Last year I found a photo of a model holding a teddy bear identical in design to the one I've had since I was born. I contacted the photographer, who said the bear belonged to the model but neither of them knew its origins.

It is a plain brown bear, with a cream colored stomach, muzzle, feet, and inner ears, with a stitched nose and round plastic eyes. There is a manufacturer's tag, folded in half with both ends stitched inside, sticking out from its bum. The text has unfortunately been worn away years ago. The bear was purchased in Massachusetts in December of 1984.

The images collected here are, in order, a current rear view and a 20-year-old front view, its face as current, a worn patch under its arm, and a close-up on the tag.

I have been in touch with customer service for several companies. I know that he is not a Russ, Gund, Mary Meyer, or Boyds Bear.