This little bear, complete with whistle is a copy of the Steiff mourning bears that were made in respect of the sinking of the Titanic, which happened in April 1912. Steiff bears were very popular and the black bear was brought out as a mark of respect. it was re-issued in 2012 and this little bear is part of a limited edition run.
A recent TV programme suggested that the titanic's coal store had been smouldering before the ship even set off and that the ship's staff were unable to put out the fire in the coal store.
