This Steiff Teddy Bear From 1964 Is One Merry Mash-Up!

Talk about hiding in plain sight! Steiffgal was checking out the latest listings on eBay to see if she could find a hidden treasure. And lo and behold, the shopping gods aligned and this rarity appeared out of nowhere! He doesn't look like much - and could be easy to miss. Check out this merry mash-up of a bear and see what makes him so distinctive from the design and marketing perspectives. 

 

Cosy Teddy is 28 cm, unjointed, and softly stuffed. His body shape and proportions are a bit like the company's childlike Lully baby bear. Cozy Teddy is made from white dralon. His paw pads are made from pinky-peach colored dralon. He has four brown dimensional felt claws on each of his paws. His face comes to life with smaller scaled black and white cartoon eyes and a hand embroidered brown nose and mouth. This pattern of facial stitching is similar to that seen on the company's postwar Original Teddy bears. He also has a little airbrushing around his peepers to give them some depth. When he left the factory, Cosy Teddy was decorated with a blue ribbon. This guy was produced in this size only in 1964. He retains his raised script button and bits of his yellow tag as his IDs. Given his washable construction, size, and simplicity, it is quite possible he was designed a hands on plaything for kids. 

 

This bear has two key design elements that make him quite distinctive. First, he has wool felt claws, which is most unusual in the Steiff line. A few other bears from his mid-1960s era, including Zooby the zoo bear, Cosy Nauty the polar bear, and Zipper Nauty the PJ bag, also have this detailing... but the vast majority of Steiff's cubs from all eras have embroidered or painted claws. And second, he sports round black and white plastic cartoon eyes, which are somewhat too small for his face. This configuration is also an outlier in Steiff's bear production. The only other example with this style and scale of eyes Steiffgal can think of is the company's Cosy Bruni Collar bear; he was made from 1965-1966. 

 

Steiff clearly had big plans for Cosy Teddy, as he was the "cover bear" for its 1964 "New Models" catalog. You can see that cover shot here on the left. Like Cosy Teddy, this four page catalog introduced a significant collection of new editions made from dralon materials. This publication is also very interesting because it debuted a number of items that were only produced for a year or so. Steiffgal refers to these now hard to find treasures as "One-derfuls" to note their single year appearance in the line. Cosy Teddy is one of these 1964 "One-derfuls"; others pictured in this brochure include Reinhold the Rhino, Loopy the Wolf, Zipper Cockie, and Sneba the Snowman puppet. Today, many of these rarities top enthusiasts' wish lists given how few were produced over a very short period of time. 

 

Steiffgal hopes this discussion on Cosy Teddy and his discovery has added a soft spot to your day. 

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

This Cool Cat Novelty Is Really Hot Stuff!

Brrr... the temperature has shifted from 80 degrees to 40 degrees overnight so it’s definitely time to share something Steiff-y to warm the heart and soul! Check out this amazing cat doll that does double duty... making her totally hot stuff indeed. Have you ever seen this hybrid treasure before?

This Steiff functional novelty is called "Cook Cat Coffee Cozy." She is 43 cm tall and is arm and head jointed. Her body and arms are made from red felt to resemble a shirt, her skirt is made from green felt, and her head and hands are made from white mohair. She wears her original white cotton apron. She come to life with pert triangular felt ears, early style green and black slit pupil glass eyes, and a hand embroidered pink nose and mouth. Her hollow body is lined in double thick felt to keep a pot of coffee, tea, or cocoa warm. She was made in this size only from 1906-1910.

Cook Cat Coffee Cozy was also produced with a bear's head or a rabbit's head. These heads were identical to the current rabbit and bear designs of the early 20th century. These cousins also measured 43 cm tall. The bear appeared in the line from 1906-1908 and the rabbit appeared in the line from 1906-1909. Like the cat version, these featured a mohair head and hands and were dressed in a red felt shirt, a green felt skirt, and a white apron. This happy group is a good example of Steiff's long tradition of "form and variation" - modifying a popular design slightly to produce a number of "new" products for their catalogs. You can see a picture of the "Cook Rabbit Coffee Cosy" here on the left; the photo is from Pfeiffer's 1892-1943 Sortiment book.

