Old Teddy Bear Appraisal

1930 Diem Teddy Bear

This is a vintage 1930 Diem teddy bear, displaying characteristics typical of its era. The bear is primarily constructed from a rich, reddish-brown mohair, which appears to have a significant amount of wear and thinning in several areas, particularly around the snout, the top of the head, and parts of the limbs. The fur exhibits substantial pile loss, exposing the underlying fabric in places, consistent with nearly a century of handling and age. The bear features jointed limbs, visible by the distinct articulation points which suggest a traditional disc-jointed construction, allowing for poseability. The paws and feet are made of a lighter, beige-colored felt or similar material, and show signs of discoloration and some minor fraying. The facial features include an embroidered or stitched dark brown nose, which is somewhat worn but still discernible, and a single black button eye present on its left side (viewer's right). A notable condition issue is the complete absence of the right eye button (viewer's left), leaving a clear indentation and discolored area where it once was, as specifically noted in the provided context. The bear's overall soft form suggests it is stuffed with a traditional material like excelsior or kapok, which would give it a firm yet somewhat yielding feel. There are no readily visible manufacturer's marks or tags in the provided image; however, the context identifies it as a 'Diem' bear, indicating a specific German manufacturer known for quality teddy bears during that period. The craftsmanship, though showing age, appears to be robust, typical of early 20th-century toy manufacturing, built for durability and play. The bear's charmingly worn appearance contributes to its vintage appeal and indicates its significant history.