Hi Jakob,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The Ideal Novelty and Toy Company, founded in 1907 in New York City, began making teddy bears early in its history; bears made with a center/front seam are early (pre WWII) examples. The company is credited with being one of the first American manufacturers to produce teddy bears. Ideal bears rivalled Steiff bears, which were made in Germany in the late 19th Century; they are equally collectible if slightly less valuable than Steiff examples.

Your bear has been well loved for at least 3 generations, possibly 4, and shows the sign of being cherished for so long, with patches to the mohair and some losses to its nose and claw stitching but its main seams appear to be intact and it does not seem to have lost any stuffing. I agree that the muzzle looks a little odd and concur that it might have been reshaped at one time. If this bear were to be auctioned, it would have an estimate of $100-150.

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

An antique Ideal cinnamon mohair teddy bear
made in NYC, circa 1920s-30s
The jointed front-seam teddy bear with brown glass eyes, sewn nose and claws, and felt pads. Unlabeled. Stuffed with excelsior and never fitted with a growler.
24 inches tall
CONDITION: This bear appears to be in generally good condition with minor wear commensurate to age and use. Muzzle possibly reshaped.
PROVENANCE: Acquired at a garage or yard sale
$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