Cook Cat Coffee Cozy - and her bear and rabbit friends - are based on Steiff's earliest character coffee warmer which debuted in 1904. This was a cozy in the form of Mama Katzenjammer from the popular comic strip the Katzenjammer Kids. She was called "Cook Coffee Cozy." Cook Coffee Cozy also wore a red and green felt dress and white apron, but had a felt head and fingered hands that resembled her character. Cook Coffee Cozy was made in four sizes ranging from 43-100 cm from 1904 through 1943 overall. Her longevity in the line indicates how popular she was over nearly four decades. You can see a picture of the "Cook Coffee Cosy" here on the left; the photo is from Pfeiffer's 1892-1943 Sortiment book. 

This fantastic feline fits right into Steiff's early 20th century product development timeline and history. The Giengen company is well known for producing functional novelties for home, school, and work use in addition to the company's plush animal, doll, and bear production. This tradition goes back to the late 1800s, when Margarete Steiff produced and marketed a series of oversized, embroidered felt "pockets" designed as newspaper holders, bed wall bags, duster holder bags, and brush holders, among others. Other early and mostly prewar novelties include egg cosies, pen wipes, and pincushions. These rarities are treasured among collectors today.

Steiffgal hopes you found this discussion on Cook Cat Coffee Cozy the pause that refreshes.

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

Getting Egg-Static Over This Steiff Antique Rabbit Novelty!

There's no question you'll warm up right away to today's blog special guest. Not only is he good looking, he's also great at what he does. Intrigued? Here's more about this charming - and functional - Steiff rarity.

It's easy to get egg-static over this adorable rabbit egg cozy. This happy hopper is 11 cm long, unjointed, and made from tan velvet. He is airbrushed with tan and black highlights. He does not have limbs, but the way he is painted it appears that has dimensional back thighs and legs. He comes to life with curled ears, black shoebutton eyes, and a black painted nose. Rabbit's head is very lightly stuffed with kapok. His inside is hollow - like a tent - to keep one boiled egg warm. Steiff also made egg cozies which could hold up to six eggs! 

Rabbit retains his long trailing "f" button and fully legible white ear tag as his IDs. This pattern was made in this size only in velvet from 1908-1927 and in felt from 1921-1927. It is one of the very few egg cozies produced by Steiff in velvet fabric; the vast majority of these warmers were produced in felt - which is probably a better insulator. This particular rabbit egg cozy was most likely produced in the 19-teens. 

Now let's take a closer look at rabbit's 14 carrot ear tag. The numbers on it are: 77/3436. At first, these numbers were a little confusing, as they do not exactly align with how Steiff usually uses digits on ear tags. In this case, it is Steiffgal's best thinking that the numbers represent the following information: The 77 = the classification number for "egg warmers"; 3 = sitting position; 4 = velvet material; and 36 = the classification number for rabbits. Other early egg cozy items have similar four digit numbers after the "77" egg warmer classification. It appears that their final two digits also refer to the classification number of their species, like ducks, roosters, or hens.

Also of interest are the French words "importe' d'allemagne" on rabbit's white ear tag. This is pretty unusual and only the second or third time Steiffgal has seen this documented on a Steiff ear tag. It is possible, given the socio-economic and political realities of the WWI era, that European companies were required to specifically note in which countries their products were made. And/or perhaps such labeling was necessary for import, export, or duty purposes and regulations. Isn't it amazing how much information - and mystery - can fit on a tiny slip of paper less than one inch long!

Steiffgal hopes this discussion on this rare velvet egg cosy has left you jumping for joy.

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

These Silly Steiff Crabs Are Certain To Put You In A Good Mood!

