Punky - William Simpson Teddy Bear Collection

Punky - William Simpson Teddy Bear Collection

Teddy bear, 'Punky' a Merrythought 'Punkinhead' bear, jointed limbs, swivel head, imported into this country, two colours of fur fabric with a pale long fibre fabric for the top of the head, large eyes, original yellow felt shorts stitched to the body, Merrythought label stitched to base of left foot.

Bought at June Christies sale. Mr Simpson's note reads: A Merrythought Punkinhead. This bear was an imported specimen and import duty was duly paid. Punkinheads were not maketed in the UK but supplied only to Eaton's Department store in Toronto. The yellow shorts are original.

A rare Merrythought Pun­kinhead Teddy Bear, a variation on the 'Cheeky' design, circa 1951, with brown mohair, clear and black glass eyes, inset velvet muzzle, black stitched nose and mouth, golden mohair inner ear and chest, long white mohair scalp, swivel head, jointed limbs with velvet feet and brown felt hand pads, original yellow felt shorts and label on foot - 15in (38cm) high. These bears were used as mascots by Eaton's; this character became a hero of children's stories and led the annual Santa Claus parade.

Punky the bear sat facing forward wearing a yellow top and shorts