114-year-old Cornish teddy that survived TWO world wars up for auction
'Ted' the rare Steiff bear was once used a muse for Poldark author Winston Graham
Last updated 5th Oct 2021
A teddy bear that survived two World Wars, ‘served’ in military missions and then ‘retired’ to Perranporth to became a muse for Winston Graham is going under the hammer.
The rare Steiff bear was presented to Ileene Ruth Smith on her 7th birthday on the 4th of October 1908 and remained with her for the rest of her life.
'Ted' was Ileene’s companion during the first World War and watched as neighbours and friends went off to fight, some returning and some sadly lost.
With the outbreak of World War 2, Ileene and Ted moved to London taking up an extremely important role in the War Ministry, working in a team organising the North Atlantic convoys.
The pair spent many nights in air raid shelters listening to the air raid siren, followed by the barrage of bombs.
It was also at this time that Ted helped Ileene cope with a terrible loss in her life after she met, fell in love with and become engaged to a Fighter Pilot serving with the RAF.
He bravely defended the UK on a number of missions against the large-scale attacks from the German Luftwaffe but, tragically, was shot down and killed alongside 1542 other service personnel during the battle of Britain in October 1940.
After the war Ileene and Ted moved in with her maternal grandparents who ran a guest house called ‘Trevaylor’ on St Michaels Road in Perranporth.
Their closest neighbour and friend living in the large house opposite called ‘Nampara’ was none other than Winston Graham.
During that time, Graham penned the Poldark series which has gone on to achieve worldwide success on page and screen.
Could Ted even have been the inspiration behind the strong and handsome Ross Poldark with his melting looks and soft romantic curls?
Although she lived in picturesque Cornwall, Ileene loved to travel in the UK and Europe and, when allowed, Ted travelled with her as her constant companion.
Ileene never married but continued to work in the guest house with Ted being her constant companion until her death. Ted was bequeathed to her only niece, pictured in the photos with Ileene.
Ted has since settled into more sedate life after his adventures but always had a twinkle in his eye.
Sadly, Ileene’s Niece too passed away this year during the Covid pandemic.
Now the family have decided that the rare cinnamon German Steiff teddy bear is ready for a new journey.
After being a childhood playmate, a distinguished military career and marauding with pirates, whatever could be next for Ted?
Joanne McDonald, Vectis Auctioneer said “It is an honour to be able to offer for sale a teddy bear with such a fascinating and diverse history.
"Not only was he made by the foremost teddy bear maker, Steiff in a rare cinnamon colour, but the fact he has lived through major upheaval and world changing events and survived is extraordinary.
"As with all teddy bears, he has been there to provide support, a shoulder to cry on or to enhance the laughter of several generations of children.
"He is such a special bear who has already invited interest from around the globe".
Ted is to be auctioned at Vectis alongside his history and photographs on Tuesday 5th of October 2021, with a pre-sale estimate of £800 - £1200.