Teddy Bear thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Teddy Bear

ca. 1910 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The Ideal Novelty and Toy Co. was the first maker of teddy bears in the United States. Its founder, Morris Michtom, is credited with inventing the term 'teddy bear' in honour of President Theodore Roosevelt. The early Ideal bears, like this one, followed the long-limbed style of German teddy bears. The triangular head and triangular stitching of the nose are purely American.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Stuffed and sewn mohair plush
Brief description
Mohair plush teddy bear made in the USA by Ideal in about 1910
Physical description
Short pile beige mohair plush fully jointed teddy bear. The head is triangular shaped with a long pointed muzzle. The eyes are black boot buttons and the nose, mouth and claws sewn with black thread. The stuffing is wood wool.
Dimensions
  • Standing height: 45cm (Maximum)
  • Sitting height: 30cm
  • Standing width: 22cm (Maximum)
  • Standing depth: 14cm (Maximum)
  • Seated depth: 22cm (Maximum)
Measured by conservation
Production typeMass produced
Credit line
Given by Miss E. M. Jeeves
Object history
The bear was owned by Enid Jeeves, born in 1904, whose mother died when she was very young
Production
Reason For Production: Retail
Subjects depicted
Summary
The Ideal Novelty and Toy Co. was the first maker of teddy bears in the United States. Its founder, Morris Michtom, is credited with inventing the term 'teddy bear' in honour of President Theodore Roosevelt. The early Ideal bears, like this one, followed the long-limbed style of German teddy bears. The triangular head and triangular stitching of the nose are purely American.
Collection
Accession number
MISC.317-1985

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Record createdOctober 28, 2003
Record URL
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