Vintage Chad Valley Royal Warrant Mohair Teddy Bear, c.1938–1952

A well-loved vintage Chad Valley teddy bear, measuring 30 cm, with its original Chad Valley Royal Warrant foot label still present. The label reads “The Chad Valley Co. Ltd / By Appointment / Toy Makers to H.M. The Queen”, placing the bear within the Royal Warrant period used after Chad Valley received the warrant in 1938 and before the wording changed to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in the early 1950s.

This bear has the appealing character associated with mid-century British teddy bears: a softly shaped head, black stitched nose, inset eyes, fully jointed limbs, golden mohair covering, and orange-brown paw pads. The bear has clearly been much handled and loved, giving it strong decorative and collector appeal despite the substantial wear.

Condition

Obvious age-related wear throughout. The mohair is worn, flattened and thinned in places, with areas of balding and exposed backing, particularly to the arms, body seams and extremities. All four paw pads show damage, losses, fraying, small holes and exposed underlying material. The foot label is worn but remains legible enough to identify Chad Valley and the Royal Warrant wording. There is the remnants of a label which has been cut off the the chest seam. There is visible wear to the body fabric and seams, consistent with long use. The bear remains displayable and retains considerable charm, but should be regarded as a worn collector’s example rather than a high-condition specimen.

Maker: The Chad Valley Co. Ltd, Harborne, Birmingham.

Date: c.1938–1952. The “Toy Makers to H.M. The Queen” Royal Warrant label supports a date after the 1938 warrant and before the post-1952 wording naming Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

Height: 30 cm

Material: Golden mohair plush with textile backing, orange-brown fabric paw pads, stitched black nose, inset eyes and original woven cloth foot label.

Construction: Fully jointed, with moveable head, arms and legs. The bear appears to be traditionally stuffed, probably with a combination of firm stuffing to the head and softer body stuffing, although the exact internal material has not been confirmed without physical examination.

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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