This is the first time since 2013 that Marmaduke has been on the market, and now the old boy we-rehomed at the time, is seeking to move on to pastures new.  He’s an early German Strunz bear c.1908, standing a hefty 60cm (24″) tall on flat card-lined feet.

Over the past century, Duke has undergone numerous repairs, yet still retains his original boot button eyes, along with his nose and mouth stitching. His pads are all replacements, with felt ones to his paws, and woven fabric covering his feet. His right paw pad extends up his arm to cover his worn wrist, and the tops of his feet are patched and stitched, and ears re-secured.

Woodwool-stuffed, Duke’s torso is topped up with kapok, and also his left paw, while some settlement remains to his upper right arm. Indeed, Duke is a very well-loved ted, and his glorious protruding muzzle is a positive work of art, involving copious sewing endeavours, resulting in a fascinating patchwork of solidarity! Also, his left arm has three patched inserts, and his left ankle a patch too, while his other ankle is boldly stitched to hold it together.

Despite all his wear and tear, Duke remains a strong bear, and his joints are surprisingly intact. He’s obviously lost much of his faded gold mohair, but is fairly well-endowed at the back. On the whole, Duke is an impressive character with a heart-warming, poignant expression. He’s wearing his vintage sailor jacket, pinned with ‘The Life Boys’ badge, plus a cotton neckerchief.