A Larger Than Life Steiff Teddy Baby

Well, it goes without saying that Steiffgal went a little ga-ga when she received this note about one of her favorite Steiff designs, Steiff's classic and delightful "Teddy Baby."  And talk about one heck of a big baby!  Check out this question from Tush, who writes from Austria...

"Hi Steiffgal,

I need your help! I'm on the verge of buying this large Teddy Baby. He's in "all original" condition, and has no holes or tears. As you can see from the photos, his mohair has faded and thinned on the front. He has a button dating him to the fifties, but has lost all his other IDs.

Would you say he's a Schautier (i.e., a "Studio" item)? Apparently the seller had him valued at an auction house here in Austria, and they classified him as a "display animal."  In the Steiff Sortiment Book 1947 - 2003 there is a Teddy Baby display animal, although he's 150  cm. 

Have you ever seen or heard of a Teddy Baby being 80 cm tall? The largest produced Teddy Babies were 65 cm tall.

I find him adorable - but would like to know how "rare" he really is.

Thanks in advance for your help and greetings from Austria,

Tush"

Oh baby, what a great question!  First of all, let's take a look at his wonderful design to understand his legacy in the Steiff line.  Teddy Baby has been produced in a number of slightly varying designs over the years. However, all Steiff Teddy Baby bears have three things in common: 1.  a distinctive, well defined muzzle;  2.  flat, broad, clawed feet made for standing; and 3.  sweet, toddler-like features. The Teddy Baby pattern debuted in 1929—a very creative, prolific period at Steiff when several of their most recognizable and classic designs (including Molly puppy and Bully bulldog) were also introduced. Pre-World War II, Teddy Baby was made in 13 sizes ranging from 9 to 65 cm.

It is interesting to note that Teddy Baby was one of the very first items Steiff started producing when the factory in Germany opened after the war. Due to limited supplies and logistical complications, he was made in artificial silk plush (a transitional, lower quality material) in 1948. Then, once supplies and operations were back in order, he was produced in blond or brown mohair in 9, 22, 28, 30, and 40 cm in the identical pattern made before the war. All sizes over 9 cm came with a leather collar with a bell. Teddy Baby remained in the Steiff line from 1949 to 1957, although due to his popularity with collectors, has been replicated many times in numerous limited edition series.

Now to his distinctively un-baby like proportions.  As Tush noted, the largest "official" standard line sized Teddy baby was produced was 65 cm, but that was in the 1940's.  And this bear dates from the 1950's.  So why is this brown beauty 80 cm?  And does he qualify as a "Studio" item?   

As with most things Steiff, the understanding the history of a special item relies both on art and science.  In reality, it is impossible to tell with certainty how Steiff would have cataloged this uniquely sized Teddy Baby.  It is entirely possible that he could have been a special customer order, or part of a window display, or a sample.  Here are two mini-clues that MAY shed some light on his past.  

• First, he has brown feet.  As far as Steiffgal can find and research, brown Teddy Babies traditionally have light feet, so this may suggest that he was created as a sample or customer special order.
• Second, he has worn areas on his head and chest.  That may suggest that he was part of a display in a store that catered to children.  Why?  Because the wear is at the height where young people would pet and cuddle him.

And what's in a name - especially the name "Studio?"  In general, a Steiff Studio item is life-sized, or designed specifically for display purposes. So in the case of “life-sized” animals, if in nature a tiger is almost 6 feet long, then the Steiff Studio tiger would be almost 6 feet long. In the case of a display product, an item may be produced in exceptionally large proportions in order to make a statement in a window vignette.  Since the early 1900s, Studio items have been produced in a special, high-ceiling building on the Steiff campus.  There is precedence for "Studio" sized versions of classic Steiff Teddy bear designs.  For example, in 1967, Steiff made 80 and 100 cm version of their Zotty Bears, and did call those "Studio items" in the Sortiment books; a picture of a gynormous 80 cm Zotty is pictured here on the left.  

Given that Tush's Teddy Baby was also made in the "studio" building on the Steiff campus... Steiffgal would think that this big bruin would also qualify for studio-status.

Steiffgal hopes this discussion on Teddy Baby has been as peaceful as a lullaby to you.

Have a question about one of your Steiff treasures? Let's talk! Click here to learn more. 

A Red Hot Family Steiff Treasure!

The famous American designer Bill Blass was known for saying, "Red is the ultimate cure for sadness."  And Steiffgal could not agree more, especially when it comes to remarkable vintage Steiff treasures.  Take a look at this note from a reader who asks about his family's fantastic forest friend.  Anthony from England writes:

"Hi, 

I have searched the internet for information on my Steiff red fox and came upon your site. I would greatly appreciate you giving your opinion of when it was made and the possible value of it.  He is made of mohair, has his ear tag, and measures 11" long and 5" tall.

