It is hard to even know where to begin describing this extremely rare teddy bear. First, he is a black mohair bear, which is almost impossible to find in antique bears. Secondly his mohair is almost 100% perfect and intact.
Third, he is huge for an early American bear - this is rare in any color! Four, his paw pads are near perfect, but please see all pics. I realize this bear is not for everyone. He is not your casual collectors bear. It is a museum quality black antique bear with all original pads, nose, and glass eyes.
The original owner carefully packed him away and placed him in a box at the top of a closet. When the woman died he was then transferred to another closet storage for several years until the family had time to go through their grandmothers things.
I acquired him approximately 21 years ago from them. He is five way jointed and his joints are solid and firm. His mohair is so well preserved that it is hard to believe that he is well over 100 years old! At some point when he was first acquired the original owner decided to stitch his head looking forward.
The joint itself is in great condition, so I can only speculate as to why she wanted to do it. I started to unstitch it one day, but decided that it should stay as she had wanted him, so he be left as original as possible. I added an antique brass bell. If you are looking for that one bear to be the centerpiece of your bear collection then this would have to be it. You could look long and hard and you would be hard-pressed to find another of similar size and quality. I just dont want to risk that this bear be left on the porch and possibly could be the victim of porch Pirates. Please see all pictures as they are your best description. Please feel free to ask me any and all questions. I can send more photos to you if you wish. The bear has never been exposed to pets or smoke.The item "EXTREMELY RARE 26 inch BLACK 1910's Early American Mohair Teddy Bear" is in sale since Thursday, February 7, 2019. This item is in the category "Dolls & Bears\Bears\Antique". The seller is "bunratty" and is located in Montgomery, Texas. This item can be shipped to United States.