The Smithsonian Teddy Bear ~ w/Jointed Right Arm Red Ribbon Bow Stuffed bears have been popular toys in America for nearly 100 years. Nobody knows when or where the first stuffed bear was made. We do know that Teddy Bears first appeared in the early 20th century. The story of the Teddy Bear is generally associated with Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, and a noted sportsman and hunter. A favorite bear story tells of a trip the president made in 1902 to Mississippi and Alabama to help settle a boundary dispute. While there, his hosts took him hunting. Not finding much game, the party rounded up a bear and presented it to Mr. Roosevelt to shoot. But the president felt that a captured bear was no sport at all and refused to kill it. Newspaper reporters covering the president's trip wrote about this unusual incident. Cartoonist Clifford Berryman from the Washington Post popularized the event by drawing cartoons of Roosevelt and the bear. Some folks believe that stuffed bears got the name "Teddy" at this time from the president. In 1964 Kermit Roosevelt, the president's grandson, presented an early Ideal Toy Company teddy bear to the Smithsonian Institution. The bear was made about 1903 and is probably one of the first Teddies. Museum historians are still not certain about the details of this story. They are sure, however, that the Smithsonian specimen is a fine looking example of the species known as "Teddy". This bear, with his cocky head and frown, is based on the original bear in the collection of the National Museum of American History. Get yours today while they last. We'll ship it free to any address in the USA! Customer satisfaction is our number one priority. We spend time researching each item we list to ensure that we are offering it at the fairest price possible and providing as much information as we can about what we are selling. We also inspect and test all of the merchandise we sell for quality, durability, functionality, and authenticity. Our policy is to be completely transparent when describing and listing our merchandise to provide you with accurate information, including any defects, missing parts, or other concerns. We also provide as many photos as we can from all angles so that you can see as much of an item as possible before making your decision to purchase it. Since we are limited in the number of photos we can post with each listing, please remember that additional photos are always available upon request. If you ever encounter a problem with any merchandise you purchase from us, please contact us at once so we can make things right. And, since our shipping center is open 6 days a week, your item will more than likely be on its way to you in less than 24 hours after you purchase! WAREHOUSE OUTLET STORE .....Shopping the world for you and shipping it to your door!!!