Oldbearscene

ANTIQUE FARNELL TEDDY BEARS

11/12/2009 10:43:43 AM

HENRY FARNELL AND HIS LITTLE ANTIQUE WWI FARNELL SOLDIER BEAR FRIENDS

Henry G Farnell was sitting here quietly as usual and I noticed he seemed to be looking at me more intently than usual. I felt he was trying desperately to tell me something. I can only think that he wanted me to share with you some photos and information about himself and his friends.

Henry G is a large old antique Farnell teddy bear dating to around 1918. He is a big and very solid old boy, but with a soft and knowing expression that says he has seen so much during his long life. Henry is the proud owner of a World War One aviator style uniform that belonged to a little boy during the 1914-18 era. Henry loves his suit and wears it with pride, along with his WWI flag pin, Old Seadog badge and his trio of medals (which date to the 1939-45 period).

In Henry’s top pocket sits his little Farnell Soldier Bear friend, Monty. His other friend is Winston, a Campbell Bear (one of the many soldier bears owned by twin brothers Guy and David Campbell, who later became Sir Guy Campbell and Major David Campbell) who is rather posh and has his very own leather case to sit in, and says he ‘doesn’t do pockets’! He also has a little pipe cleaner horse friend made by the Campbell brothers.

The English Farnell company produced small mascot teddy bears, 3.5 inches tall around the start of the First World War. These little mascot teddy bears became well known for being given to soldiers as they went off to serve during the Great War. They were given by sweethearts and families in the hope that they would be good luck mascots and help to return the soldiers safely home. The teddies, with their little eyes positioned on the top of their heads, were designed to be kept in a top pocket – a small reminder of the homes and loved ones left behind. These super little antique teddy bears form a part of history and could recount many an interesting tale if they were able to talk to us. We can only imagine what they have lived through in their existence of almost a century, particularly those who saw active service! Some of the little Farnell soldier bears have survived the test of time well, other old soldier bears look very much ‘battle scarred’, with perhaps missing eyes, ears and even limbs.

Those old bears that have belonged to serving soldiers and come with provenance of their ownership and lives are very much sought after and command very high prices.

Henry, Monty and Winston hope you enjoy the photo and information .....


	ANTIQUE FARNELL TEDDY BEARS 11/12/2009 10:43:43 AM HENRY FARNELL AND HIS LITTLE ANTIQUE WWI FARNELL SOLDIER BEAR FRIENDS Henry G Farnell was sitting here quietly as usual and I noticed he seemed to be looking at me more intently than usual. I felt he was trying desperately to tell me something. I can only think that he wanted me to share with you some photos and information about himself and his friends. Henry G is a large old antique Farnell teddy bear dating to around 1918. He is a big and very solid old boy, but with a soft and knowing expression that says he has seen so much during his long life. Henry is the proud owner of a World War One aviator style uniform that belonged to a little boy during the 1914-18 era. Henry loves his suit and wears it with pride, along with his WWI flag pin, Old Seadog badge and his trio of medals (which date to the 1939-45 period). In Henry’s top pocket sits his little Farnell Soldier Bear friend, Monty. His other friend is Winston, a Campbell Bear (one of the many soldier bears owned by twin brothers Guy and David Campbell, who later became Sir Guy Campbell and Major David Campbell) who is rather posh and has his very own leather case to sit in, and says he ‘doesn’t do pockets’! He also has a little pipe cleaner horse friend made by the Campbell brothers. The English Farnell company produced small mascot teddy bears, 3.5 inches tall around the start of the First World War. These little mascot teddy bears became well known for being given to soldiers as they went off to serve during the Great War. They were given by sweethearts and families in the hope that they would be good luck mascots and help to return the soldiers safely home. The teddies, with their little eyes positioned on the top of their heads, were designed to be kept in a top pocket – a small reminder of the homes and loved ones left behind. These super little antique teddy bears form a part of history and could recount many an interesting tale if they were able to talk to us. We can only imagine what they have lived through in their existence of almost a century, particularly those who saw active service! Some of the little Farnell soldier bears have survived the test of time well, other old soldier bears look very much ‘battle scarred’, with perhaps missing eyes, ears and even limbs. Those old bears that have belonged to serving soldiers and come with provenance of their ownership and lives are very much sought after and command very high prices. Henry, Monty and Winston hope you enjoy the photo and information .....