Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Daphne, as I understand it, both Steiff and Hermann marketed a bear named "Zotty" the zottelbar ("shaggy bear," right?). (Hermann's line was often in lock step with what Steiff was offering.) I don't know of any other makers who used the name, but the bears were so popular that the term seems to have taken on the meaning, "furry bear with open mouth and turned down paws."  (Maybe someone knows whether Fechter also called their bear a Zotty? Angie's Fechter bear certainly looks similar to the other brands.)

Angie, now I can see your JJ better. I'm afraid I still don't know about makers. There were so many small companies in countries all over the world -- your Monty may very well be from Poland. I can see that you appreciate the "alternative" plushes -- the wool and cotton and artificial silk. All of the bears have loads of character, that much is certain!

Thanks for sharing pictures of your hug!

Becky

What a wonderful collection of well-loved bears! I might need to come back from time to time and concentrate on one or two.

First off, Monty is fabulous with that big round head! I know you'll give him the ears he deserves. The other thing to note up front is that with the wear, some of the identifying features of your bears might be gone - original paw pads, nose and claw stitching, even ear shape.

That being said, Piggerlet could be an early Merrythought. The nose stitching has been replaced, right? But if they copied the original, Merrythought used the down-turned stitches on the outside. They also made some bears with wide, flat ears sewn across the seams like Piggerlet's.

Your Gruff bear also has the look of an English bear to me - with his short arms and flattish head. But he looks like he was "high-end merchandise" with his long pile mohair and shapely muzzle. Maybe Farnell or Chad Valley?

Little Titch and Bailey must also be English. Both are adorable! My only other thought, really, is that someone made a very valiant effort when they replaced JJ's muzzle. He was worth saving obviously:)

Best regards,
Becky

Angie, I think many TT-ers would love to look at your old bears! I'm no expert, but I do have a few bear reference books. Perhaps if you post some photos in this General category, the old-bear lovers can put their heads together and offer guesses about the makers?

Becky

Lovely bears! And you taught me the meaning of "zotty" today.

Old Fred is certainly in need of much love. Fritz looks more "familiar" to me. His shape and muzzle and wide-set eyes remind me of Hermann bears, and the cotton plush fur (or is it "art silk"?) probably dates him to circa 1945-1955.

Maybe we'll get some other guesses about Fred and Fritz:)

Becky

P.S. Here's my little Steiff Zotty - just cuz he's so darned cute!

By "Zotty bear," do you mean a bear with open mouth and turned-down paws? Or just an open mouth?

The red mouth insert definitely sounds like a Fechter feature. Between Steiff and Hermann Zotty bears, a distinguishing characteristic is the yellow or peach "bib" that forms the top part of the Steiff bear's body. Both brands were made with an inset muzzle rather than a shaved muzzle.

Was this any help at all?

Becky

Wow! Killer! (sorry) This really is a stunning piece of work, Lisa.

I think you were wise to skip the bloodstains. (The bright red gums and glowing teeth should give the picture.)

Thanks for sharing,
Becky

Nice work with the close-ups, Thomas! (Frog #4 is my favorite, too.) They really are beautiful animals.

Becky

Such a sincere expression - very sweet!

Becky

The little wrinkles in their legs and bodies are lovely. You have such a good eye for details!

Becky

Thanks everyone! I really do appreciate the good words.

I'm glad that the bears look holdable and huggable. This one has an especially rounded tummy, which I like.

Now, the name Bertie... It was on impulse, and largely because I wasn't sure of the bear's gender. (Roberta, Robert, Bertha?) Thomas' bear Leo, on the other hand, reminded me of a lion:)

Best,
Becky

Bertie the 14" bear is posted on my website and available for adoption. He is made from dense ivory-colored mohair and has brown cotton velveteen paw pads and antique boot-button eyes and a waxed nose. He has an adorable little hump, even if I do say so myself:)

Becky

Hooray! Sasha is coming to live with me in the great white north! (Not so white at this time of the year, but not so far from the Arctic Circle either:)

Thank you, Sue.

Becky

This one's my favorite! There's something koala-like in that cute face.

Becky

He's beautiful! Thanks for sharing:)

Becky

Thanks to you both!

Susan: Your avatar bear is gorgeous!

Thomas: You always give me a big smile!

Becky

Hi Peter,

Despite the bad economy, you've given me a very good laugh! I thought I was the only one feeling smart about putting all my money into bears:) They might not be the ideal retirement plan, but they definitely make me feel better.

Becky

I'm getting ready to add these two new bears to my website, and a third later tonight if all goes well. Feel free to stop by and have a look!

Becky

That's one jolly-looking bear! Congratulations on your first, and may there be many more.

Becky

I first saw the Ott lights mentioned here in the Tips section, so here's my tip. I got two nice 13w Ott lights for $40 USD (One is next to the sewing machine and the other is on the table where I do hand sewing). The price for one light is $25 -- much less than they were asking at the craft stores. Here's the link, along with a coupon code below:

http://www.ott-lite.com/p-228-the-learn … -3999.aspx

To get 10% off your purchase, type FRIEND in the promo code box during checkout.

Becky

Paula,
I was also a Facebook-resistor, but now that I'm there, I really don't find it to be time-consuming. It's nice to feel as if I'm "in touch" with old friends, and it's a VERY quick and easy way to share photos. As for the apps and other features of the site, I just don't use them.
Becky

That's a very nice color combination - the peridot green with the coral-red heart.

So creative! These guys are adorable, and a very refreshing change of pace:)

Becky

Gorgeous! I really like the bold black eyes and nose against that yummy pink fur:)

Becky

What a sweet handful!

What a gorgeous set! You must be very happy with the way both the bear and the box turned out.