Chad Valley Mohair Teddy Bear with Queen Mother Royal Warrant Label, c.1953–1959

An appealing mid-century English teddy bear manufactured by Chad Valley and retaining its original cloth foot label bearing the Royal Warrant of H.M. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Standing approximately 42 cm (16½ inches) high, the bear is constructed in golden-beige mohair plush with a fully jointed body, swivel head, amber and black eyes, stitched black nose and rexine-covered paw pads.

The surviving foot label is a particularly useful dating feature. Following the accession of Queen Elizabeth II in 1952, Chad Valley revised its Royal Warrant labels to reference Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, placing this bear firmly within the post-1953 production period. Bears carrying this warrant are among the most recognisable Chad Valley productions of the 1950s and remain highly sought after by collectors of British teddy bears.

The bear displays the honest wear expected of a well-preserved vintage toy. There is minor wear to the mohair and some age-related rubbing to the paw pads, but the overall presentation is exceptionally good. The facial expression remains charming and characterful, and the bear retains excellent display presence.

Accompanying the bear is a floral cotton dress of the period. While attractive and sympathetic to the bear’s age, it is not believed to be original Chad Valley clothing.

A genuine and increasingly difficult-to-find example of a post-war Chad Valley teddy bear, retaining its desirable Queen Mother warrant label and presented in very good condition.

Maker: Chad Valley Co. Ltd., England
Date: c.1953–1959
Height: 42 cm (16½ inches)
Materials: Mohair plush, jointed composition/cardboard-lined body, rexine paw pads
Condition: Very good indeed. Minor wear to mohair and paw pads commensurate with age. Original Queen Mother warrant foot label present. Period dress, not original to the bear.

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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