Looking for a little something to pinch your interest? Then check out these wacky, and wonderfully silly sea creatures. Steiff has made just about every land and water animal you can think of. Some are incredibly realistic, while others - like these - look like they are straight from the imagination of a toddler with a big box of Crayola crayons. 

It's hard to be in a bad mood when it comes to this cute collection of Steiff's Cosy Clippy crabs. These beach buddies are each 10 cm and unjointed. They are made of woven fur, with the tops being one color and the bottoms being another complementary hue. Their front arms are made from tan felt, are dimensional, and have a little "pincher" on the tips. The rear legs are made from matching tan single thick felt, are flat, and are detailed with a spot of brown airbrushing on each "claw."  The faces on these crabs come to life with tiny black button eyes and a very simple black "v" shaped painted mouth.

Clippy was produced from 1995 through 1996 in six - yes six - colors: violet, yellow, red, olive green, eggplant, and raspberry. Steiffgal has four of the six, with the remaining two topping her bucket list. In hand, she has the violet and tan version, the olive green and light green version, the aubergine and light purple version, and the raspberry and pink version. For some reason, these are extremely rare on the secondary market, and very hard to find. This design is a good example of an item being "relatively" new, still yet quite desirable and collectible from the enthusiast's prospective.

As far as Steiffgal can tell, this is the only crab that Steiff has designed or produced. Given their size and structure, these cranky cuties would have made great woolen miniatures! However, Steiff did make a number of smaller, happily hued animals - mostly as playthings for children - in the 1990s. This series of crabs seems to fit into this product development initiative, given their size and materials. These other species included a series of 16 cm cozy snails in colors like purple, pink, and blue from 1994-1996, a series of 20 cm cozy caterpillars in colors like red, blue, and purple from 1995-1997, a series of 18 cm cozy mice in colors like raspberry, violet and blue from 1995-1997, and a series of 20 cozy crabby beetles in colors like red, purple, rose, and blue from 1992-1994, among others.

Steiffgal hopes today's blog on these funny little ocean creatures has added a spot of unexpected color to your day.

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

Fun Finds And Unusual Rarities At The Upcoming March 2016 Teddy Dorado Auction!

Continuing on with our focus on upcoming Steiff sales events, Steiffgal is thrilled to present the Steiff community with highlights from the upcoming Teddy Dorado auction.  This can't miss event will be held on March 5th, 2016 in Germany.  One thing Steiffgal particularly loves about Teddy Dorado is the company's ability to find and sell the most interesting rarities and one of a kind Steiff finds.  Here are three great highlight items from this sale that really caught her eye.  

Please take a leap of faith with Steiffgal on this first Teddy Dorado auction highlight. Here we have lot 17-1705, a 60 cm "Schlenker frog" or dangling frog. He is cataloged as...

"From about 1981, with all IDs and article number 2380/60. Made from green and orange trevira velvet. Large, yellow and black eyes, open mouth. Posable with wire reinforced limbs. Firmly stuffed with poly fiberfill, no voice. With yellow Steiff flag in the left foot and chest tag. Not seen in any catalog or publication. Clean, non-faded, no odors, top condition. Standing about 83 cm tall and sitting about 42 cm tall."

It's easy being green when it comes to this giant uncataloged frog! His size and presentation are truly impressive. His wonderful long arms and legs are perfect proportions for a "lulac" style animal. And who wouldn't want a "one of a kind" Steiff treasure such as this one? It is Steiffgal's best guess that this happy hopper may have been made as a special feature for a customized window display, or that he was a sample of an idea that never made it into full production. It is also possible that his design was based on an "uber" vision of the company's 32 cm standard line Cappy Dangling Frog. Cappy is also lulac styled with long arms and legs which are lined in wire so he can be posed. Cappy was in the Steiff line from 1979 through 1984. He is pictured here on the left for comparison. 

This second auction highlight will bug some readers, but there is a good reason for his selection.  Please check out lot 17-1608,  a cosy fly.  Yes, a fly.  He is cataloged as...

