The Bears in the Drawer

I have a number of bears and animals in the drawer awaiting mending and/or cleaning.
Some are just grubby and need a good clean and brush, and others, like the poor little Chiltern bear need various 'operations' and 'fur grafts'.


The bear waiting room drawer

I really need to get this drawer emptied a bit as it is near impossible to close.
Starting at top left and working clockwise:-
Rust and white large bear made by Betoy in Oxfordshire, England, and a large brown bear (unknown maker).  Both finds by my husband, so not as old as most of my bears - probably 1970's-1980's.

Large pink German Funfair bear.  The blue bear is a smaller version.  They need a good clean but are both beautiful bears.

Clemens 'Sammy' bear with open, happy mouth.  Again needs a thorough cleaning.
White bear with red ears and eyes.  Cute little bear, but I don't know his origins.

Gorgeous large mohair bear that is in good condition, but needs ears and eyes.  I am waiting to go to a bear fair to buy appropriate mohair to make ears.  I think he may be a Schuco bear.

 

Two Chiltern grey cats are next.  The larger of the two has a squeak box, but it does not work.  They just need a clean and brush.

Black and white mohair dog nightdress case.  Clean, no damage, but needs a good brushing.

Just peeping through the middle are two little elephants.  One I think is a Steiff, but he has no label and his tusks are missing.









Plush sleepy dog, possibly Steiff.

Very bald Chiltern bear with much work needed - ears stitched back, paws mended, hole in tummy to be patched etc.  He does have his eyes and most of his nose and mouth stitching though.

Beige and red rabbit with red coat.  He is very old, may be a home made toy.

White mohair dog pyjama case - just needs eyes and a brushing.


So, there they are, my future projects all jumping up and down in the drawer saying "me next, mend me next".






Two Blind Chiltern Bears

I found a beautiful old bear the other day, and when I got him I realised he was a large Chiltern Hugmee, a very collectable bear.  His photograph was not very good so I was not able to identify him until I saw him in person (bearson?).

Hubert, waiting patiently for his 'operations'

He needs a bit of sorting out, his paw is nearly hanging off and he has no eyes, but he is still a wonderful bear.
Then I came across this smaller Chiltern with a broken neck, now repaired and looking very handsome.

This is Herbert, he had one eye and a broken neck when I got him, poor boy.

I was on a roll :) and my next purchase was another big Chiltern, this time a softer, Kapok filled version, but very similar to the first one.



This is George, he also has no eyes (is it contagious?) 



And finally a strange little dog called Susie.  I know that is her name as her previous owner told me.

She has been much loved so I will be extra careful to not change her character when I tidy her up. She has a white cotton patch which I will leave as it is part of her history, and I do not think her ears are original.

 

Showing off her little white patch
 

I think she is beautiful (all in the eyes of the beholder I think) and when I am finished she will stand proud with her tail up and a beautiful new ribbon or collar.