The Old Bear Company

Dear Old Hecla c1907

This wonderful old character is an American Hecla bear dating c1907. We rarely find Hecla bears these days and it is a pleasure to offer him for rehoming from a private collection where he has lived for several years. Dressed as he came to us in his clown outfit with collar, there is much overall wear and balding to the mohair but he remains in very strong condition with original glass eyes and rust coloured nose. Some of the claws are now missing and three pads have been repaired. Ted is filled with wood wool, five way jointed and measures 16" tall Hecla bears were made around 1906 by a work force believed to comprise German immigrants living in New york. Numerous toy companies set themselves up across America at this time to compete with the established German toy maker, Steiff. Hecla bears were made using finest materials and, although the company failed to market itself effectively and ceased production within a couple of years, the quality of workmanship and rareity of their bears ensured a place in history and they are very much in demand today. A Hecla's main features inlcude blonde or cream mohair, painted black glass eyes (or occasionally shoe button in the larger bears), rusty red coloured nose and wood wool stuffing. Some have been found containing scraps of New York newspapers! The sizes ranged from 8" to 24" and it is very possible that a Hecla bear was used to advertise Teddy Bear Bread. Additional pics SOLD

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