SDF Shanghai Doll Factory Plush Teddy Bear Collectibles Post War

Shanghai Doll Factory, China - Post War Teddy Bear Collectibles

After WWII Asian stuffed toys began to appear in North America. One of the more popular/prolific brands was the Shanghai Doll Factory; Shanghai "Dolls" Factory or Shanghai "Toy" Factory or SDF were also names used by this company on their tags over the years. Teddy Bears and other soft toys were made out of dense pure wool, a plush similar to mohair plush but not quite as soft. Wool plush is a cheaper natural plush to manufacture. Shanghai Doll Factory stuffed toys were at the peak of their popularity from the late 1950s into the early 1970s. It is not known when imports stopped or when manufacture may have ceased.

Shanghai Doll Factory Wool Plush Panda Teddy Bear

Early bears were made with stitched noses, or molded rubber noses and glass eyes. Later, plastic safety eyes came into use and noses were made from molded plastic rather than rubber.

Shanghai Doll Factory Blonde Teddy

Shanghai Doll Factory Teddy with molded nose

Teddy Bears are usually fully jointed, although this blonde wool plush teddy has a fixed head with only his limbs jointed. This blonde teddy by SDF, is typically the style design and colour that is most commonly found.

Soft toys were identified with a cloth embroidered seam label, usually in an arm seam or side seam. One side is embroidered "Pure Wool" in English, and the other side is embroidered with Chinese characters so you must be able to recognize these seam labels as belonging to the Shanghai Doll Factory unless one of their paper tags is also present.

SDF Cloth Seam Tag "Pure Wool"

Chinese characters on reverse of label

A paper rosette swing tag in gold, white, black and red, was also used on Shanghai Doll Factory soft toys.

Below, one style shows "SDF Shanghai Dolls Factory" and the other style shows "Made in China" with Chinese characters, and both have the same foiled golden teddy head logo. Some labels had the factory's address: 159 Puan Road, Shanghai and item numbers printed or stamped on the reverse.

SDF Paper Label in English

SDF Paper Label in Chinese

Bears and animals were made with both closed and opened mouths, often with a small red fabric tongue.

SDF Teddy Bear with Pointed Snout

SDF Bear with opened mouth & fabric tongue

This Teddy Bear has an unusual pointed snout design in a contrasting beige wool plush and is fully jointed.

Some bears have carded feet (foot pads lined with thick flat cardboard) and can stand very well. I have seen various materials used for paw pads including twill fabric, felt and synthetic velvet or velveteen. Fibre sub, wool sub, wood wool, or mixed scrap textiles was used as stuffing, which makes the bears and animals very firm.

Small animals are fun additions for dollhouse play or as toys/friends for teddy bears.

SDF Stuffed Wool Plush Rabbits

The rabbit on all fours has his fabric seam label and shows a small red fabric tongue. The standing rabbit has lost his seam tag but has the same ear lining as the bigger bunny.

Being made from natural wool, there can be rubbing wear or moth damage to the plush. The fabric backing becomes visible in these bald spots.

To ensure there is no nasty critter infestation, pop the DRY animal in a ziplock bag and place in the freezer for a couple of days. Do not leave him in too long or moisture can build up inside the bag; a day or two is plenty. To clean any soiled areas, surface clean ONLY. The animal should not be immersed.

Please see my previous blog on how to clean collectible animals for full instructions. Link is HERE.

Many of the animals shown here are available for adoption at Mandicrafts! Please click HERE to view.

Happy Hunting!

Bear Hugs

Mandy