Teddy Bear
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
(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear--Elvis Presley
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 Melissa & Doug Jumbo Brown Teddy Bear - Plush List Price: Sale Price: $57.05 You save: $22.94 (29%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis jumbo brown teddy bear plush has floppy limbs that dangle, making him a loveable, huggable friend. Standing 36" tall, he is a soft, cuddly, premium-quality giant plush. This impressive stuffed bear has realistic characteristics and is perfect for play or display...  |
 Thornton bear List Price: Sale Price: $27.84 You save: $2.15 (7%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThornton is not just any teddy bear, he's an exclusive bear that's part of the Premiere Gund Bear Collection. Thornton is a classic bear crafted of unique honey beige plush and ultra suede paw pads. His detailed facial features includes an embroidered nose, and a beige chiffon neck bow adds the finishing touch to this already adorable teddy bear... |
 Blue 17" My First Teddy Bear List Price: Sale Price: $17.85 You save: $0.14 (1%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionFloppy sitting Blue Teddy Bear with coordinating ribbon and embroidered paw pad that reads "My First Teddy". My First Teddy Blue Bear makes a great baby gift to welcome the new baby boy. |
 30" Plush Love Teddy Bear Holding Heart List Price: Sale Price: $17.99 You save: $12.00 (40%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionPeople who openly display their feelings are said to be "wearing their hearts on their sleeves." Well, this oversized "Love" Teddy Bear does that too in the literal sense letting your significant other know exactly how you feel about your relationship! The words "Be Mine" and a heart graphic are gracefully embroidered on this plush teddy bear's red stuffed heart, making him even cuter and more cuddly than a plain ol' teddy bear... |
 Gund 18-Inch Brighton Bear Sale Price: $36.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionBig Brighton is a snow white bear who will win the hearts of all. Big Brightom stands a foot and a half tall and comes with a white -- his favorite color -- bow around his neck. |
 30" Plush Cuddly Large Stuffed Teddy Bear List Price: Sale Price: $23.99 You save: $6.00 (20%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionNo, hes not just another stuffed bear! Hes as cuddly as any teddy bear can possibly be, but its the smile on this 30" stuffed teddy bear that tells you hes just begging to be hugged, held, and welcomed into your childs arms... |
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 Gund Bear "Brighton" Sale Price: $14.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionGund Bear Brighton plush bear |
 Adorable Happy Birthday Teddy Bear With Cake That Plays "Happy Birthday To You" Great Gift Item Sale Price: $23.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionWhat a great way to wish that special birthday person "Happy Birthday" |
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Michael Carr Designs 'Teddy Bear' Garden Figure $27.49 Firest Critter, Teddy Bear |
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Teddy Bear Musical Mobile $30.54 Decorate your baby's room with this musical mobile that features a teddy bear theme. This mobile is sure to sooth your little one as they fall asleep. |
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Teddy Bear Lamp Shade $20.54 Complete your baby's nursery with this lamp shade from Geenny, especially designed to help complete the look and feel of the entire bedroom. This adorable Teddy Bear lamp shade will help add a soft glow to your baby's room. |
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'Teddy Bears' French Tapestry $31.99 Give your child's room a fresh look with a 'Teddy Bears' woven tapestryHandcrafted French wall hanging features 9 teddy bears in a golden borderDecorative accessory measures 21 inches high x 19 inches wide x 0.1 inch deep |
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Sterling Silver Blue Rocking Teddy Bear Charm $44.99 Sterling silver BLUE ROCKING TEDDY BEAR (Charm) |
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Sterling Silver Yellow Rocking Teddy Bear Charm $43.99 Sterling silver YELLOW ROCKING TEDDY BEAR (Charm) |
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Sterling Silver Teddy Bear with Balloons Charm $41.49 Sterling silver TEDDY BEAR W/BALLOONS (Charm) |
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Silvermoon Sterling Silver Teddy Bear Ring $10.09 Teddy bear design ringSterling silver jewelry Click here for ring sizing guide |
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Collapsible Teddy Bear Basket $22.99 Made from one piece of solid wood. Folds flat for easy storage and shipping. Opens to a beautiful colorful and designed basket. |
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Teddy Bear 13-piece Crib Bedding Set $114.49 Dress up and decorate your baby's room with this beautiful 13-piece teddy bear crib bedding set. This set includes a crib quilt, two valances, skirt, sheets, bumpers, diaper stacker, toy bag, two throw pillows and three wall hangings. |
