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Rare Vintage Paddington Bear commonly referred to by collectors as an M&S Paddington Bear, dating to approximately the late 1970s to early 1980s.
We can not find a lot of information about this bear. He stands approximately 45 cm (18 inches) high, with an arm span of around 40 cm, and is dressed in a classic red duffle-style coat with wooden toggles, original red PVC Wellington boots, and a genuine St Michael (Marks & Spencer) red wool felt hat made in Italy. The hat retains its original St Michael retail label as well as a St Pierre maker’s label, confirming Italian manufacture and department-store provenance.
The handwritten-style tag reading “Please look after this bear” reflects the original Paddington Bear story tradition and appears deliberately narrative rather than factory-branded.
This bear does not match standard Gabrielle Designs Paddington Bear production and does not carry a Gabrielle or Paddington licence label. It is best understood as a period Marks & Spencer / department-store Paddington Bear, likely produced as a boutique or display bear rather than a mass-produced toy. This type of bear is widely referred to by collectors as an M&S Paddington Bear, although exact catalogue documentation is scarce.
Condition
Overall very good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear consistent with its age. The PVC Wellington boots are belived to be original. Fabrics and stitching are intact and present well.
A charming and increasingly hard-to-find vintage Paddington Bear, ideal for collectors of Paddington memorabilia, Marks & Spencer history, or vintage dressed teddy bears.
Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
