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Posts: 4Hey everyone,
I’m new to this site. Yesterday I found this cute little guy in a dusty corner at the back of of an old antique shop and rescued him. Paid $15. I think he is adorable but I would like to know a little bit more about him. Any help is much appreciated.
He is about 17-18 inches long. I think he is genuine mohair. He has glass eyes, long muzzle, nose with horizontal stitches, and replaced pads. He is crunchy and has round (probably wooden) joints, rotating limbs and head. Any ideas about his origin? Thanks 
Welcome to Teddy Talk, Natalie! This appears to be a mohair bear from the Hermann company in Germany (circa 1940, I'd say), stuffed with excelsior and with re-covered paw pads (They would have been wool felt paw pads originally, and there was probably some damage to the "hands" area so they covered both front and back). You got a great deal on an adorable bear!
Becky
A very cute example with original paw pads: 
And a lovely lady bear: 
And this asking price may be way too high, but who knows? http://www.ebay.com/itm/19-BEIGE-MOHAIR … 1e6bc3708d
Bears2AdoptHere are two pictures of a Hermann bear (#62-50) that I have that is that size and looks similar.
Ernie
Posts: 4Wow! Becky and Ernie, thank you so much for your help!!! I thought it is almost impossible to figure out who made him. It is definitely Herman. And actually he has a growler which works (but not very good). I'm glad I rescued him. The antique shop where I found him is just an old barn where things are laying in messy piles. They have an amazing handmade Halloween house for sale but mice ate part of its chimney. I guess my bear was in danger too.
I have found several more Hermann bears on ebay. This one was sold for $115. Description: "The best description is the appraisal by Ken Yenke, author, historian, teddy bear expert and author of 3 Teddy Bear books: "Your bear is a very nice German Hermann gebruder (brothers). Classic features of Hermann: 3 claws, red glass eyes and sewn-in snout. Dating from 1940, he is a great-looking bear. There is some wear but insure price up to $350 for a collector." Note: I am sorry to report that Ken Yenke recently passed away. He completed his appraisal for this bear in October 2013. My sincere condolences to his family and friends."
Posts: 4The best description is the appraisal by Ken Yenke
Lucky you! This appraisal from Ken could be for your very bear!
Before he died, Ken appraised three old teds for me, and you can see them here if you'd like: http://www.teddy-talk.com/viewtopic.php?id=49624
Becky
Posts: 4Natalie wrote:The best description is the appraisal by Ken Yenke
Lucky you! This appraisal from Ken could be for your very bear!
Before he died, Ken appraised three old teds for me, and you can see them here if you'd like: http://www.teddy-talk.com/viewtopic.php?id=49624
Becky
Oh, Becky, your bears are adorable! I'm in love with your Petz bear. 
But they all are so sweeet! You were very lucky to have known Ken. It seems he was so knowledgeable and nice person.
Thanks, Natalie! The Petz is actually my dad's childhood bear, so it's a favorite of mine as well.
I never actually met Ken Yenke, but like a lot of us in the bear world, I felt like I knew him through his magazine articles and the good causes he supported. I also gathered that his family is wonderful since they were gracious enough to let us know about his passing. It sounded like it was as good an ending as any life could have.
I hope you'll post again. You seem to have a great eye for bears!
Becky
