Item SH 648 Teddy Bear - Jakas Toys, White, Melbourne, 1987-1994

Summary

Wool plush white teddy bear with a satin ribbon tied around its neck. Part of an archive of unsold stock samples donated by the manufacturer.

Jakas Soft Toys was a Melbourne-based company which designed and manufactured genuine high quality soft toys from 1956. Their range included teddy bears, golliwogs, animals and birds. They ceased production in the late 1990s outlasting many local toy manufacturers competing with cheaper overseas imports.

With children's health and safety in mind, the toys were made from wool and synthetic plush, quality fabrics, non-allergic filling and 'safety eyes'. The Jakas range of soft toys came with care and washing instructions and could be handed down for generations.

Physical Description

A white wool plush teddy bear with two-toned black/brown coloured plastic eyes, embroidered beige nose and beige stitching for a mouth. It has been made in a flat outstretched position with a soft rounded area in the front of the body. A satin apricot coloured ribbon is tied into a bow around its neck. There is a 'Jakas Soft Toys' card label attached to the body of the bear with a plastic joiner with text about the company and washing instructions. A small triangular label with the 'Australian Made' logo is secured to its right upper limb. There is no 'Jakas' label stitched onto this bear.