Soldier Bears Mascot Bears Pocket Bears WWI Mohair Pals for the Trenches

Soldier Bears by JK Farnell and Steevans UK

Known as Soldier Bears, Mascot Bears and Pocket Bears, they were produced between 1914 and 1920 for wives, mothers, and sweethearts to give to their loved ones when they went to war, as good luck mascots and to keep their owner's safe. 

Precious miniature mohair plush teddy bears, fully jointed with comical upturned faces, their eyes at the tops of their heads so they could see out of the soldier's uniform pocket.

JK Farnell, founded in England in 1840 began making traditional teddy bears in 1908 and produced Soldier Bears and mascot dogs and cats. Steevans UK is also mentioned as a maker of some Mascot Bears.

The most famous collection of Soldier Bears belonged to the Campbell brothers, who both went to war and amassed an amazing collection of close to 400 bears. The bears were auctioned by Sotheby's in London in 1999 and carry the provenance of their previous owners.

AA Milne, Winnie The Pooh's creator was said to have carried a Farnell mascot dog to the front.

An Australian / British Soldier Bear.

Soldier Bear and his Trusty Steed

He is accompanied by his trusty steed, a white mohair horse, mostly bald now, but still with his felt saddle and strap. Entrusted to their care is a silk handkerchief with hand embroidered British and Australian flags. Kept for decades in their tin biscuit trunk for safe keeping.

Tin Biscuit Trunk

 

Soldier Bear and his Horse

British Australian Golden Mohair Soldier Bear

A British Soldier Bear, missing his ears, kept in his old wooden trunk and wrapped in patriot muslin clothing.

Soldier Bear and his wooden trunk

Soldier bears are tiny bears, usually about 3 to 4 inches tall, full jointed, have small chenille stem ears and glass eyes located at the tops of their heads so that they can peek out of the pockets of their soldier owners. Made from mohair in traditional gold, Farnell also made them in the British patriotic colours of red, white and blue.

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