A London based company which manufactured the first British teddy bear in 1906. Founded in Notting Hill, the firm was started in 1840 by a silk merchant, John Kirby Farnell, and made items such as pin cushions and tea cosies.
After Farnell's death, his children, Henry and Agnes, continued the business from Acton in West London. They produced soft toys, moving from rabbit skin to mohair. Farnell rapidly became one of the leading teddy bear manufacturers, registering the Alpha trademark in 1925. "The Teddy Bear Encyclopedia" states that the Alpha Bear inspired the creation by A.A. Milne for Winnie the Pooh.
The company premises were destroyed by a fire in 1934 and by bombing in 1940. It finally ceased trading in the 1960s and the Farnell name was taken over by Merrythought in 1996.
Dimensions as follows...
Height: 14 inches or 35.5 cm (sat)
Height: 19 inches or 48.2 cm (stood)
Weight: 821 grams or 1lb 13 oz
As you're already probably aware, vintage, Alpha Farnell teddy bears are becoming ever-more rare and collectable. They're increasing in value, so real investment potential with this wonderful teddy bear. A sweet teddy bear that will be gently and carefully wrapped for his loving new owner.
This beautiful teddy bear will be sent out recorded, special delivery with insurance.
Please note, all our international postal charges are only estimates and will be confirmed and altered up or down when we know the destination of where items are being sent. Please also note we only charge actual costs of postage and packaging with insurance, no more.
Please feel free to look at our other Items.