Lot Essay
These black nohair bears with cream felt pads (No.5335) were a special order for the English market introduced in 1912. Only 494 of these were produced.
Details
'Mr Teddy Bear Black'
a rare black Steiff teddy bear, with curly mohair, black boot button eyes backed with red felt, pronounced clipped snout, black stitched nose, mouth and claws, swivel head, elongated jointed shaped limbs, hump and button attached to right ear --18in. (46cm.) tall, circa 1912 (pads recovered, small holes to snout, stuffing shifted from upper arms, fading to face, patches of wear to cheeks and front of body); accompanied with a photograph of orginal owner, aged 7 years, and Mr Teddy Bear Black and Mr Teddy Bear Black's Victorian matinee coat, first worn by his owners father, then his owner and now the bear
See Colour Plate 4
a rare black Steiff teddy bear, with curly mohair, black boot button eyes backed with red felt, pronounced clipped snout, black stitched nose, mouth and claws, swivel head, elongated jointed shaped limbs, hump and button attached to right ear --18in. (46cm.) tall, circa 1912 (pads recovered, small holes to snout, stuffing shifted from upper arms, fading to face, patches of wear to cheeks and front of body); accompanied with a photograph of orginal owner, aged 7 years, and Mr Teddy Bear Black and Mr Teddy Bear Black's Victorian matinee coat, first worn by his owners father, then his owner and now the bear
See Colour Plate 4
Provenance
Owners story:
"...Whenever a new grandchild was born my grandfather would present the parents with a cheque for (21 and instructions to give a Christmas present to the value of (1 until the child reached the age of 21. Thus it was that in December 1913 I was taken to the Toy Department of a London Store to choose a Christmas present from my grandfather, and this vision of this large black teddy bear, surrounded by lesser brown bears is my earliest vivid memory. I was about three years old at the time, young enough to get the adjective in the wrong place, which accounts for him always being called Mr Teddy Bear Black.
Naturally he became an important part of my childhood. He was never expected to mix with my family of dolls, our relationship was much more personal, and he was the recipient of all my emotions. I can still conjure up the feeling of his furry face when it was wet with my tears after some nursery catastrophe.
It was because of the human aspect that I took such exception to the Steiff stud in Mr Teddy Bear Black's ear, and determined to remove it. This was very hard work for such small fingers, and had to be done in secret because I suspected that such vandalism would incur the displeasure of the grown-ups. It took several days before it was even loosened, and once again, I can sense the feeling of triumph when I finally prised it out.
Mr Teddy Bear Black's other role was that of my baby. When dressed in real baby clothes he was trundled around in a pram and given care and attention which I noticed was lavished on all babies.
When I was about six years old, Mr Teddy Bear Black acquired siblings. The same kind garndfather gave me twin white teddy bears. I was an admirer of Louisa M. Alcott at the time, and the twins were named Nat and Jo after characters in 'Jo's Boys'.
When I was about fifteen I was persuaded that I was too old for toys and Nat and Jo were given away. Fortunately dear Mr Teddy Bear Black was spared and grew up to be played with my children and grandchildren, but now I feel sadly that he is too old and frail to be played with by my great grandchildren. However, I feel sure that in his new home he will receive the gentle and loving attention that his 83 years deserve..."
"...Whenever a new grandchild was born my grandfather would present the parents with a cheque for (21 and instructions to give a Christmas present to the value of (1 until the child reached the age of 21. Thus it was that in December 1913 I was taken to the Toy Department of a London Store to choose a Christmas present from my grandfather, and this vision of this large black teddy bear, surrounded by lesser brown bears is my earliest vivid memory. I was about three years old at the time, young enough to get the adjective in the wrong place, which accounts for him always being called Mr Teddy Bear Black.
Naturally he became an important part of my childhood. He was never expected to mix with my family of dolls, our relationship was much more personal, and he was the recipient of all my emotions. I can still conjure up the feeling of his furry face when it was wet with my tears after some nursery catastrophe.
It was because of the human aspect that I took such exception to the Steiff stud in Mr Teddy Bear Black's ear, and determined to remove it. This was very hard work for such small fingers, and had to be done in secret because I suspected that such vandalism would incur the displeasure of the grown-ups. It took several days before it was even loosened, and once again, I can sense the feeling of triumph when I finally prised it out.
Mr Teddy Bear Black's other role was that of my baby. When dressed in real baby clothes he was trundled around in a pram and given care and attention which I noticed was lavished on all babies.
When I was about six years old, Mr Teddy Bear Black acquired siblings. The same kind garndfather gave me twin white teddy bears. I was an admirer of Louisa M. Alcott at the time, and the twins were named Nat and Jo after characters in 'Jo's Boys'.
When I was about fifteen I was persuaded that I was too old for toys and Nat and Jo were given away. Fortunately dear Mr Teddy Bear Black was spared and grew up to be played with my children and grandchildren, but now I feel sadly that he is too old and frail to be played with by my great grandchildren. However, I feel sure that in his new home he will receive the gentle and loving attention that his 83 years deserve..."
Literature
Cieslik, 'Button In Ear', page 49 Fig. 113