Vintage 60s Joy Toys Australia Pale pink Teddy Bear

Plush Teddy Bear Toy

made 1960s by Joy Toys Australia 

Was originally pale pink, but this bet has been well loved, and also missing an eye🩷

approx 25 cm tall

Please note that all pictures are taken utilizing a natural light setting on the light source in order to showcase a true representation of the items.

Timber blocks not included, just used for scale

The teddy bear industry began in Australia in South Yarra, Melbourne. Joy Toys commenced business in the early 1920s, as teddies became popular, and as WW1 meant a ban on teddies being imported from Germany, and disrupted shipments from Britain. Established by George Kirby and his wife, the company flourished.

During the 1960s, with the introduction of machine washable synthetic materials, the company developed a distictive unjointed teddy, with outstretched arms and straight legs. Pads were of a similar fabric. The same sweet smiling face, glass eyes and embroidered nose and mouth, could be seen in a range of animals that were  also produced, such as pandas and dogs. Stuffing was plastic foam moulded into the shape of the body.

Joy toys closed in 1976 unable to compete with Asian imports.