3rd Dec, 2024 12:00

Teddy Bears of Witney Auction

 
  Lot 59
 

59

Captain Hay

Sold for £4,400
Estimated at £2,000 - £3,000


 
Captain Hay, a rare British 1st World War Teddy Bear with light golden mohair, large oily clear and black glass eyes, pronounced clipped muzzle with horizontally stitched elliptical nose and mouth, forward set ears, swivel head, jointed limbs with cloth pads, wide hips, inoperative growler, Scottish 1st World War uniform with Hay tartan kilt, very well made khaki top with brass buttons, pockets lined, shirt and tie, leather Sam Browne belt , sporran, tartan socks, kid boots and a Glengarry with Gordon Highlanders hat badge —22in. (56cm.) high (a little faded and slight ageing) - purchased from Bonham’s in 1993, he wears the uniform of the Gordon Highlanders, with Hay family tartan. The uniform is pre-1917, as pips were moved from the sleeve to shoulder after the Battle of the Somme in 1916. From the regimental headquarters Ian learned that there were two Captain Hays at the time - see Some of our Favourite Bears by Ian Pout, page 30