Is this a Bing or Steiff German Bear

by Brigit
(Germany)

This Teddy has been in the family now for 25 years. It was given to my mother by a then 75 year old neighbour, who wanted it to end up some place where it would be appreciated. He came along with a Kestner and a Heubach Porcelaine doll. Since my mother was a doll maker, these toys ended up in the right place. My mom passed away rather young 11 years ago, I ended up with the collection and was thinking of shrinking it this year. So I took pictures of the Bear. I ended up sorting the pictures and all of a sudden I created a relationship with this bear. In the pictures he gives me the critical look as if he was saying: You really want me to go?! ;-)

He is seriously gorgeous. He was estimated worth 3-3500 Marks decades ago, though no one could not tell with certainty whether he is a Steiff or possibly a Bing. I would appreciate - if someone recognised who manufactured this darling - to share this information with me. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Have a wonderful day
Brigit from Germany

Comment
What a lovely looking bear, he certainly is very handsome.
I have looked through some of my books and yes he does look more like an early steiff than a bing but his eyes look wrong. Early steiff were black boot buttons and yours looks like larger two colour eyes which bing did have after the first world war. Perhaps this bear had his eyes replaced at some time in the past.

But his nose stitch does look more Steiff than bing. Bing bears seem to have a thicker stitch between the nose and the mouth.

It can be very difficult to identify these old bears as their designs often copied each other. I am no expert but my feeling is he is more Steiff than anything else. Shame there is no tags or ear button.

Perhaps someone else can help identify this bear.
Kate

FYI As an Amazon/Ebay Associate I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases.

---

---