Pouting Bear, Happy Husband

Why does this Teddy Bear look so sad?

Because he's a "Pouting Animal" that was made in 1959 by the Knickerbocker Toy Company. I discovered this stuffed bear at a thrift store last Friday. Priced at $1.00, I just had to buy him --- not because he was so affordable --- because I remember seeing photos of John as a baby holding this very same bear.

This cherished toy was affectionately called "Teddy" and he was John's constant companion as a baby and toddler. Many years ago when we cleared out his childhood home, Teddy was stashed in a closet along with a few other old toys. So John's original bear, which has quite a bit of loose stuffing and a wobbly head, is now stored in our attic. For fun, I presented John with this new-found Teddy who looks as though he was hardly even played with.

But what I really wonder is, why would a toy company make a stuffed animal that is pouting? I don't get it. Shouldn't a child's cuddly bear be a little less sad?

John really got a kick out of my little gift. But unlike me, he's not a collector and doesn't feel compelled to hang on to this new bear when he still has his beloved Teddy in the attic. So this past weekend, we decided to pass this toy along and list him on eBay.

We're hoping we'll find someone out there who wants a 50-year-old bear with a puss on his face. And so far, this vintage toy has 25 26 bids! We'll see what the auction's outcome will be once it ends on Wednesday. Perhaps this sad looking bear will find his way to a happy new home.

Susan

Comments

[John]

I received the larger version for Christmas in 1964. He proudly sits on the shelf in my office. His name has always been Poutie. His Knickerbocker tag is long gone and he has had minor neck surgery. Other than that he is in great shape.

[Amy]

I too have the larger version and has been known affectionately as "Poutie" as long as I have been alive. This was a birth gift in 1959 from my grandparents. Mine has the plastic ears
chewed on and the arms are a little thread bare so he has definitely been well loved!

[Miriam brancato]

I have the large pouting bear from the 1950"s and would like to sell. Contact me @ earthessence52@gmail.com

[Theresa]

Have been years searching for my pouty bear. A little newer, 1964 maybe,(s)he is softer faced w/closed eyes, has a big belly and legs are bent. I have a picture of her new on my grandma's Christmas table. I lost all of my dolls and animals in a fire at age 10 and have been able to purchase 1 of my "lost treasures", Little Lost Baby. How appropriate when I found the name, she has 3 rotating faces. It meant so much. So yes, I hope Teddy is found by a memory seeker like me.

[LORENA]

I HAD ONE OF THE SERIES OF POUTING BEARS THE ONE WITH STRIPES ON THE CHEST SURE WOULD LOVE TO FIND ANOTHER ONE JUST LIKE IT PLEASE ADVISE

[Joyce Ferlic Arredondo]

I'm 62 and found my "Pudgy" Bear while cleaning out my parents' home.I was trying to determine how old I was when Santa brought Pudgy. I figured I was in my pre-teen years, and from info on this site, likely around 11. My Dad would call me "Mona" because I often didn't do things joyfully. My kid sister is 6 years younger than I and as she got older began to call her "Groana" for likely the same reason. My folks couldn't resist the Pouting Bear who told me he looked just like me! We became friends instantly! I named him/her Pudgy Mona I (the first). Pudgy went off to college with me, but went into hiding at some point prior to graduation. Now, Pudgy is with me again. I washed his face and he is likely due for a dry cleaning. My daughter at 22 thinks he would scare a child, but my great niece at 1 1/2 seems to like him just fine,while my 4 year old great nephew wants to know "why is the bear crying?" I did note that my bear has white paws while the one pictured is brown like the rest of the body. The tag is the one without Knickerbocker on it. I believe he came with a baby blue ribbon around his neck. Maybe someone out there knows when the changes were made. I would love to know!

[Lorrie]

Pouting Bear is one of my most precious belongings...He's been with me for 51 years..still sits on my bed..and sometimes I'll even sneak him into bed with me at night.It's great to see everyone's fond memories of this beloved stuffed toy !
Love, Lorrie

[Jordann G.]

I had this bear growing up too! I am 22 years old, and the bear first belonged to my dad. When I was born he gave it to me because it was his favorite childhood toy. I carted it around everywhere and slept with Pout Bear until I went away for college. He sits on my bed at my parents house still!

[Angie Jarmin]

My 'pouting bear' was bought for me when I was around 3 yrs old. He was one of 2 'toys' I brought with me when my mother brought me and my 3 sisters to the UK in 1963. The other toy was The Wait for me Kitten book and I've just managed to win an auction today to replace that book. I lost pouting bear in a fire in my flat (sorry apartment) in 1983 and would love to find one again. Any ideas to help me locate one much appreciated. Your story brought back fond memories for me. Thank you.
Love
Angie

[Karen Myers]

I received my "Pouting" bear for my 3rd Christmas, 1959. He proudly sits on the dresser in my room. I found another, a little smaller, on ebay two years ago and bought him for my now 27 year old Daughter who had adopted mine when she was growing up.

[Kim Biederman]

In Dec 1960, My 1st Christmas,My Mom & Dad gave me this same bear and like John , I called him Teddy. I still have my bear, one ear is chewed and his fur is worn off, but he sit's on a bench in my bedroom. I Love My Teddy !!! Mom & Dad got him for me because as a baby I cried all the time, they said when they saw him, it reminded them of me. Glad to see more of them out there ! Thank's, Kim

[baby gifts]

So adorable despite of his sad face! I think that would be a perfect gift for a child. Anyway, thanks for sharing that memories with us.

[Mom Wald]

You, my dear, have a fabulous memory. Very impressive. Maybe the sad faces were so that children could have someone to nurture or collaborate with. It's hard to be little, you know.

[Lemony Renee']

Men! They just don't get it. I'd still keep the bear, but that's just me. ;)

[rosemary]

Susan, my first toy was that same bear! Except mine is cream colored. I think hes in the attic in a box. I need to go find him :) thanks for the memory! Rosemary

[Beth]

Love the bear. I think it would scare my kids and quite frankly...me at night. But what a great story and a fantastic wifely move.
Beth

[Brenda Kula]

Ah, so cute despite the frown!
Brenda

[deb]

cute bear~good luck on ebay. Cute husband~I wouldn't list him if I were you! deb

[Anna]

Very cool!

[Susan]

Oh my gosh. Barbara, you're right. There is a theme here; unfortunately a sad one!!!

[barbara]

First the crying handkerchief, and now the pouting bear - it's almost like you have a theme going here!

[Elsie]

They are adorable~both hubby and
bear. Hubby looks real happy with
the bear. But I know someone out
there will probably be happier to
give him a new home.I still have
a lot of my toys,especially dolls and bears and I am 60yr. old. I
can't look them in the eye and
get rid of them after "Toy Story"
came out.LOL.:O)

[Claudia]

That little pouting bear is so cute - especially in the photo with your husband holding him! I do believe that we often bid on things that reminds us of our childhood. Someone will be so happy to win it!

xo
Claudia

[Susan Freeman]

There is probably someone out there who had a bear just like John's, but is not lucky enough to have it stashed up in the attic. I think that this pouting bear will find a new home where it is treasured. What a precious story. Let us know the results.

Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo