From the first Teddy Bears created by Steiff of Germany in 1902, bears have remained the best loved of all soft toys. The popularity of the Teddy Bear was soon realised by other toy manufacturers and, before the First World War, other makers such as Bing, Farnell and the Ideal Novelty Toy Co in America were producing and exporting Teddy Bears worldwide. This popularity continued after the war and the market place was soon joined by makers such as Hermann, Schuco and Helvetic in Germany, Dean’s Rag Book, Chad Valley, Merrythought and Chiltern in England, other makes such as Pintel and Fadap in France, and, in America, Knickerbocker. Teddy Bears from these manufacturers all remain popular with collectors today.

In 2018, C&T were proud to auction the contents of The Petersfield Teddy Bear Museum, Britain’s first Bear museum. This sale created worldwide interested, offering vintage and antique bears from all the world’s major manufactures. Other highlights offered by C&T include an original Teddy puppet (one of three made) from the BBC Children’s television show 'Andy Pandy' which sold for £3,200.

Good quality and early Teddy Bears and Soft Toys such as Steiff toy animals, cartoon and comic strip characters such as Bonzo, Dismal Desmond, original Disney Mickey Mouse soft toys and early soft toy animals are always sought after by todays collectors. 

Why not have your Teddy Bears and Dolls valued? Our specialist Leigh would be pleased to speak with you.

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Department Specialists

picture of Leigh Gotch

Leigh Gotch

Specialist in Antique Dolls, Teddy Bears, Fine Toys, Trains & Toy Soldiers

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