Chiltern

Chiltern began as the Chiltern Toy Works in 1908. Its first teddies were produced in 1915 and were called ‘Master Teddies’. This teddy had a distinctive wide grin and googly eyes! After the death of one of the founders, the factory went into partnership with HG Stone, to form HG Stone and Company in 1920. The name’ Chiltern Toys’ was first used in 1923, with the introduction of the ‘Hugmee’ range of teddy bears. These bears were so successful that they remained in production from the 1920s till the 1950s. Each was made of mohair, with velveteen or cotton pads with embroidered claws, and a happy smile! Teddies made between 1945-67 were given a label reading ‘Chiltern Hygienic Toys’ whilst those made between 1967-73 had one saying ‘Chad Valley/Chiltern’, after a take-over by Chad Valley.