Merrythought
Merrythought first started making toys in 1930. The first Merrythought factory was situated in Coalbrookdale which is now known as Ironbridge. The first designs were made my an employee of Chad Valley, Florence Atwood, who entered 32 patterns in the pattern book. The very first animal shown in the 1931 catalogue was Greyfriars Bobby, who was inspired by the reknowned Skye Terrier, Bobby, who accompanied his master John Grey on a journey to Edinburgh from Northern Scotland in 1858. His master died only one day after his arrival and Bobby stayed at his master's graveside for 14 years until he died. Bobby was buried near his masters grave at Greyfriars Churchyard.
Dating Merrythought toys can be quite difficult unless the production was limited to a certain time frame. In general, during the late 1930's Merrythought toys had a pewter button in the ears, then until the end of World War II, woven tags were attached to the animals which read Merrythought, Hygenic Toys, Made in England. After World War II the lable became printed cloth and read Merrythought, Ironbridge, Shrops, Made in England.
Merrythought were famous for making soft toys of many different animals as well as the famous teddy bear.