£500 expected for teddy who has never been loved
He is a very special bear - but sadly he has never known the love of a child.
The Steiff bear, called Teddy Boy and a replica of a design from 1905, was today expected to make up to £500 at auction in Shropshire.
The lot is considered special because the bear is still in its box and has not been played with.
But auctioneer John Ridgway admits to feeling a little regret that this little bear is in such pristine condition.
Mr Ridgway, of Perry and Phillips Auctioneers of Mill Street, Low Town, Bridgnorth, said: "There is always a huge amount of interest in Steiff bears and this one is unusual because he is still in his original box.
"The packaging makes him more attractive to collectors and the bear is obviously in perfect condition.
"It is unusual to find a Steiff bear still in his box and, whilst it makes him more valuable, it does seem a shame that he was never actually played with by a child."
Gun collectors were today also expected to be out in force bid for a rare musket.
The gun, which dates back to 1761, is what is known as a shortened musket and it was made for the first regiment of Dragoons. It was expected to sell for between £200 and £300.
