Teddy Bear Heart

Teddy Bears

The teddy bear first made his debut in 1902, his creator being Richard Steiff (the Daddy of Teddy Bears), nephew of Margarete Steiff creator of the great Steiff Company of Germany.  The teddy bear was originally produced for children, as up until his birth, children had no soft toy that they could hug or cuddle up to in bed at night.   Of course they had toy bears, but these bears were modelled on ‘real’ bears with looks that were quite frightening to little children, they were also made of metal or carved hard wood, they were certainly nothing at all like the warm and soft teddy bears that we know and love today.

Not long after the teddy bear’s birth he became famous across the whole of the western world and he was not only extremely popular with children, but adults too just adored him, and as well as childrens comforters the teddy bear also became a mascot for adults.

By the time of the First World War many soft toy companies in Britain started to produce their own versions of the teddy bear.  In 1913, German toy output was six times that of Great Britain but, following the outbreak of war, people would not buy German products and that, unfortunately, included teddy bears.  British soft toy companies such as Farnell and W.J. Terry seized the opportunity and started to produce some highly desirable teddy bears of their own.  These teddy bears are now highly sought after in todays collectors market.

Many soldiers who served in the First World War carried a teddy bear with them, either the teddy bear was their childhood bear or they were given a teddy bear by a close member of their family or indeed by their sweetheart.  Sadly many of the teddy bears that left the country to serve abroad with their soldiers never returned, but some did and occasionally they do come to auction, although it goes without saying that due to their provenance they fetch very high prices, although what price can you put on owning such a great piece of history?

During the 1920’s – 1930’s the teddy bear business just boomed and British soft toy companies such as the famous Chad Valley, Chiltern and Merrythought became some of the leading teddy bear makers in the world.

During the Second World War most of the great makers such as Merrythought had to stop production because both the firm’s premises and staff were needed for war work.  However, never had the teddy bear been needed so much by so many people, children especially needed to hold his warm and comforting body to help them cope with the ravages of war, but, not only children but adults alike.  Indeed, we know of numerous teddy bears that have helped both adults and children through many of the war horrors.  The teddy bear was without a shadow of a doubt their hero!  Many teddy bears from the Second World War era survive to this day, although again, prices are somewhat high, but what other antique item could offer so much history with so much love attached to it.

It is during the last few decades that collecting teddy bears has become popular.  Today teddy bears are collected by people from all over the world.  For many it is not only a pleasurable item to collect but also, as with all forms of antique collecting, a form of investment.  I would like to think that on the whole teddy bears are bought because of their beauty and character and possibly as a companion, I would also hope that one day the teddy bear would become an honorary member of the family.

Whether you fall for an old teddy bear with history or a new teddy bear who you find just breaks your heart, owning a teddy bear and taking care of him is a very important decision in your life but nevertheless a decision you will never ever regret.

To sum up then, I would just say that a teddy bear truly is Your Friend For Life!

About the Author

Gino loves fast cars, especially fast italian cars.  Gino also loves anything italian.  Please visit my website on www.ginosbears.co.uk

Mother’s day origami – Teddy bear Heart ^^

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TEDDY BEAR PINK SATIN HEART BOXERS FIT 16″ BEAR NWT $3.99

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Made in China Plush Brown TEDDY BEAR White Heart Pillow $17.48

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10″ Fluffy Yellow Teddy Bear w/ Orange Nose & Hearts mb $10.00

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Adorable Plush Teddy Bear with I Love Mom Heart NIB $11.95

Dakin Peppermint Teddy Bear Ornament w Heart CUTE LQQK $2.99

Dan Dee Plush Red Teddy Bear Heart Pillow Love You 7″ $17.48

DGE Corp KOHLS Cares For Kids Teddy Bear Red Heart NEW $17.48

Teddy Bear plush purple bear with happy birthday heart $1.25

Teddy Bear plush holding a heart picture frame $1.25

Teddy Bear plush Red holding a heart by Aurora world $1.95

Cuddly Soft Plush I Love Mom Teddy Bear w/ Heart – New $9.49

Teddy Bear and Heart Box $1.50

★55cm★TEDDY BEAR WE LOVE YOU LOVE HEART ON SHIRT★ $55.99

Tan Plush Teddy Bear Green Heart Bow Chosun Toy $9.99

Cherished Teddies Love Bears All Things Heart Plaques $17.88

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New From Grandma’s Heart Chenille Gardening TEDDY BEAR $34.98

Cute Little Teddy Bear On Heart Pillow $3.75

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Cherished Teddies Bear Sign w Heart Enesco 951005 MINT $8.00

Valentine Brown Teddy Bear and Heart Shaped Candle $5.99

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Teddy Bear 12″ by Tender Heart Treasures NEW $3.99

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Chrisha Playful Plush TEDDY BEAR Blue Heart Sweater 8″ $24.97

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WHITE big TEDDY BEAR with RED HEART dotted $9.99

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Wedding Groom Teddy Bear Tender Heart Treasures Plush $12.99

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20″ Fuzzy Brown TEDDY BEAR Heart Sweater Stuffed Animal $49.99

Sweet Sentiment Valentine Teddy Bear with Picture Heart $14.99

Plush Tan Brown Curly Jointed TEDDY BEAR Heart Scarf 6″ $19.97

Teddy Bear plush Valentine Heart 2002 by Dandee $2.00

TENDER HEART CAMP TEDDY BEAR TALES SWIMMING FUN OUTFIT $8.00

NEW TENDER HEART BEARING THANKS PILGRIM BOY TEDDY BEAR $5.00

TEDDY BEAR w HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE HEART BLUE GIANT 40″ $99.99

925 Sterling Silver Teddy Bear Heart Love Bead Charm for Pandora Troll Biagi Chamilia $12.98 It is compatible with Pandora, Troll, Chamilia, Biagi, and other Italian jewelry. Please be aware of the hole size….

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