Featured Merrythought felt camel, could it really be from the 1930s? It looks brand new!

They might even be a buyer if you are of a mind to send him to a good home. Some companies want to buy their own merch back.

 

Yes, for their archives.

Debora

 

I think I would sell it back to them if they wanted it. Would be nice to see it go somewhere that would appreciate it in that way

 

Hi all, I got a response from the Merrythought company. They agree that label is likely 1930s. Carol said,

" I have extensively searched through all our catalogues on Saturday and Sunday whilst working here in the shop, from 1930 to present day. I did not come across any felt camels, I do have a 1931 catalogue to which I have looked and no camels, a camel did appear in the 1932 catalogue called "Imshi" the camel, he was made of Art silk, and had a felt saddle he is not like yours. After speaking with my colleague, we think he may have been made for the Canadian Market /bespoke customer, so we would not hold records in our catalogues. I am sorry I can be of no help at this time".

 

That is fascinating.

Debora

 

From Wikipedia.org, here are the Merrythought experts. Perhaps one of them is around and can be contacted.

Debora

• Axe, John (1986). The Magic of Merrythought: A Collector's Encyclopaedia. ISBN 0-87588-274-9
• Martin, Kathy (2009). Merrythought Teddy Bears. ISBN 978-1-84468-032-0
• Rush, Pat (2003). More Merrythought Magic. ISBN 0-9545392-0-6

 

And, given this, there are Merrythought collectors out there. Christie's!

https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4536274

Debora

 

Thanks @Debora, I will keep on the hunt for more info

 

ya, those Canadians ...always gumming up the works !!

 

Haha, I think they only said that because that's where I found it

 

Talk about pristine condition. Wow!

 

What do you think the handwritten notation means? CD 150.

Debora

 

Perhaps a price code in Canadian dollars.

 

possible....though usually written CDN ..

 

Don't think so. Like the U.S., Canada was effected by the Great Depression. According to a Canadian government internet page, the average personal income was in 1935 was $313.

Debora

 

I don't think this precious toy would have been bought by the ' average ' person....

just sayin

 

Could be $1.50 but at that time I dont think it would noted as Canadian dollars or otherwise, so a productio/model or inventory number possibly.

 

Hi all! So, I requested an appraisal online on a website associated with the Barneby's Group (auction house), not so much for a valuation but because I know they have some experts on their books with better connections than I do lol Anywho, this was the response:

This is a mystery and will remain so. We also contacted Merrythought as well as a retired buyer for the iconic retail giant T. Eatons of Canada. Merrythought had an exclusive contract with this (sadly now closed) retail chain. Eaton's toy department was like the Hamleys of Canada, stocking all of the finest toys available, especially at Christmas. According to Eatons, the only toy Merrythought made for the Canadian market was the Punkinhead, a little bear created after a book character made specifically for Eatons. There were no other contracts for Canadian retail stores. The Punkinhead bear was mohair, not felt, and we have not been able to find a single felt animal made by them. There is no record of Merrythought ever buying felt for use in toy productions. Nor did they ever produce " bespoke " or made-to-order toys for specific clients (as far as we have been able to determine), They have no felt animals at all in their museum, nor does the V & A in London. We also tried a lens search of this charming little toy, but that did not result in any identification of his origins either. We are not sure where the Merrythought contact who so kindly wrote back to you, got that particular possibility, but we have been told that they did not have the ability to make "one-off " toys, especially from materials not used in the factory. The values above must obviously, be taken as appraised values and not retail or resale values. since, if this is actually a one-of-a-kind (although we cannot confirm that, it could be extremely valuable) One possibility presented by the company is that an employee made this with their own material for a child who may have had an allergy or respiratory issue with the fluffy mohair and other fibers used in the stuffing, etc. However, that is conjecture again, and cannot be confirmed. So, unfortunately, it is basically impossible to provide definitive values. He is worth as much as you feel you can sell him for if that is the plan.

Not sure where to go next with the little critter! I think I will purchase Kathy's Martin's 2009 book on Merrythought. There valuation was a generic $100 CAD, but they don't seem to really know.

 

Yes, either model/inventory number possible.

Debora

 

What a wonderful response! If your intention is to sell, a toy auction at a reputable house might be the most appropriate venue. What else did you find in the trunk with your camel? The thing I find most puzzling is his colorful trappings which do appear to be original. A bit beyond and above what a run-of-the-line stuffed animal would require.

Debora