stout, and reminds me of a gorilla, or a wrestler. But her face is charming, with an inset cloth nose and a quirky smile, and I couldn't resist her.


8 comments:

  1. She does look a bit out of proportion, but definately full of personality. Reminds me of a female body builder :)

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  2. Yes, that's exactly what I thought when I first saw her!

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  3. She's confident and self-assertive, not a demure little bear.

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  4. Sadly, she suffers from alopecia (strangely, only on her face) which unfortunately affects her self-confidence at times.

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  5. I'm sure your local herbalist will have a cream for that ;)

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  6. Did you ever find out the maker of your teddy bear !! I think he might be a Jopi bear from 1920's with the big ears & type of mohair.

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    1. No definitive ID yet. Someone else thought maybe Peacock of Great Britain, who also did some big ear bears. I hadn't considered Jopi: I'll have to take a look at some of those. Thanks!

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    2. Any squeakers in ears? She is an American bear by the French novelty toy company of New York circa 1910 to 1920 I have 6 of these.

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