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If you buy after clicking affiliate links on this site we might receive a commission from companies such as eBay, Amazon etc This does not affect the price you pay.
If you buy after clicking affiliate links on this site we might receive a commission from companies such as eBay, Amazon etc This does not affect the price you pay.
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Offered in this listing is a beautiful, enormous Irish teddy bear from the 1950’s manufactured by Tara Toys. His Irish descent, stern expression and sheer size have earnt him the nickname ‘W.B’ – a homage to the great Irish Poet William Butler Yeats.
Produced by Tara Toys c. 1957, he has the characteristic long stitches at either end of his nose, indicating the design work of Hans Weberpals who worked for the company from the 1950’s to the mid 1960’s. An example of this exact bear can be seen on Page 159 of ‘The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia’ by Pauline Cockerill – the book’s example is in much poorer condition.
An Irish bear of W.B’s enormous 22.5 inch size is very rare to find in such wonderful condition!
We think he would make a superb nursery decoration, first child gift or bear collectors piece.
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Materials: W.B is crafted from honey golden mohair. He has rexine paw pads and his body and head are firmly stuffed with a mixture of kapok and wood wool. His limbs are lightly stuffed with kapok. He has cotter pin joints and plastic eyes. His facial features and claws are embroidered. He has a fabric label which when complete would have read ‘Made in Republic of Ireland’. He has what we believe to be a tilt growler which can be faintly heard if you firmly pat his back. His red ribbon is a contemporary addition.
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IMPORTANT NOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: Prior to purchase, please ensure that your country does not prohibit import of vintage teddy bears stuffed with wood-wool.
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Condition: Overall very good vintage condition. His mohair is high quality and coverage is excellent. The honey golden colour is very good indeed, there is some discolouration along the top edges of his ears giving them a vintage ‘grubbiness’. He has a few minor thinning patches on the inside of his thighs and above his left eye. His rexine paw pads are in good condition with only minor discolouration from scuffing. All seams are firmly intact and his joints and stuffing are firm for his age – there is some settling in the arms particularly the left (most probably the arm he was dragged around by). His joints are firm and mobile. We endeavour to be as thorough as possible with our descriptions but please take advantage of the zoom function in the listing photographs. He has had a careful and thorough clean and brush up.
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Dimensions: Approximately 22.5″ (57 cm) from the back of his heel to the top of his head and 17″ (43 cm) when seated. He would make a great “Papa Bear” in a hug of smaller bears.
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IMPORTANT: This teddy bear is intended as a vintage collectable for adults; by contemporary standards it is not suitable for children.
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We always combine shipping and refund excess postal charges!
Shipping: Your teddy bear will be wrapped securely in bubble wrap and boxed for shipping. Shipping is Royal Mail Special Delivery Next Day by 1pm within the UK and Royal Mail International Tracked and Signed all other places (estimated delivery time 5-7 working days).
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Please study the photographs as these form a valuable part of the description. Colours are as accurate as our camera and monitor will allow but may vary slightly. Thank you for your understanding.
If you buy after clicking affiliate links on this site we might receive a commission from companies such as eBay, Amazon etc This does not affect the price you pay.
Click here to see similar items, and to buy from eBay.