Fernand Martin and Bears, Always Nice

IN PRINCIPLE THERE are four different Martin bears, three are produced under the same number 193 in a period of more than 25 years, the production of each of the different versions started in the periods 1903, 1909, 1912, and 1921.

They are very similar in appearance; there are two colors white and brown. The fourth is a completely different bear with number 216. Height approx. 20 cm / 8 inches. Three bears, all bearing the same number 193, one has a hairy head, one white bear with a white-lacquered head, and one with a brown-lacquered head.

What do you need to know if you have one or want to purchase one or even find one. What should you pay attention to!

The first version is the brown bear with a “hairy” head, so it looks like a head with fur. This was given number 193 and was made by Fernand Martin in 1903. Marked under one leg with “FM” and under the other leg with the famous “triangle” and equipped with a “Martin” key.

The second version is the same bear but in a white version, the head is now painted white. He received the same production number and was made by Fernand Martin in 1909. But was also produced by Victor Bonnet in the fourth period with the same number. If it is produced by Fernand Martin then one leg is marked with FM and under the other leg with the famous triangle.

Explore more collector stories, vintage toy highlights, and market insights in the Antique Toy World Magazine – August 2026

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