Vintage Mohair Musical Teddy Bear with Working Lador Mechanism, c.1950s

A characterful vintage musical teddy bear, measuring approximately 39 cm high. The bear is of traditional mohair construction, with amber and black eyes, a black stitched nose, stitched mouth and dark paw pads.

The maker is unknown, as there is no surviving label, button or clear manufacturer’s mark. On the basis of its materials, proportions, facial style and construction, it is most appropriately catalogued as a mid-20th-century teddy bear, circa 1950s.

A notable feature is the Lador wind-up musical mechanism set into the back. Lador was a Swiss maker of small mechanical musical movements, and its presence distinguishes this bear from ordinary musical bears. The mechanism is in working order at the time of cataloguing.

This is a decorative and appealing musical bear with a gentle expression, good display presence and added interest from its working wind-up movement.

Condition

Fair vintage condition with substantial age-related wear and repair. The mohair is very worn overall, with thinning, rubbing and exposed backing in places. There is substantial darning throughout, including visible repairs to the head, ears, body and limbs. The hand paws have been recovered. The nose may have been restitched and appears to use newer thread. The bear is fully jointed. The Lador wind-up musical mechanism is present and working at the time of cataloguing, though continued operation cannot be guaranteed. General marks, wear, old stitching, softening and repair are present throughout.

Maker: Unknown; fitted with a Lador Swiss wind-up musical mechanism

Date: Circa 1950s

Height: 39 cm

Material: Mohair plush over textile backing, amber and black eyes, stitched facial detail, dark paw pads, internal stuffing and Lador wind-up musical mechanism

Construction: Fully jointed teddy bear with swivel head, jointed arms and legs, stitched facial detail and internal wind-up musical mechanism

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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