An unusual vintage teddy bear with oversized red lips took the saleroom by storm in Hansons’ Bishton Hall sales, reaching10 times his top estimate.
Mr Cherry Lips, a rare nylon plush teddy manufactured by Merrythought, achieved a premium-inclusive total of £2,600 (hammer £1,900) from a guide of £150-£200.
Teddy bear and dolls valuer Janet Rawnsley tipped him for success ahead of the June 5, 2024 Toys and Vintage Fashion Auction sale but he surpassed expectations. She said: “This late 1950s or early 60s Cheeky O Merrythought bear is a scarce example, hence the price achieved. People are prepared to bid high to add a rarity to their collections. I am delighted for our client. This very sweet little bear came from the vendor’s childhood collection. The family had a connection to the Merrythought factory. “
With open mouth and jingly bells to the ears, the bear was handcrafted at the Shropshire factory in honeysuckle nylon plush. He has amber glass eyes, a velvet muzzle with large red felted open mouth, brown felted paws, a little black stitched nose and the ‘Merrythought’ stitched label to the right foot.
Janet said: “I was aware of one other example selling at auction house Christie’s, which underlines how important this vintage bear has become in a vibrant collectors’ market.”
Dolls are also in demand and a good French bisque head doll from Jumeau, which sold for a premium inclusive total of £1,500. In addition, a set of diecast Danish toy cars sold which had been languishing in a cupboard since the 1960s made £1,860 (including BP). The new international owner had been waiting a long time to find one of the vehicles.
In textiles, a beautiful linen embroidered farmer’s smock, which had remained in the same family since the 19th century, smashed its top estimate of £350 to achieve a staggering £1,080 (including BP). Bidders also liked a lady’s embroidered 18th century linen pocket, found amid a customer’s books, sold for £770 with BP.
Fashion and textile consultant Virginia Ewart said: “It was also a fantastic day for nightwear and lingerie. All lots did well including some 1990s silk baby doll nighties that hammered at £270. We also saw a rare 1960s Jaguar skin mini dress hammer at £230.
Janet said: “Thank you to all our buyers and sellers who came to Bishton Hall, our Staffordshire saleroom, to consign, preview the sale and bid.”
Entries invited for forthcoming Staffordshire auctions including the next Toys and Fashion sale.
Contact the Bishton Hall team
