The Old Bear Company

Smallest Size Hecla c1907

This fabulous little American Hecla teddy dates c1907 and is the smallest size made. He is in very good, original condition with jointed limbs, glass eyes and rust coloured nose stitching. Ted is filled with wood wool/kapok and measures just 8" tall - please enquire for more photos 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 back 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 possible that a Hecla bear was used to advertise Teddy Bear Bread. Additional pics SOLD

£495 - $668

Note: US Dollar prices are approximate. The purchase price will depend on the exchange rate at the time of the transaction.

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