Slades Antiques

Description

This lovely vintage teddy bear retains his maker's label sewn into one foot. He was made by Gerald Kirby in England. Kirby was the founder of the well-known Australian toy company Joy Toys, but after he sold Joy Toys in 1937 he came to England and started a new company manufacturing dolls, teddy bears and soft toys. The company trading from 1938 until around 1950. One range of bears he produced was called sun bears, and we believe that this example may be a sun bear. The bear is in a sitting position with a fixed head and legs and jointed arms. He has plush fur and is mainly soft stuffed with a hard stuffed snout and he has black nose, mouth and claw stitching. He has glass eyes that are glued on - we are not sure whether they are original. He is wearing a vintage leather flying hat. This would not be original to the bear, but it is how he came to us, and we think it rather suits him.

Condition: Overall in fair condition, with some quite heavy playwear consistent with age. He is overall grubby, faded and worn, and his fur is balding. He has some threadbare patches and some holing, including to his snout, pads and aroumd his feet. There is an area of damage behind one ear. He has some signs of restoration and restitching - his snout and the damaged area behind his ear show signs of repair, and as is mentioned above his eyes are glued on and may not be original. One hand has some holing and is missing its claw stitching. His arm joints are loose. The flying helmet is worn with age and has some surface loss and scuffing to the leather.

The approx. measurements are as follows:
43cm high.
Further images are available. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any queries. Viewing is welcome, but please contact us before travelling as we are only open by appointment.

We can arrange delivery of both smaller items and furniture - please contact us for details and a quote. Customers are also welcome to use their own couriers if preferred.

Payment can be made by PayPal, bank transfer, cheque [UK only], and cash on collection.