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edie Bears by Edie
Southern Alberta
Posts: 2,068

Mystery-bears-sized.JPGI have been collecting these bears for several years and now have about a dozen of them (they quite intrique me!) but haven't been able to identify the maker or country. I have them in sizes from 10" to 22". I am sure they are all made by the same company because of certain characteristics that run through them. They all have inset muzzles and a upside down U shape piece in the nose and mouth area of the muzzle. Most of them have distinctive orange paw and foot pads although I have some that are identical that have the same short pile mohair on the pads as the snout instead of the orange. They seem to be very well made bears and likely made over a lengthy period of time as some are straw stuffed, some excelsior, and some foam rubber. The earlier ones are mohair but I have a couple of later ones that are wool and synthetic. Several of them have strings hanging from their chests that suggest they once had tags hanging there but so far I haven't found one with a tag or label.
Most of them have come from Britain or Western Canada so that would lead me to believe they are British made and in fact one that I got from Britain the lady said she was sure it was a British bear. I believe they were made starting in the 50's but have not been able to find info in ANY of my bear books. My only hope now is that someone will recognize them or possiby have one that still has its original tags or labels. If anyone can shed any light on this I would greatly appreciate it!
Hugs, Edie

Helena Bears-a-Bruin!
Macclesfield, UK
Posts: 1,291

Hi Edie, aren't they cute??! I can see why you love them so much!

I had a look around on the web for you and came across this one, which has a similar muzzle (with the upturned 'U'). However the colours aren't the same, but maybe it'll give you a lead? The link is: http://www.bourtonbears.com/item.php?re … 0.php%2312

I hope you find out who made these teddies  bear_flower

edie Bears by Edie
Southern Alberta
Posts: 2,068

Thanks, Helena. I have one that looks almost exactly the same as this guy in my collection only mine is slightly bigger so even though they don't have the orange pads I believe they may be by the same maker - but mine doesn't have a tail so maybe not??? I think most people just guess that they are "German" or "British", etc. maybe depending on where they got them. I do find it strange there seems to be so many of them and they do not appear in any of the bear books - at least that I've seen, and I do have a lot!
Bear hugs, Edie
P.S. I'm determined not to buy any more unless they have a tag or label *grin* - but there is one on ebay right now that is just so cute too!!!

Esmerldas Esmerldas
Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 108

You might consider dropping a note to John Paul Port and see if he has any ideas about these guys....he's really VERY knowledgable about lots of these!

Sue@Peggotty Peggotty
Texas
Posts: 56

Hi Edie,

Helena picked a good site for you.  The boys at Bourton bears - Andy and Mel - are just delightful and will go out of their way to help you to identify your bear.  Send them a quick email, tell them about this site as I'm sure they will join up. bear_wub

If you do get in contact with them would you say 'Hi' from me and tell them that I miss them loads (and all the other regulars on the UK scene...... but I don't miss the English weather! :dance:

LOL,

Sue

Helena Bears-a-Bruin!
Macclesfield, UK
Posts: 1,291
edie wrote:

I think most people just guess that they are "German" or "British", etc. maybe depending on where they got them.

I think you're right Edie, but how frustrating! There must be a bear with a tag somewhere....surely? Good luck!

PS I keep looking at them - they are just soooo cute!

gotobedbears Posts: 3,177

SOMEONE FIND OUT WHO THESE BEARS WERE MADE BY PLEEEEEEEEEEZE!!!!  :pray:  :pray:

I am just dying to know...............i've been watching for the replies but still no luck Edie!

They are cute are'nt they? They make a great little collection, i like to see collections of the same make of bears. It's a good reference guide as to how tastes and styles change over the years.

GOOD LUCK  bear_thumb

Penny  :hug:

Helena Bears-a-Bruin!
Macclesfield, UK
Posts: 1,291

You won't believe what happened today...we were driving past a 'dolls house' shop in town and I saw one of those bears in the window!!!! Before making my hubby come to a screeching halt I remembered it was Sunday and the shop would be shut. But I'll definitely go for a little walk past there sometime this week, for a closer look. And maybe pop in and ask.

How much of a coincidence is that??!

edie Bears by Edie
Southern Alberta
Posts: 2,068

Wow, that is a co-incidence, Helena! But as I said there seem to be a lot of them out there so that is why I find it so puzzling that they are not in any books and no one seems to know anything about them.
I have sent an email to Bourton Bears to see if they can help but no word back yet.
Bev, I did consult John Paul Port, back when I only had one of these and he didn't seem to know who might have made it. Also consulted a specialist in Britain but she couldn't help me much either.
Thanks everyone!
Bear hugs, Edie

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