Hi Diana,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Lots of signs point to a mid 20th Century American or British bear, mostly the plush fur, which replaced the mohair that earlier bears were made from. Cotton muslin muzzle & paw pads were common on mass-market bears from the 1940s–1960s. The style of the body and limbs point to factory production, not a hand-crafted or luxury bear.

Only a small number of makers incorporated rattles into the ears of their bears, which helps narrow down the list of potential makers: Steiff, Bing, Hermann, Zinner and Schuco.

Steiff bears are so well documented and have a definitive look that I can tell this isn't by them but more likely Bing or Hermann.

Teddy bears can be an indelible memory from childhood and sentimental value usually exceeds the current market value, which, in this case, is $100-150 at auction.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage German copper plush stuffed jointed teddy bear
Probably by Bing or Hermann, mid 20th Century
With black button eyes, muslin paw pads, stitched smile, wire joints and rattle in its ear. Unmarked.
16 inches overall length
CONDITION: With wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 100-150*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia