Teddy bear

Bear thought to be made by Morris Michtom, early 1900s; donated to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History by Theodore Roosevelt's grandson, Kermit Roosevelt Jr., in 1964

A replica Steiff model 55PB displayed at the Steiff-Museum, Giengen, Germany, 2006; no original examples of the 55PB are known to survive

A Teddy bear is a stuffed toy in the form of a bear. Developed apparently simultaneously by toymakers Morris Michtom in the U.S. and Richard Steiff under his aunt Margarete Steiff's company in Germany in the early 20th century, the teddy bear, named after President Theodore Roosevelt, became a popular children's toy and has been celebrated in story, song, and film.^[1]

Since the creation of the first Teddy bears which sought to imitate the form of real bear cubs, "teddies" have greatly varied in form, style, color, and material. They have become collector's items, with older and rarer teddies appearing at public auctions.^[2] Teddy bears are among the most popular gifts for children and are often given to adults to signify affection, congratulations, or sympathy.

^ David Cannadine (February 1, 2003). "A point of view - The Grownups with teddy bears". BBC News. Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved February 1, 2013.
^ "A STEIFF HARLEQUIN TEDDY BEAR, jointed, half red and half blue mohair, one blue and black and one brown and black glass eye, black stitching, yellow felt pads and FF button, circa 1925 --13½in. (34cm.) high (small bald spot below right ear, some fading mainly to the blue, blue eye cracked, patch to right pad and some general wear)". Christie's. Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved October 12, 2010. Estimate £50,000–£80,000

[APOV-1] David Cannadine (February 1, 2003). "A point of view - The Grownups with teddy bears". BBC News. Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved February 1, 2013.

[2] "A STEIFF HARLEQUIN TEDDY BEAR, jointed, half red and half blue mohair, one blue and black and one brown and black glass eye, black stitching, yellow felt pads and FF button, circa 1925 --13½in. (34cm.) high (small bald spot below right ear, some fading mainly to the blue, blue eye cracked, patch to right pad and some general wear)". Christie's. Archived from the original on June 5, 2020. Retrieved October 12, 2010. Estimate £50,000–£80,000

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