TV & Film Related Sale - Thursday 29 April 2021 | 10:00

Apple Computer rare vintage teddy bear, 1984, made by Clara Toys (Ireland), consigned by Robert Haire, General Manager, Millstreet, County Cork, Ireland. He states: "I joined Apple Computer in 1982 as General Manager of the facility in Millstreet, Co Cork, Ireland. It was common practice to give visitors, especially if they were from overseas, a small gift. On many occasions this was Waterford Crystal. In 1984 I was informed that a very senior group of visitors including Board Directors of Apple were coming from California to visit Apple in Ireland. I contacted a local company named Clara Toys and asked if they could make a Teddy Bear with the Apple logo on the front and on the arms. They made a sample (which is the Bear that is for sale) which they brought to me for approval. I decided to have them manufacture one bear for each of the visitors and these were given on their arrival in Ireland. There were a total of approximately 15 Bears made". Clara Toys rare sample Apple Computer blonde plush teddy bear, with cloth Clara Toys from Millstreet Town label stitched into side seam, brown and black plastic eyes, black plastic dog nose, pink felt tongue, unjointed, seated position, six-colour Apple logo to chest and arms, 21"/53cm. NB: Over forty-one years ago, long before introducing iPhone, iPod or even the Mac, Steve Jobs established Apple's first operations in Europe. At the time, the company knew that in order to serve customers in Europe, it would need a base there. So, in October 1980, Apple opened a factory in Cork, Ireland with 60 employees.