That's because he was a bear.

The Titanic Mourning Bear was one of 454 black mohair bears made by German company Steiff to remember people who died when the Titanic sunk in April, 1912.

This particular bear was valued at $200,000 on the Antiques Roadshow in 2005, which is believed by owner Sonia Beggs to be the only one in Australia.

Ms Beggs said she paid $40,000 for the possession, which was bought because of Ms Beggs's good eye for a keepsake bear.

``I collect dolls, bears and old toys and had a 1912 toy cat that I sent to a friend of mine in South Australia to get fixed,'' Ms Beggs said.

She said the cat was returned with a photo that showed it sitting with a black bear that Ms Beggs instantly recognised as a Titanic Mourning Bear.

``I asked if it was for sale, and if it ever came up for sale, to let me know,'' Ms Beggs said.

The previous owner was an older lady who Ms Beggs believed ``wasn't old enough to have been the original owner''.

Ms Beggs does not know any more than that.

``They are so few and far between that the Antiques Roadshow in all their 28 years, at that stage, had never seen another one before,'' she said.

Fair facts

WHAT: Eskleigh Doll and Bear Fair.

WHEN: Today _ 9.30-3pm.

WHERE: Country Club, Prospect.

COST: Adults $6 children $1.