Teddy Bear

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J
Posted by jharring
16 years ago
AI Appraisal
💬 8 Comments 🗣️ Discuss with Community
Description Has all the features of the bears made by Gund. But the tag says Designed by Character. So. Norwalk Conn. We lost the gift card to the girl this was given to in aprox. 1922-1930. felt patches under the sown in eyes and the red felt tounge sticking out. Color is light blue and white with pink ribbon.
Category Antique Toys
Medium Fur Cloth
Distinguishing marks Designed by Character
Condition Excellent
Size and dimensions of this item 15"x15"
Date Period 1922-1930
Weight 2-3lbs.
History From an Old Estate. Was Aunt's that died at age 18 was born in 1921.
eBay Auction Link
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Submitted by Anonymous

This doesn't look like a 1920's or 30's bear, it looks post war to me. I 'd suggest doing a search of business records for Norwalk Conn. Their local historical society could likely pin down a date. Lovejoy

Submitted by jharring

Thank you for the response. I will check for business records. I had tried to look up the company Character, and So. Norwalk Conn. Was getting to the new company of Character bears. This bear has been in a box with plastic for many, many years. Owner says that it was given to her Aunt before the Aunt died at age 18 in a car accident. Was given to the aunt as a little girl. But without the gift card that would have been dated, I can't validate the information. Anyway, I will keep searching for the value. Will be for sale on e-bay as soon as I can get some indication of true value. Thanks again!

In 1932, Caesar Mangiapani and Jack Levy opened up the Character Novelty Co. in Norwalk, Connecticut. After the 2nd WW the company grew quickly, when they started to sell a big assortment of toy animals, among which Teddy Bears. In that period, the company sold to all the major warehouses and had their own showroom in New York. Jack Levy quit in 1960, but the company existed until Caesar Mangiapani died in 1983. Character trademark characteristics are among others big, flat, black eyes, fitted over a slightly bigger circle of white felt in the head. Character also made bears with a red tongue of felt. Most Character Teddy Bears don't have claws. The fabric label usually was attached to the left ear. On the front was the name Character and on the back the materials the bear was made of. Hope that helps.

Wow, Thank you for your help. I bet that solves it. I was just telling the owner that the company probably was Character Novelty Co. I was not sure why the tag doesn't say that, but maybe it is one of their first bears. We are very certain that it was made and given to her aunt before she died in 1939. If she was just a little girl when it was given to her then the pre-ww2 story fits. I wonder what it would appraise for? Any ideas? Looking to auction on ebay soon. Thanks Kathy!

I have no idea. Try looking online/ebay now that you know what you have and maybe you can see a similar one.

Thanks, I did. Couldn't find it listed, but that is a great tip for research of antiques and information. Thanks again!!

Submitted by Lovejoy

Unless you have a very early teddy bear ( pre 1920's) values for them are not that great. Unlike the early bears that actually look like bears, the later overstuffed fluffy/plush types by lesser known makers tend to sell for under $40.00. Right now the market is flooded with bears, 11,450 are listed on just ebay alone. Lovejoy
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