Chad Valley Mohair Teddy Bear with Queen Mother Royal Warrant Label and Growler, c.1953–1960

A vintage Chad Valley teddy bear dating from approximately 1953–1960, retaining its original manufacturer’s foot label bearing the Royal Warrant of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

Founded in 1860, The Chad Valley Co. Ltd. became one of Britain’s best-known toy manufacturers and was granted a number of Royal Warrants during the twentieth century. Bears carrying the Queen Mother warrant belong to the firm’s post-war production and remain popular with collectors of British teddy bears.

This example measures approximately 40 cm in height and is covered in golden mohair with amber glass eyes, stitched nose and mouth, and a traditional internal growler mechanism. The growler remains operative, although only weakly.

The original Chad Valley foot label survives and remains legible despite considerable wear. Bears retaining identifiable labels are increasingly sought after, as they provide direct evidence of manufacture and assist with accurate dating.

Condition is commensurate with age and long use. There is extensive wear to the mohair throughout, with substantial thinning and exposed backing fabric in places. The paw pads are heavily worn and display significant age-related deterioration. The growler is present and produces a faint sound. Nevertheless, the bear retains considerable character and remains an authentic example of mid-twentieth-century British teddy bear production.

A genuine Chad Valley survivor with strong decorative appeal and a well-preserved period expression.

Maker: The Chad Valley Co. Ltd.
Date: c.1953–1960
Origin: England
Materials: Mohair, glass eyes, stuffed body, internal growler
Height: Approx. 40 cm
Condition: Fair to good antique condition, with substantial wear to mohair and paw pads; growler weak but functioning; original label present.

Why Buy from Hornseys?

For almost fifty years, Hornseys has specialised in sourcing, researching and offering carefully selected works of art, rare books, antiques and collectable objects. Every Chad Valley teddy bear offered for sale is examined individually and catalogued with the same attention to detail that we apply throughout our business.

Expertise and Research

Our descriptions are based on careful first-hand examination and supported by research into Chad Valley manufacturing history, Royal Warrant labels, materials, construction methods and comparable recorded examples. Where possible, we identify date ranges, model characteristics, original features and any later alterations to provide collectors with accurate and transparent information.

Authenticity and Provenance

Authenticity is fundamental to our approach. We assess each bear for period materials, labels, construction details and condition, clearly noting restorations, replacements or associated items where known. We believe buyers should have confidence that every description reflects the object as it is, not as we would like it to be.

Condition Reporting

Vintage teddy bears inevitably show signs of age and use. We provide honest condition assessments, accompanied by comprehensive photography, so collectors can make informed decisions. Any wear, repairs, losses or alterations are described as accurately as possible.

Carefully Curated Selection

We do not aim to offer large quantities of stock. Instead, we focus on finding examples that possess quality, character, historical interest and visual appeal. Whether a bear is a rare early Chad Valley example or a charming post-war companion, it must meet our standards before being offered for sale.

Established Reputation

Hornseys has been serving collectors and enthusiasts since 1976. From our gallery in Ripon, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, we have built a reputation for knowledgeable cataloguing, careful packing and personal customer service.

Our Guarantee

Every item is sold with an unconditional guarantee. If you are not entirely satisfied with your purchase, you may return it within fourteen days of receipt for any reason, provided it is returned in the same condition in which it was supplied. We simply ask that you notify us in advance of any return.

Explore Our Chad Valley Collection

From early mohair bears to post-war Royal Warrant examples, our Chad Valley collection celebrates one of Britain’s most important toy manufacturers. Each bear is selected for its authenticity, character and collectability, offering collectors the opportunity to acquire genuine pieces of British teddy bear history.

Visit Hornseys to discover our curated selection of Chad Valley bears, fine art, rare books and collectable objects from our Yorkshire Dales gallery, established in 1976.

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