Lot 44
Roosevelt, Franklin D., Personally Owned Teddy Bear For Years Inside White House Living Quarters, Exceptional Letter of Provenance (1882-1945) Appealing buff-colored Teddy Bear, approximately 8 inches in height, with black eyes, dressed in a rose-colored tie and pink-colored vest trimmed with a white collar and bright blue edging. The bear is wearing a campaign button for Theodore Roosevelt. As is well known, the Teddy Bear was created by Morris Michtom and his wife in honor of the President in 1902 for refusing to shoot a cornered bear as he felt it unsportsmanlike; the fact was made public in a political cartoon. With the President's permission, they produced a great number of bears, leading to the founding of the Ideal Toy Co.
Lillian Rogers Parks chose the Teddy Bear when she was asked by Mrs. Roosevelt to choose a personal item of FDR's after his death. She explains in a letter of provenance, typed on stationery imprinted with the Presidential Seal and "The White House / Washington, D.C." Letter of provenance is addressed to the celebrated collector and authority on Presidential ephemera, Raleigh DeGeer Amyx, signed and dated (July 14, 1982) by Mrs. Parks. In part: "…Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt called in her personal staff shortly after the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and laid personal items on the bed and in the bedroom and told us to take what we wanted because the rest was going to Hyde Park. I was given the tiny Teddy Bear, among other things….The Teddy Bear was believed to represent…President Theodore Roosevelt. He was related to both President Franklin Roosevelt as well as Eleanor. Around the White House the Bear was always referred to as 'Uncle Teddy.' It was seen around the White House Living Quarters many times, being carried by the Roosevelt children and grandchildren. Also, it was seen just as frequently, being carried by Diana Hopkins, daughter of F.D.R.'s trusted aide, Harry Hopkins. / President Roosevelt was my favorite President and Eleanor Roosevelt was my favorite First Lady. I was with them for twelve years…." In overall excellent condition with minor soiling and a bit of wear comensurate with age and use. Rare and unique. Estimated Value $4,000 - UP
Goldberg Auctions: Sale 24 Lot 85, April 3, 2004 Raleigh DeGeer Amyx, Presidential Collection.
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| Realized $3,936 |
