Vintage 1930s British Merrythought Mohair Black Tom Cat Toy - AS IS. The large celluloid eye, the hand-stitched body, the arched back, and the ribbon around its neck is similar to designs by Steiff, but the label sewn into the belly clearly indicates its origins. 

Condition: One missing eye. Signs of wear and tear due to age. "To be loved is to be changed." 

Size: 9 x 4 x 12 in. 

Merrythought is a British toy manufacturer established in 1930, specializing in high-quality, handmade traditional teddy bears. Based in the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, the company operates out of a former iron foundry where it also maintains a public museum and shop. The brand gained early fame for its “Magnet” bear and “Mr Whoppit,” the mascot of speed record breaker Donald Campbell. Despite challenges from cheap foreign imports in the 2000s, Merrythought successfully pivoted to focus on the collector market, emphasizing traditional mohair materials. The firm remains a family-owned business, currently led by the fourth generation of the Holmes family, who brought production back entirely in-house in 2010. Today, their limited-edition plushes are highly sought after globally, particularly in Japan, and the company continues to produce commemorative designs for major events like Royal weddings.

One missing eye. Signs of wear and tear due to age. "To be loved is to be changed." 

All items are sold AS IS. Lot and condition details are for descriptive purposes only. Sarasota Estate Auction is not responsible for errors and/or omissions of condition. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is perfect or free from wear, flaws, or characteristics of age. Please bid according to your own expertise, or request any additional information and/or photographs you deem necessary.