Bear of the Month

Nurse Bea searches for a cure for "Ted-itis"

The incurable habit of collecting Teddy Bears or "Arctophily"

This month we feature the Petz Company of Germany

Founded in 1859 by Alwin Kiesewetter near Coberg Germany. The Petz Comapny made high quality teddy bears of mohair. 1919 records mention teddy bears in their line of toys. Most teddy bears were fully jointed. Some, like the 2 samll teddies shown, had a simple wire jointing system where the arms or legs moved together. The body was usually long and barrel shaped. The ears of the Petz bears were "sliced in", meaning slits were cut into the top of the head and the ears were inserted and stitched into place. This was an unusual practice, and can often help identify a Petz teddy bear.

The Petz teddy bear had long arms with curving paws that had very long felt pads. The felt pads on the soles of the feet were often pointed. The nose stitching was normally horizontal. The teddy in the photo with the Petz button is a later version with a triangular nose. He has wonderful long "tipped" mohair which was used by Petz frequently. He is wearing a very early child's vest.

A milk glass button was often attached to the chest of the bear. The word Petz in red lettering in the center of the button. I have included a photo of the button. Please excuse the poor quality of the last photo. It is not one of mine, but he is such an unusual teddy I wanted to share him with you.

You can find more information on this wonderful German company on pages 116 to 120 of Jurgen and Marianne Cieslik's Teddy Bear Encyclopedia. Also, Linda Mullins' Teddy Bears and Friends Identification and Price Guide, page 70.

Next month I believe I will feature the Pintel company of France.. Until then TEDDIES TO YA'!

If you have a suggestion for next months "Bear of the Month", e-mail us! Teddy@oldbearclinic.com.