Old Bears With History

Like all antiques, old teddy bears have loads of history which, perhaps is one of the reasons they appeal to us and why we are drawn to them so much.  However, although all antique items can ‘tell a story’ of that there is no doubt, old teddy bear stories are often full of love and tenderness due of course to their very nature and their fond relationship with man.

I came across an old teddy bear over twenty years ago now, who did not have a button in his ear, who did not have any special kind of tag or label attached to him and was certainly of no real worth but the story he told filled me with wonder.

During the early years of the Second World War, a young soldier called Joe was leaving the country to fight abroad.  He was saying his final goodbyes to his sweetheart at a railway station in Gloucestershire.  Before he left he gave his young girlfriend a lovely blonde and extremely handsome teddy bear who, he said, would keep her company and look after her whilst he was away.  He also said to remember him whenever she gave the teddy bear a hug.  She took the teddy home with her and sat him on her bed and together they awaited Joe’s return.  Sadly Joe was listed as missing in action and never returned.  The teddy bear took on Joe’s name (Old Joe she called him) and he sat on her bed for many years and never a day went by when she looked at Old Joe and didn’t remember the love she lost.

As the girl grew older she began to worry what might happen to poor Old Joe upon her death, as it was very important to her that he found a warm and comfortable home where he would be looked after but also where his sad history never be forgotten.  That is when I became the very proud owner of Old Joe, I never forget his history, how could I?

When you look at an old teddy bear with history such as Old Joe you could not possibly forget his history as his entire worn soft little body just oozes his past. 

Old Joe is by no means unique in his history, there are old teddy bears out there who have survived war in the trenches and there are old teddy bears who have survived all kinds of disasters, even the sinking of the ill-fated ship Titanic and the Lusitania.  All old teddy bears have some kind of history, sadly lots of teddy bear stories have become lost in the sea of time, but make no doubt about it, old teddy bears often make you feel a bit ‘weak at the knees’.  Have you ever wondered why?

About the Author

Gino loves fast cars, especially fast italian cars.  Gino also loves anything italian.  Please visit my website on www.ginosbears.co.uk

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