Merrythought Chatsworth Teddy Bear - 1997/98 Collectors Club Bear - 40cm

In 1995, Merrythought launched their International Collectors Club, which ran until 2005, in response to the growing interest in teddy bear collecting. Being a part of the club meant exclusive access to special limited edition bears with unique designs that weren't available to the general public. In order to promote these wonderful bears and encourage valued customers to join the club, we received the annual year bear to display proudly during each club year and have since kept them safely stored in their original boxes. In Merrythought's 95th anniversary year, it seems fitting to let these gorgeous, traditional bears find their forever homes in celebration of the momentous occasion!

In 1997, Merrythought created the lovely Chatsworth bear, crafted from the finest pale truffle brown-coloured mohair fabric. He features a contrasting fluffy white mohair muzzle and paws with stitched claws, a brown heart-shaped hand-stitched nose and glass eyes with amber irises. Chatsworth wears an elegant, patterned ivory coloured bow around his neck, has a squeaker in his chest and on his right paw is an embroidered Merrythought collectors club label, featuring two bears holding a globe with their signature wishbone on top.

Chatsworth is the number 261 of an individually numbered open edition exclusive to club members during the 1997-98 club year and he comes with his original blue box, certificate and paper tag on his left ear. 

• Size: 40cm / 16 inches
• 5-way jointed
• Age: 14+
• Surface washable

Merrythought has been hand-making the quintessential English teddy bear in the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge, Shropshire, since 1930 and is now the last remaining British teddy bear manufacturer. The company is a fourth generation family business founded by Mr W.G Holmes. Famous for crafting the finest, jointed, mohair teddy bears adored by children and adults across the world; every one of their enchanting bears is lovingly brought to life by hand, giving them a unique character and superior quality that can last a lifetime. The range includes traditional and limited edition teddy bears, as well as their iconic Cheeky and Punkie bears. Merrythought teddy bears have universal appeal making them the perfect gift for christenings, weddings or birthdays, as well as for collectors.