My very favorite antique teddy bears tend to be not the high end models, like Steiff, or those in rare mint condition. Although of course I enjoy finding such fine examples, I actually prefer bears from unknown makers who had, shall we say, less than a firm grasp of stuffed toy design. I also adore bruins who have been heavily loved, and experienced a lot of life. These two factors combine to create bears who are full of character, like "Rupert" here, a c.1915 American teddy with the hugest ears I've ever seen. Rupert was lovingly dressed long ago by a previous owner. I'm leaving him as found, especially as his clothes are helping to hold him together! Is this the cutest face ever seen on a teddy bear? I think, quite possibly, yes. Somewhere during his long lifetime, Rupert had an owner who thought he was the perfect model for a portrait, which has fortunately remained with him: I'm not sure what the beer bottle signifies. I'm hoping Rupert doesn't turn out to have a "drinking problem..." Here's Rupert with his new best friend, Nosey Parker, another character-filled bear:
