Hi Tom,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

In 1942, during World War II, many U.S. toy manufacturers shifted production away from traditional toys to support the war effort by making military supplies. However, some companies continued making patriotic toys, including teddy bears dressed in military uniforms, as a way to boost morale.

Two prominent American companies involved in teddy bear manufacturing before and after the war were Ideal Toy Company and Steiff (a German company with a U.S. presence that produced specialty bears as collector’s items). Ideal Toy Company is known for producing some of the earliest teddy bears in the U.S. and made military-themed bears. The use by Ideal of straw as stuffing (and lack of ear button, a common Steiff element) strongly supports an attribution to Ideal as the maker of this delightful bear.

Ideal bears of this vintage typically sell for between $150-200 but the large size and comparative rarity of the solder bear - in this condition - warrants a value of $300-500 (had it been in better condition, it would be worth $400-600) at auction

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

A vintage World War II army soldier stuffed teddy bear
Attributed to the Ideal Toy Co, circa 1941-42
The blond mohair standing bear dressed in a typical Army regulation khaki dress uniform with cap, belt and sash, the jacket with winged eagle on the breast,
39 inches tall
CONDITION: With wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Unknown
$ 300-500*
*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