Hermann Original Teddy Bear Value Guide

Founded in 1912 by Bernhard Hermann, this German manufacturer is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious teddy bear makers. This 1960s Zotty-style bear is highly collectible for its distinctive shaggy tipped mohair, open felt mouth, and the iconic red plastic seal chest tag.

What Is Hermann Original Teddy Bear Worth?

The typical price range for Hermann Original Teddy Bear is $125 - $140 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Presence and condition of the original red plastic seal chest tag significantly impacts the $125-$140 price range.
• The preservation of the tipped mohair, specifically the lack of thinning or 'balding' in the shaggy fibers.
• Operational integrity of the internal joints and the cleanliness of the felt lining inside the open mouth.
• Overall structural firmness, ensuring the internal excelsior stuffing has not shifted or degraded over time.

How to Identify Hermann Original Teddy Bear?

• Look for the signature red plastic seal chest tag which serves as the primary brand identifier for Hermann Teddy Original.
• Examine the fur for authentic tipped mohair texture and check for firm excelsior (wood wool) stuffing throughout the body.
• Verify the open-mouth design, which should be lined with felt and characteristic of the post-war German Zotty aesthetic.
• Check for five-way jointing and glass or high-quality plastic eyes consistent with 1960-1970 production standards.

History of Hermann Original Teddy Bear

Hermann is one of the oldest teddy bear manufacturers in the world, founded in 1912 by Bernhard Hermann in Sonneberg, Germany. This specific style, often called a Zotty-style bear due to its shaggy fur and open mouth, became a hallmark of German post-war toy production. The red plastic seal tag is a signature of the Hermann Teddy Original brand, used to distinguish their high-quality handmade bears from competitors like Steiff.