z(1930) 6 Peacock. Guy Beargess. Showcased by Erin Roy

This fellow has a very interesting past. I will share with you here my description to Brenda Yenke for appraisal and her response..

This mysterious chap  was purchased by the previous owner as a 1930's bear but he was dark brown. When she got him she could see another bear underneath through a hole and took the outer bear off only to discover an entirely different bear inside! Due to his "disguise", she named him Guy Beargess after Guy Burgess the famous double agent who was a spy in Russia. He measures 20" tall, has sparse mohair with bald spots and has a funny hairy chest like a James Bond character lol! He is fully jointed and straw filled. The glass eyes were originally on the outside bear but she put them on this inside bear and they look pretty good on him...possibly his originals? He has only the fronts of his ears. Perhaps the outer bear was made for Guy to protect him from more deterioration. He has no paw pads on his arms and has replaced foot pads. Guy has some of his nose stitching and some stitched claws as well. His hump would be more prominent if he had more stuffing. There is a non-working growler present. He came with a black suitcase with a 007 sticker on it and it has his old self in it and the documents that I was given. He is certainly a fun bear to have in my collection. If only he could talk!

 Hi Erin, Love your adoption story with Guy and how his true identity was discovered. Fascinating. Ian Fleming who wrote the James Bond series, chose the name James Bond from an American ornithologist who was a bird expert. Your Guy was produced by Chad Valley for Peacock & Co. in the 1930's! How is that for dual identity! Peacock &Co. was originally formed in 1853. However, the soft toy industry began after 1918.They operated until 1931 when Chad Valley purchased the company. A & A Peacock was last listed in the London trade directory in 1939.

His condition is in need of some restoration. I would hope some talented artist could reconstruct his arms. Maybe that happens to double agents! His nose is definitely a noted trait. The nose stitching is original done under the seam with horizontal stitches. I suspect he lost an ear too, then someone divided the existing one to form two ears. They were usually cupped as well, with a generous size. The eyes would have been amber glass with black pupils, but the clear glass allows him to see as well. Three claws would be visible on both arms and legs. Some of the bears had fabric pads while others had felt. The head is excelsior with kapok elsewhere. Notice his round tummy too. At 20" he is a good sized bear. His accessories are worthy of note, as they complete his story and are included in his wardrobe.  

What a treasure! Brenda 

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