Here’s Walter, an engaging gold mohair Steiff ted, born during the intervening austerity years of two world wars in the 1930s. His ear button is long gone, but he’s managed to retain an impressive amount of fur, with minimal loss.

Firmly woodwool-stuffed, Walt is 28cm (11″) tall and, apart from a resewn mouth, his other features are original. His small, expressive eyes are back-painted amber glass, while his felt pads have all been darned, along with patching to the right paw.

Walt also has a full set of claws and a play-worn silent squeaker, but his joints work fine. With his cute humped back and lovely long arms, he’s a very fine bear, and exceedingly lovable.

He reckons he’s well-travelled, and his clothes are influenced by various countries he’s passed through. So, he’s wearing a pair of Steiff-labelled denim dungarees (Germany), with a handmade cotton T-shirt (UK) and French-style denim beret.  Also, a spotted cotton neckerchief, and vintage USA badge ‘I’m the Guy That Put The Isle In Carlisle’.