Collectible Teddy Bears and Their Growlers

Have you ever noticed that some Steiff Bears have a growler?  That magnificent growling sound that is emitted when a collectible teddy bear is turned just the right way?

We were curious as to the history and inner workings of growlers, and decided to do some research.

Prior to 1908, growlers were called punch growlers that were made of an oilcloth bag with a reed inside. When the growler was pressed, a rush of air made the reed vibrate and cause the noise.

After 1908, modified growlers were introduced and they were called tilt growlers.  A lead weight enclosed in a cardtube tube opened or closed opened the bellows when the teddy bear was tilted.  Therefore, this forced air over the reed and created the growling sound. 

Before tilt growlers squeakers were also used but most usually on smaller teddy bears.  Incidentally, squeakers also use an internal reed.

Currently both growlers and squeakers can be purchased rather inexpensively by hobbyists to include in their bear creations.  But we suspect that Steiff Bears only inserts top-of-the-line growlers in their incredible limited edition collectible teddybears.

Quote of the Day - "How much pain have cost us the evils that have never happened." - Thomas Jefferson