In my research as I see hundreds of early Ideal bears on Ebay. I can clearly see see the difference in bears. It is a know fact among the experts and collectors that early Ideal bears had a tilted head. Morris Michtom designed his early bears with this big joint below the head just above the bears neck. Yes early Ideal bears had a neck. Over the last century the stuffing settled in their neck with the jointed pushing down on the stuffing causing their head to tilt. By 1910 Ideal bears no longer had claws on their feet and paws. At times you will see Early Ideal bears with the longer arms and paw look. I believe these bears were the first production bears of 1907 as The ideal Novelty and Toy Company began. Michtom's earliest hand made bears were filled with shaved cork stuffing. And of-corse Michtom's earliest Teddy's were designed with flat feet to enable their bears to stand upright! They had flat wood inserts built inside their feet. And lets not forget the tubby look of very early Ideal bears!!! Of-corse My old Ideal bear has all these features and many more. I have the bear! The legend says Michtom created the Teddy bear in honor of the President. Made of all the finest materials of the time! It says on this computer while Morris Michtom operated his tobacco and newspaper shop, he was also a part time tailor. And a very good one at that! About my old bear, I think to myself because my old bear was wearing an old dress. I can only think that for the last century my old bear was in the hands of a wonderful grandmother who cared for him her whole life. Keeping the bear in its original condition until that one day she could no longer. And that time the bear was put in a sale to be sold. And I happen to come along to help continue this bears quest. In hopes of one day of putting him in a great museum for all the world to see!
