Chad Valley Winnie-the-Pooh Honey Pot Bear with Bee and Growler, c.1968-1975

A charming Chad Valley Winnie-the-Pooh bear retaining its original removable honey pot and bee accessories, together with a Chad Valley Chiltern Hygienic Toys label and working growler.

The bear is constructed in golden mohair plush with glass eyes, stitched nose and mouth, and brown felt paw pads. Unlike traditional Chad Valley teddy bears, this is a non-jointed character model produced to represent Winnie-the-Pooh, one of the most enduring figures in twentieth-century children’s literature.

The woven side label reading “Chad Valley Chiltern Hygienic Toys – Made in England” provides a reliable basis for dating. Following Chad Valley’s acquisition of Chiltern Toys in 1967, a range of character and novelty bears were produced under the combined branding. The present example belongs to this period and represents a well-preserved example of British post-war soft toy manufacture.

Examples retaining their original accessories are increasingly difficult to find. The honey pot and bee survive here, together with the original growler, all of which contribute significantly to both collectability and display appeal. The bear possesses an attractive expression and retains good colour throughout the mohair.

Chad Valley character bears remain popular with collectors of British teddy bears, nursery memorabilia and Winnie-the-Pooh material. Complete examples such as this are considerably scarcer than standard post-war teddy bears and are increasingly appreciated as decorative survivors of the golden age of British toy manufacture.

Maker: Chad Valley Chiltern Hygienic Toys
Date: c.1968–1975
Origin: England
Materials: Mohair plush, felt paw pads, glass eyes, kapok stuffing, growler mechanism
Height: 28 cm sitting height
Condition: Very good vintage condition. Mohair generally clean and bright with light age-related wear. Original Chad Valley Chiltern label present. Honey pot and bee retained. Original growler functioning at the time of cataloguing. Minor wear commensurate with age and use.

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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