Hunchback Teddy Bear From Late 40'S

by Jenny
(N. California)

This teddy bear was in my grandmothers house all while I was growing up. She always said it was my uncle Don's and then when my mom came along she carried it around. They were born in the late forty's and early fifty's. My mom used to love playing with this bear and have tea parties with him. She said it is made of mohair and is a Stieff bear. I'm not sure that this is correct, but I would love to know what kind of bear this actually is. It has always been a bit of a mystery. I have searched many different places and cannot find one bear that looks exactly like it. Is he rare? What year is he? What would he be worth? What kind is he? These are questions that I always ask myself about him.

He is approximately 18 inches tall and his arms, legs, and head move. My grandmother claimed she saw one sell in an auction for 80,000 dollars once. I have no idea if this was the same bear. He now just sits around my house in plastic. He has sentimental value for my family, however, at the right price we would sell. The only damage I see is on the right hand sides ear. It is a little torn at the seem. He is a little worn and dirty but in fairly good condition. If you squeeze on him there is not much give. The stuffing feels somewhat hard. His back is hunched and his stomach looks like a pot belly. All his limbs move easily. His nose and mouth were stitched with small twine. On all four paws it looks as if someone drew on them to show claws of some sort. I do not know if this was before or after market. The nose is long and all the limbs seem fairly long as well. The eyes seem to be made of plastic but not 100% sure on that. There are pads on all four paws and I do not know what the material is. Perhaps felt but just guessing.

More than anything, I am curious about this little guys history since I am interested in all history. I know he has a story and I would love to know what that is. Please help me find out what his story is. Any information would be helpful. Thank you.

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