As far as I am aware, he is pre-1950.  It was my stepfather's mother's fox.  She worked in a country house and on her retirement was offered a Steiff piece from a collection and chose this.  She died in the 1960's at 78 years old.

Please find attached images.  Your valued opinion would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks, 

Anthony"

Wow, what a red-hot question!  What Anthony has here is Steiff's Fuchs or Fox.  He is five ways jointed, standing on all fours, and made from reddish-brown mohair.  The tips of his ears are outlined in back mohair.  His chest, inner ears, and "sideburns" are made from white mohair.  He has brown and black pupil eyes and a black hand embroidered nose, mouth, and claws.  When he was new, he had a working squeaker in his belly.  This fox design was made overall from 1909 to 1933 in 14, 17, 22, 35, and 43 cm.  A similar sitting and head jointed version of this fox was also made in in 14, 17, 22, and 25 cm from 1916 through 1927.  

This fox is red in more ways than one - which can help to date his actual production time.  Fox has his 8cm "trailing f" button, which was used in the approximately 1925 to 1935 time frame.  He also has traces and remnants of a red ear tag around his button.  This tag was used from the approximately 1925 through 1934 time frame.  If you dovetail the periods he appeared in the line, his button, and his red ear tag, this would put his production in the approximate 1925 to 1933 time frame.

Now for the question that makes Steiffgal want to dive into a foxhole - his value.  Steiffgal is not an official appraiser and truly believes that something is worth what someone will pay for it.   And it is all but impossible to be 100% certain without seeing something firsthand - Steiffgal cannot tell
from the photos if he has any weak areas, rips, tears, bare patches, odors, or structural damage - all important factors in valuation.   However,  he is a great example of Steiff's wonderful turn of last century's creativity and design prowess.  And, early five ways jointed animals are also of great interest to most vintage Steiff enthusiasts.  Assuming that he is in very good condition as presented, with none of the factors above noted, he may value in the $500-750+ range today.

Steiffgal hopes that this discussion on Anthony's red fox has left you bright eyed and bushy tailed. 

Have a question about one of your Steiff treasures? Let's talk! Click here to learn more. 

Rolling Into Spring With This Marvelous Vintage Steiff Rabbit On Wheels

Is anyone else out there about ready to roll into spring and all the delights that come with it?  Steiffgal certainly is, especially after this week's surprise early March snow and ice storm around these parts!  Check out this inquiry from a reader that should help us all of us put a hop-skip-and-a-jump into our seasonal steps!  Brenda writes...

 

"Dear Steiffgal,

 

Perhaps you can help me learn a bit about this toy.  Have you ever seen one before?  Is it rare?  What may it be worth?  When was it made?  

 

 My husband's father got it as a child, in about 1920.  

 

The rabbit is about 12 inches long and 4 inches high and is mounted on four wooden wheels.  It's body appears to be made out of light brown felt.  It has an ear button on the underside of its long floppy ears.

 

Thanks for any help you can give me.  

 

Best, Brenda"

 

Wow, that's one blue ribbon bunny Brenda's got there! This fantastic treasure is an early Steiff felt rabbit on wooden wheels.  The rabbit is standing on all fours and unjointed. Her face was originally detailed with simple black button eyes, a hand embroidered nose and mouth, and clear monofilament whiskers. Her head and body were highlighted a bit of light painting. When she left the factory, she had a red silk bow (the one on her now is probably not original) and a bell around her neck. Her pull cord was most likely a long stretch of red and white twine. This particular pattern was made in light brown in 12, 14, 17, and 22 cm from 1912 through 1936 and grey in 12, 14, and 22 cm from 1916 through 1918.  

 

This beloved and classic pattern was also available without wheels as early as 1892, the first year of the Steiff catalog!

Continuing on this joy ride, this toy is on what Steiff calls "eccentric wheels."  This means that when the rabbit rolls along, it shimmies back and forth, having the appearance  of a somewhat "natural" gate or movement.  This is accomplished by attaching the wheels slightly off center to the supporting axle. You can see that here on the picture on the left.  Although this early innovation was discovered by accident at the turn of last century, it has become a delightful Steiff  detail that is still used on some items today. 

