It is very exciting for me to be writing this column for Teddy Bear & Friends magazine. My mother, Beverly Port, wrote a column entitled “Let’s Talk Teddy Bears” starting with the premier issue of TB&F in 1983. I have written my column, “The Bear Sleuth,” for many different publications since 1987, and it’s good to be back identifying teddies for our readers. I look forward to seeing lots of wonderful “finds” and unidentified friends.

Maybe a Merrythought?

Hello. I was a teddy bear collector between 1982-1995. I still have my bears, but there’s no more room at the inn! In 1994, a friend found a Merrythought bear at a flea market and bought it, anticipating I’d be interested in purchasing it. Of course, I did. I’ve never researched her history, but now I’m interested in finding out more about her. The seller said she was his grandmother’s bear and was made in 1935. The Merrythought tag appears to be more recent than 1935. I’ve been unable to find a bear that looks similar. She is fully dressed and has an open, red felt mouth. Her little black nose is almost gone, but otherwise, she’s in good condition. I would be happy if you could help me identify my little friend.

From what I can tell, she resembles a Cheeky, but the mouth is a mystery to me. She’s about 8 inches (20 cm) tall with a velvet muzzle, or maybe it’s shaved. The dress has two layers and a slip. And I just couldn’t resist sending the underpants picture!

I guess there’s a chance she’s not a Merrythought. The workmanship isn’t the same quality as my later-made Merrythought bear. Her eyes are placed a bit unevenly and there are some stitches on one paw that aren’t perfect. Also, she’s a bit dusty. I’ve never bathed a bear. Maybe someone could share the technique?

Thanks for your response.

Susan Haynes
Arlington, Texas

Dear Susan,

Your wonderful teddy is indeed a Merrythought Cheeky bear from 1962. Her fabric was referred to in the catalog as “honeysuckle nylon plush.” Cheeky was first introduced in 1957, so I don’t think this could have been a childhood bear from the 1930s. These are hard to find, as I don’t think many were made with the open mouth. I don’t think that the dress is original, but it does look great on her. It looks like she was well-loved as her nose is literally kissed away. One of my favorite bears in my collection is a Cheeky, which I received for Christmas in 1967. I am glad that you have a new addition to your hug. I have always said no matter how crowded it gets, there is always room for one more teddy.

A Church Find

My grandmother works at a church second-hand store and someone brought in a bear named Tatters from the Bearly There Co. in Fountain Valley, Calif. I have searched and searched and cannot find another of this particular bear anywhere. My grandmother just wanted to know before she sold it if it had any collectible value. The shawl in the first picture was on the bear when it was donated, but we are not sure if it was originally with the bear or not. Thank you!

Amy Pommer
Decatur, IN

Dear Amy,

The Bearly There Co. was owned by teddy bear artist Linda Spiegel. She started making teddy bears in the late 1970s and soon started her own cottage industry. Over the years she produced hundreds of designs that became popular all over the world. I don’t remember the exact year Tatters was introduced, but I don’t believe he was produced for long, as I don’t find him for sale very often. When I do see him at a show, he usually is selling for $20 to $35. I have several Bearly There bears in my collection. They have such great personalities. Thank you for sharing Tatters, and I hope he finds a hug with lots of teddy bear friends.

Precious Porcelain

I am a new teddy bear collector and I recently found this teddy bear figurine at an antique show and wanted more information on it. It is approximately 4 inches (10 cm) tall. It is porcelain and I think maybe was a vase. It is not marked. The one teddy’s arm is broken off. Does this have any value? I paid $10 for it. Thank you in advance.

Marion Sawyer
Via email

Dear Marion,

Your teddy bear figurine is from around 1910 and was made in Germany. They are often referred to as “pink paw” teddy bears. There were many different styles of these made. The bears came in white, brown and gold. They were attached to many different porcelain shapes such as cars, bottles, bags, mirrors, and pots. They were used as pin holders, match holders, vases etc. They often times have the names of towns or cities painted on the piece with gold paint, as they were sold as souvenirs at train stations, fairs or at souvenir shops. If this piece was in perfect condition it would probably be valued at $95 to $125. With the arm missing I would say he is still worth $50 to $60. I love these figurines and have several of them. Maybe this little guy will start your own “pink paw” collection.

Originally published in the Winter 2011 issue.