| Australian Teddy Bears-Jakas Teddies And Toys. | | | | such as bears and horses was made in both a |
| Toys by the Australian firm, Jakas, are very popular as | | | | pre-walker and a walker size. Pyjama cases were |
| collectables on the Australian market. It began | | | | also popular! |
| production in 1954, and these earliest teddies are quite | | | | As did Joy Toys, Jakas could not compete with the |
| rare. All the joints were moveable, with glass eyes and | | | | huge influx of cheaper Asian toys from the 1970s |
| made from mohair. Kapok was used as the stuffing. | | | | onwards, though it did reduce the quality and costs, in |
| By the 1960s synthetic fur and plastic joints and eyes | | | | an attempt to stay in business. In the 1990s Jakas |
| were in use. Prices for the stuffed toys were | | | | was forced to close its doors. |
| therefore lowered, as these materials were cheaper | | | | Labels: |
| than the traditional ones. | | | | The early Jakas teddy bears are usually not labelled. |
| The distinctive Jakas teddy, with outstretched arms | | | | Those from the 1960s say ' Jakas Toys. Wash In |
| and typical embroidered face, was introduced in the | | | | Lukewarm Lux'. Later ones simply say 'Jakas Toys'' |
| 1960s. Unjointed, they did bend at the hips, in order to | | | | Values: |
| be able to sit. An extensive range of toys were also | | | | The very earliest mohair teddies can fetch up to |
| made, all with the typical face and included dogs, | | | | $1000. 1970s synthetic ones , though, can be bought for |
| bunnies, and poodles. A wheeled range of animals | | | | as little as $20 at garage sales. |