Now to the question that sends Steiffgal down the rabbit hole... her value.  As always, Steiffgal is not a formal appraiser and believes that something is worth what someone will pay.  This is a classic and delightful item. Early rabbits are right up there with collectors as favorite finds and treasures.  You don't see too many of these around today as they are made of felt, which seems to be a moth magnet.  Moths really can destroy  felt collectibles in what seems like a heartbeat, so give your felt treasures extra special care and protection from the elements.  Steiffgal has not actually ever seen one of these rolling rabbits  in person, which is sort of unusual - and speaks to its rarity.  That all being said, given she is in very good condition (i.e., clean, with minimal if any holes, odors, or structural issues) today vintage Steiff rabbits on wheels from this period may  value in the $750 to 1200+ range if grey in color and $600 to 1000+ range if light brown in color.  

Steiffgal hopes that this discussion on Brenda's rabbit  has put you in the mood for the joyful upcoming Easter season.

 

Have a question about one of your Steiff treasures? Let's talk! Click here to learn more.   

Lassie Come Home With The Answer To This Steiff Mystery!

Steiffgal's a bit of a sassy Lassie when it comes to Steiff riddles about dogs, and this one really merits a pat on the head.  Check out this note from a reader who asks about her adorable Collie with somewhat of a mysterious ear tag number.  Joan writes...

"Dear Steiffgal,

I am hoping you can solve this Steiff mystery.  No doubt you can. ;o)

Please see the attached photos of my dear Steiff lying collie.  What's puzzling is the number 2325,90 on his eartag.  Is this simply a misprint? Or? 

I date this 1960-67.  Is that correct or does that strange "9" mean something else?

Any light you could shed would be much appreciated as always!!  Thank you!!

Regards,
Joan"

Let's not take this challenge lying down!  What Joan has here is Steiff's simply marvelous lying Collie.  He is unjointed and in a very comfortable, lying down (but still somewhat attentive) position.  His facial mask, ears, arms, legs, and underside are made from short tan mohair.  His back, chest, and tail are made from very long mohair which has been gloriously and realistically airbrushed with black, tan, and grey highlights.  Collie's face is detailed with black and brown pupil eyes, a black hand embroidered nose, an open, pink felt lined mouth, and a bright red tongue.  This item was produced in 25 and 43 cm from 1960 through 1975.  

The real mystery, as Joan points out, is the number on his yellow ear tag.  The  number is 2325,90. There is no reference to this product with this number in the Steiff Sortiment Book, the gold standard reference on vintage Steiff products.    Before the comma, this number translates to 2 = lying, 3 = mohair, and 25 = 25 cm.  After the comma, this number means 9 = "display animal or special edition" and 0 = "normal color".  What could this all mean?

Let's play by the numbers.  The ,90 means "special edition", and in many cases, that means that the item was produced for a certain period of time for a very specific market or sales channel.   Then it may have been produced and distributed on a much wider scale after that specific time frame.  A very good example of that is Steiff's bisons.  This pattern, available in 12, 17, and 30 cm, was produced as a United States exclusive in 1960.  A few years later, in 1962 and 1963, this identical design was produced in the same three sizes for worldwide distribution. (Bison with “90” as the last digits of their ear tag article numbers are from 1960; while those from 1962 and 1963 sport “00” as their last digits.)  The 17 cm bison with the ,90 ear tag detail is pictured here on the left. 

Doggonit, let's figure out what we can about Joan's confounded Collie.  As Steiffgal has mentioned many times before, Steiff is an art, not a science, and there are times that it may be impossible to figure out exactly the back story behind something.  But here are a few possible ideas:

1.  Yup, it could be something as simple as a typo on the eartag.  Steiffgal has several items in her collection where the numbering system on the ear tag, which should reflect the make-up of the animal at the time, just doesn't match up.  

2.  It could also be something as simple as an omission in the Steiff Sortiment Books. For better or worse, this does happen as it would be all but impossible to capture the thousands and thousands of distinctive Steiff products in the Steiff archives. 

3. It is very interesting to note that Joan's Collie was also produced in a sitting up pattern in 12 and 22 cm from 1960 through 1969.  These are pictured here on the left.  And, like the bison mentioned above, in 1960 both the 12 and 22 cm sitting Collies were United States exclusives.  These sitting up Steiff Collies produced in 1960 collies each have the ,90 as part of their yellow ear tag identification number.  

Given all of that background, it is Steiffgal's best guess that Joan's Collie was produced in 1960, based on his identification, design, and other things happening with Steiff's product distribution around that time.  It is possible that he was also a United States exclusive in 1960, and that information was just not captured in the publicly available records.  Or, it is also possible that he was just about to be an exclusive, and for some reason the company changed its mind at the last minute, but did not change his eartag to reflect this. 

Steiffgal hopes this discussion concerning Joan's cryptic Collie has been a real mind bender for you!

Have a question about one of your Steiff treasures? Let's talk! Click here to learn more.