Swiss Bears. Switzerland is renown for the Black Forest wooden bears but the Swiss also excelled at musical movements often used in teddy bears such as Steiff or Bing.
Below are some examples and price guides of Swiss bears including a Black Forest linden wood strolling bear and a 1930’s zoological poster.
Swiss “Black Forest” Carved Linden Wood Strolling Bear, circa 1890. Carved in the form of an adult bear strolling along with mouth open. The strolling bears were carved by many of the Swiss carvers and subsequently vary greatly in terms of style and quality. Bears can have friendly cheerful faces or aggressive serious bear faces. The quality and depth of carving also varies. This strolling bear has deep pronounced fur, large padded feet and an excellent profile. DIMENSIONS: H:30 W: 48
Sold for US$28,000 at Daniels Auction Gallery in 2023
Anonymous – Switzerland
Jardin Zoologique Bale (Polar Bear)
Lithograph ca. 1935
50.3 x 35.4 in. (128 x 90 cm)
Printer: Wassermann, Basel
Condition Details: (A-) minimal tears and one tiny loss in the margins
Sold for US$1,300 at PosterConnection, Inc. in 2021
Vintage Swiss Reuge Mohair Musical Teddy Bear, measures 13”H, consignor states that bear was never played with, sat on shelf, original tags, plays ”The Teddy Bear’s Picnic”, movable legs, arms, and head, Sweet!
Sold for US$40 at Desert West Auction in 2016
A small “Black Forest” wooden carving of a standing bear with a basket on his back. Good condition except for two age cracks. Swiss, circa 1900. Measuring, 10 1/8″ height x 6 1/4″ width x 6 1/8″ depth.
Sold for CA$125 at Pridham’s Auctions & Appraisals in 2023