The Old Bear Company

"Manfred" - Effanbee c1915

Manfred is a very special little guy who we first sold many years ago. Dating to around 1915, he wears the old clothes he has been dressed in for a long time. Manfred retains his Efanbee label which is faded and partly loose but some lettering can still be seen. There is overall wear to the mohair and the pads are damaged but he wears a pair of cute socks and remains in strong condition with an adorable face. Manfred is fully jointed with original glass eyes and remains of fabric nose. Please enquire for more details on this rare old teddy who measures 14.5" tall Effanbee was founded in the USA in 1910 by Bernard E Fleischaker, a furniture dealer from Kentucky, and Hugo Baum, a puppet maker who had emigrated from Germany - 'Effanbee' being a combination of both men's names 'F & B'. For the first half of the twentieth century they were one of America's leading doll manufacturers. Their first products were various types of toys, and the 'Effanbee' mark was not used until they had decided to start making dolls in 1913. The partners were innovative and, with the customary German doll and toy supplies blocked by World War One, the firm soon expanded and included teddy bears in their range. Although the company has changed owners many times since Hugo Baum's death in 1940, Effanbee dolls have been in near continuous production for over 100 years; however, it is very rare to find a labelled teddy bear! Additional pics SOLD

Note: US Dollar prices are approximate. The purchase price will depend on the exchange rate at the time of the transaction.

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