This OUT OF PRINT catalogue lists and describes 278 lots, MOST of which appear to be illustrated, of cuddly and huggable Vintage Teddy Bears !

"The Paddington Bear we know today was inspired by a small toy left on the shelf of Selfridges Toy Department in 1956. Michael Bond bought him as a Christmas present for his wife, Brenda. Michael named the bear 'Paddington' since this was the station from which he travelled to his family home in Reading.

"The book the bear inspired was completely unplanned. Mr. + Mrs. Brown were based on Bond's parents and Mrs. Bird the housekeeper was a portrait of a friend's aunt."

So begins the world-famous Paddington bear saga, celebrating his 40th Birthday - including information about the illustrator of the books, Harry Hargreaves. A number of his original illustrations were included in this sale - along with an exceptional selection of vintage teddies of every style and size!

Makers include : Bing, Chad Valley, Chiltern, Farnell, Hermann, Merrythought, Schuco, Steiff, and a number of designer bears, among OTHERS!

The pics illustrating 300+ bears and some other critters are a really kewl reference source for teddy makers, vintage arctophyle collectors and historians. Each item description gives details on size, materials employed and dates.

Hey, if you collect TEDDY BEARS, as I have for many years, this really kewl fabulously illustrated book will prove to be a most welcome addition, in information as well as pics, to your personal computer database.

Extensive Index [of makers/types/models].

For well over 20 years I have been adding these extremely well illustrated, frequently monographic auction catalogues as reference sources to my personal library, and was always absolutely thrilled to find something dealing with my eclectic interests. As with many of the books in my research library, I frequently, when possible, obtained duplicate copies, as I like to have one to use and another as a back-up. They are really a UNIQUE source for hard-to-find data and for use as identification guides, usually containing information about the size, media, dates, styles, signatures, estimated values, and often data on the artist or maker. Older catalogues on specialized subjects are usually extremely difficult to find because knowledgeable collectors had already acquired them as invaluable reference sources when they first appeared!

Book in EXCELLENT Condition!!