Farnell Soldier Bears

Farnell “Soldier” bears, were initially made as mascots during the First World War. They have been attributed in the past to German manufacturers, yet have since been discovered with the Farnell label still attached. Often they were bought by a loved one for a young soldier going off to war. These little teds were available in a variety of colours including the patriotic red, white and blue, as well as the usual blonde mohair. Sizes ranged from 3” (8cm) to 5” (13cm).

Cats, dogs and even lucky pigs were also produced in the same style and often had a card label attached to the body with a good luck message. Eyes were usually glass pins stuck high into the forehead, enabling the animals to be placed in a top pocket and still see out! With a most simple pin jointing method, they were mass produced and cheap to buy, yet today a fine example can fetch up to £200.

Sadly, many brave men never made it home from the war, and it was sometimes only the teddy that returned. Bears with a sentimental history attached to them are especially sort after.

The photograph above shows how beautifully these miniature soldier bears can be displayed.