(1920) Eduard Cramer. Dancer

 A Mechanical Dancing Clown Teddy Bear, 1920, Eduard Cramer

Mechanical Dancing bears, which were created by Eduard Cramer in the 1920s, appear always happy. Especially in their funny clown’s costume like this funny fella. Like some of his teddy bear siblings made by the legendary Thuringian company, this bear also has the typical heart-shaped nose and the famous red tongue stitching. His head swivels and is stuffed with excelsior and covered by brown tipped mohair. However, his body is a cardboard box, that is covered with the cotton clown’s costume and contains the mechanics inside. The bear’s arms and legs are mounted with thick wires on them, and the legs, which are wooden are just covered at the feet with mohair. They are shaken by the clockwork which makes the teddy dance around. The arms are static, stuffed with excelsior and have mohair paws with felt pads. The clown bear measures with cap 10.3 inch (26cm) tall and is in fine condition all over. His felt made sleeves and ruff are slightly faded at the front, as is his cotton costume. His mechanics wind up via the mounted key at the back, and is still working well. It is a lot of fun to see this bear still dancing happily and energetically even in his old age! 

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