In a story that seems plucked from the pages of a children's novel, a decades-long mystery has been solved with an astonishing discovery in Pakistan. The tale revolves around a teddy bear that bears an uncanny resemblance to the world-famous Paddington Bear, lost for over seventy years.
A Family Mystery Spanning Continents
The saga began in the 1930s when a young Royal Air Force officer purchased two identical mohair teddy bears from the iconic London department store, Selfridges. One was gifted to his daughter, who would grow up to become the mother of beloved author Michael Bond. The other was given to his sister.
While the bear given to Michael Bond's mother became the direct inspiration for his famous literary character, the fate of its twin remained a complete mystery—until now.
The Pakistani Discovery
The breakthrough came from an unexpected corner of the world. Retired teacher Amanda Fergusson, a relative of the Bond family, received a message that would unravel the seven-decade-old puzzle. A friend residing in Pakistan had stumbled upon a bear at a local market that was strikingly similar to the original Paddington.
"It was the most extraordinary thing," Ms. Fergusson recounted. "My friend sent me a picture and asked, 'Do you think this could be one of the bears?' I looked at it and immediately thought, 'Good heavens, I think it is.'"
Authenticating a Piece of History
The bear was promptly shipped to Cornwall for verification. Upon examination, Ms. Fergusson found compelling evidence that this was indeed the long-lost twin. The bear shared identical proportions, materials, and distinctive glass eyes with the original Paddington prototype that had inspired Michael Bond.
"It's the same make, the same bear, there's no question about it," she confirmed, noting the remarkable preservation of the vintage toy despite its age and journey across continents.
A New Home in Cornwall
The rediscovered bear has now found a permanent home at the Paddington Bear attraction in Truro, Cornwall, where it will be displayed alongside other artifacts from the beloved stories. The exhibition celebrates the life and work of Michael Bond, who passed away in 2017, and the enduring legacy of his creation.
This extraordinary discovery adds a new chapter to the Paddington legacy, connecting the fictional bear's origins with a real-life story of loss, perseverance, and ultimately, reunion—proving that sometimes truth can be as wonderful as fiction.
