A rare wartime Steiff teddy bear bought at Bermondsey Market could fetch £1,200 at auction.
The 116-year-old cuddly toy was possibly given to its young owner to “soften the blow” of a father going to war.
Captain Bruny, dressed in full WWI British uniform, comes with a handmade sword, driving license and pistol.
Daniel Agnew, antique bear specialist, said: “These teddy bears were a staple part of childhood during war times.
“Capt Bruiny is an example of one of the toys that would have been given to children to soften the blow of their fathers going to war.”
The teddy was purchased from Bermondsey Market in the 1970s and is accompanied by a handwritten note explaining his intriguing history.
The postcard says how Bruiny arrived in Birmingham at Christmas, 1908, before heading to Salisbury Plain in 1915.
He had a motorbike and sidecar with wheels made out of Golden Syrup tin lids, a driving license signed by the child’s father, and a sword made from yew. Amazingly he still has the driving license, sword and pistol.
Bruiny has light golden mohair, black boot button eyes, a pronounced muzzle with remains of black stitched nose and mouth, swivel head, jointed elongated limbs, and an inoperative growler.
Relatedarticles
The auction is on November 26, 2024. Find out more at: www.specialauctionservices.com
