Historic 116-year-old wartime teddy bear heads to auction with fascinating Birmingham connection

A rare 116-year-old Steiff teddy bear given to a child to 'soften the blow' of his dad going to fight in World War One is set for auction after being unearthed.

The soft toy was dressed in military uniform by the family, who moved to Salisbury Plain in 1915, and also given a handmade sword and pistol.

Captain Bruiny was given as a Christmas gift to comfort a young boy in 1908 in Birmingham by his father who was an officer in the British Army.

The bear remained in the family until it was bought from Bermondsey Antique Market in London during the 1970s by collector Pam Hebbs.

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She is now selling Bruiny alongside a rare Farnell Second World War teddy bear gas mask case from the late 1930s/early 1940s.

Both pieces of wartime memorabilia are expected to fetch between £800-£1,200 when they go under the hammer at Special Auction Services in Newbury, Berks., on November 26.

Teddy bear expert Daniel Agnew, from the auctioneers, said: “These teddy bears were a staple part of childhood during war times.

"Capt Bruiny is an example of one of the toys that would have been given to children to soften the blow of their fathers going to war.

"Likewise, the gas mask case would also have been given to young children to make the gas mask wearing less frightening.”

Bruiny stands at 37cm and will be sold along with his handwritten provenance on a postcard and his driving licence.

The card explains how he used to have a motorbike and sidecar with wheels made from Golden Syrup tin lids.

It adds: "He has his driving licence, signed by my father, in his right hand pocket.

"My cousin Edward, stationed at Bulford, made his sword out of a piece of yew and Cousin Cecile made his stylish baggy trousers.

"The rest of his outfit was made by myself with very limited resources.

"The was no cloth to turn in which (sic), although I was only eleven, I knew should have been done.

"He retired from the Active List in 1923 and has lived in happy retirement ever since. He enjoys occasional reunions with his contemporaries."

A Special Auction Services spokesperson added: "Sadly at the time, no more names were noted, so tracking his original owner would be a tricky task.

"But amazingly he still retains his driving license, sword and pistol."