An Extremely rare Harwin & Co. 'Ally Bear' 1st World War Highland Soldier teddy bear

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Details

An Extremely rare Harwin & Co. 'Ally Bear' 1st World War Highland Soldier teddy bear
with golden mohair, black boot button eyes, pronounced muzzle with clipped tip, black stitched horizontal nose, mouth with kinked smile and four claws, swivel head, jointed limbs with felt pads, card lined feet, hump, inoperative squeaker, wearing khaki felt jacket with brass buttons and puttees, forage cap trimmed with tartan, oil-cloth Sam Browne, kilt and sporan, circa 1917 --13¼in. (34cm.) height not including cap; and an original photograph of Alexander Campbell MacCormick in Argyl & Sutherland Highlander uniform, image size - 8in. (20cm.) x 4¾in. (12cm.) (2)

Provenance

This bear was the childhood toy of the vendor's mother, Morna MacCormick. She was born in 1906 and she spent part of her childhood in Edinburgh.

Her brother, Alexander Campbell MacCormick, served in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in the 1st World War. He was killed at Loos in October 1916 while leading a raid into enemy trenches. Her father was also serving as a surgeon in France at the same time but not in same regiment

Morna was aged 11 in 1917 when these bears were first manufactured, so it is likely to have been bought for her as a momento of her elder brother. Obviously treasured, the bear was stored in a milliner's box and has survived in amazing condition.

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.

Lot Essay

An article in Games and Toys magazine of September 1917, called 'Latest Lines', describe Harwin's Ally Bears - 'Messrs. Harwin & Co., Ltd., of 52, Blackstock Road, London, N.4, are responsible for some very amusing character dolls, such as the Ally Bears, comprising a very "perky" looking young bear in various Allied uniforms.

His kilt represents the Royal Stewart tartan although it is printed on cotton and is missing the usual yellow vertical stripe. The Royal Stewart was worn by the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders but was in a slightly lighter shade.

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