Vintage/Antique Teddy Bear, Possibly Gund, Circa 1920s

This circa 1920s mohair bear is probably Gund and is jointed five ways. According to Brenda Yenke, this bear has seams and pads finished in the "overstitched style" and appears to be a cross between a Gund and Knickerbocker. She measures approximately 18” in height and is 4” from shoulder to shoulder. Her arms are 6” in length, and her legs are 7” in length. She has an inoperable squeaker, and there is a protruding thin metal piece on her back that feels as if it is part of the squeaker. A previous owner covered her original paw pads with what appears to be cotton cloth. This was done poorly, and the bear should have all paw pads repaired to restore her to her original state.

Based on the seams, Yenke believes her to be a Gund. She is kapok stuffed with the kapok exploding outward from the foot pads, pointing to exposure to moisture at some point. Yenke describes the bear as having low set shoulders with a vertically stitched nose and writes, "Gund was said to make bears in the early years competing with Ideal and others. I think [she] dates to the late 20s. Having a voice with a squeaker box in the back, this too may have been affected by the kapok. The stuffing in the pads should be gently pushed within the seam and then contained with stitching to keep the look [she] had in the beginning and then finished with felt replacement pads. [Her] cinnamon mohair has worn areas, revealing [her] well loved life! The amber glass eyes are original."

I am a collector of teddy bears, and this bear was part of my collection. She was acquired in Upstate New York nine years ago. She does have a distinctive odor of old kapok stuffing, but she lives in a nonsmoking household. Please note that this is not a toy for small children.

*****Please examine all photos carefully and do let me know if you need more as I'll be happy to oblige.

Thank you for looking.