Skip to main content
eBay

Vintage Paddington Bear Hand Made?

(1 of 9)
Vintage Paddington Bear Hand Made?
Jun 17, 2012 07:21 AM

Hi,

 

I found this sweet Paddington yesterday.  The original owner told me she sent away to England for him in 1972 and that he was hand made.  I can't find any marks or labels on him at all.  Other than the bottom of his boots read "Made in England."  His passport appears to be hand done. He measures about 24 inches tall.  I was hoping someone might recognize him and give me some more information about him? Maker?  Anything would be appreciated and thanks in advance!

NEW!
Learn more about the eBay seller invoice enhancements now available in June. 

Vintage Paddington Bear Hand Made?

(8 Replies / 585 Views)
Vintage Paddington Bear Hand Made?
Jun 17, 2012 07:21 AM
2 Attachments

Hi,

 

I found this sweet Paddington yesterday.  The original owner told me she sent away to England for him in 1972 and that he was hand made.  I can't find any marks or labels on him at all.  Other than the bottom of his boots read "Made in England."  His passport appears to be hand done. He measures about 24 inches tall.  I was hoping someone might recognize him and give me some more information about him? Maker?  Anything would be appreciated and thanks in advance!

Last Post
by supertreasures (8217 ) View Listings
(1 of 8)
Re: Vintage Paddington Bear Hand Made?
Jun 19, 2012 09:51 AM

If it was hand made by an individual and there is no tag anywhere on the bear with the maker's name it would likely not be possible to find out who made it - the clothing can be purchased online for Paddington Bears so anyone could make a bear from a pattern and dress it accordingly.  Check the bear under the clothing and boots for a maker's name - but patterns are commercially available for these bears I believe/

(2 of 8)
Re: Vintage Paddington Bear Hand Made?
Jun 19, 2012 09:55 AM

Your bear is similar to the first Paddington bears made by Gabrielle in England - so you might find a tag on the back of the bear under the coat.  The bottom of the boots will also help date and id where the clothing came from.  Here is a page for information only on Gabrielle made Paddington Bears.  If it is a Gabrielle bear, an early one, it would be very collectible.

 

http://www.paddingtonbear.com/gabrielledesigns.html

(3 of 8)
Re: Vintage Paddington Bear Hand Made? Gabrielle?
Jun 19, 2012 10:18 AM
2 Attachments

Thank you so much for referring me to the Paddington site.  I understand that the early Gabrielle's had "stumps" with very little to no foot shape. I pulled off his boots and found the stumps rather than the actual foot shape.  Here are some pictures, I would welcome your opinions or thoughts as to if he is a vintage Gabrielle?  Thanks again!

   

(4 of 8)
Re: Vintage Paddington Bear Hand Made? Gabrielle?
Jun 19, 2012 06:02 PM

I couldn't even guess based on your pictures - but if it is a
Gabrielle it will have a sewn in white silky tag on the back of the bear - and the coat should have a label in it.  The early Paddingtons I have seen used felt and not velveteen, but I have never seen one of the first ones done which were made of a darker plush - the boots should say DUNLOP on the bottom of them - if they say PB they are a later make.  The nose is not consistent with the Gabrielle noses.  Check for a tag and look at the bottom of the boots.  There should be a tag if it is a Gabrielle bear.

(5 of 8)
Re: Vintage Paddington Bear Hand Made? Gabrielle?
Jun 19, 2012 06:03 PM

I just re-read that you say the boots say Made in England - is that all they say?

(6 of 8)
Re: Vintage Paddington Bear Hand Made?
Jun 19, 2012 07:41 PM
1 Attachment

I'm posting a close up of his boots.  They actually say "Made in Gr Britain."  They have an "M" inside a circle.  Thank you!

(7 of 8)
Re: Vintage Paddington Bear Hand Made?
Jun 20, 2012 06:48 PM

Gabrielle never used boots like that - I'm pretty sure your bear is not a Gabrielle between the nose, the paw pads, and the boots - nothing fits.  sorry! 

(8 of 8)
Re: Vintage Paddington Bear Hand Made?
Jun 21, 2012 11:44 AM

I agree and thank you so very much for the information.

To the top