"A 20 cm Cosy Flappy fly made in 1994 with all IDs and additional hang tags.  The article number is 099588. He is unjointed and in top condition.  He is made from russet fleece, black woven fur, white fur, and blue trevira velvet that has a honeycomb print on it.  Detailed with black cord on the face.  Softly stuffed with poly fiberfill.  About 10 cm tall and 20 cm long."

No need to wing it here... this little guy is one big Steiff deal!  Believe it or not, this funky fly, despite his relative newness, is on the wish list of many collectors due to his rarity and strangeness.  Back in 2009, Steiffgal awarded this pattern the grand prize winner of a Steiff "What Were They Thinking" contest - a countdown of Steiffgal's top choices for the oddest Steiff designs.  Flappy was only produced in 1994 and came in five colors: red, yellow, green, blue, and brown. This model is the brown model. Steiffgal has the green version, he is pictured here on the left.  Steiffgal once gave a red Flappy to a friend as a birthday gift; in disbelief he exclaimed that the fly would forever be his favorite Steiff collectible of all time.

Size defies with today's third auction highlight.  Here we have lot 17-5003, a little hedgehog clip.  He is cataloged as...

"A 6 cm tip clip premium hedgehog made in 1979-1985.  The article number is 1671/06. Made as a brooch or decoration.  The face, ears, ears, and underside are made of brown trevira velvet.  He has black plastic eyes and a black glass bead nose.  The clip is on his back. He has a special yellow and green Steiff linen tag imprinted with his article number and "FFSPN - Fédération Française of the Societes de protection de la nature."  It is very clean and in top condition.  He measures approximately 6 cm long and 4.5 cm wide."

There's no need to hedge any bets here that this baby hedgehog is a "customer special" for The National Society of Nature Protection, a French nonprofit which "aims to implement educational activities and nature protection in France but also in the world." This sweet treat is based on Steiff's standard line 6 cm Joggi Igel or Joggi Hedgehog. Joggi was manufactured in 6, 10, and 17 cm from 1966 through 2002. The original 6 cm Joggi is pictured here on the left. 

A customer special is an item that is embellished with an unusual custom ribbon, a felt accessory, a unique tag, or other small differentiators. In the case of this hedgehog, the standard yellow and black tag was replaced with a green and white tag, and a clip was added. In the past, Steiff did not necessarily separately catalog customer specials. These finds are exciting, as well as frustrating, to collectors, who always want to know the full story behind unusual Steiff items. It is Steiffgal's best guess that this item was produced for NSNP as a gift for the organization's staff, donors, or volunteers; made as a give-away for a trade show or conference; or was available for purchase directly from NSNP to help support the organization.  NSNP's current logo is here on the left.  It is interesting to note it now features a ladybug... which would also make for a great Steiff customer special pin!

Steiffgal hopes this review of some of these hot lots available at the upcoming Teddy Dorado sale has given you auction fever!  You can view the entire auction catalog by clicking here. 

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

This Most Unusual Steiff Skunk Is Begging For Your Attention

It's never a good idea to see things only in black and white.  Unless of course, you are studying Steiff's wonderful skunks!  So pull out your magnifying glasses and thinking caps, and take a look at this most unusual example.  Have you ever come across one of these two-toned treasures?

No need to hold your breath for information on this little stinker. Here we have the strange, wonderful, and highly unusual Phuy Skunk. And why so unusual? In the Steiff reference books, the only thing listed about him is that he was made in 1965, and his "purpose is unknown." Physically, Phuy is 18 cm. He is in a begging position, although he can also lay down if he gets tired. His body is made from short black and white mohair, while his tail is made from long black and white mohair. He has double-thick felt paws and feet; his feet are stenciled with little foot prints. He has an open, felt lined mouth, a pink hand embroidered nose, brown and black pupil eyes, and mono-filament whiskers. 

Phuy is sometimes confused with another begging buddy named Cosy Skunk. This fellow is 22 cm, unjointed, and can lay down or sit up. His body is made from short black and white dralon. His robust tail is made from long, black and white dralon. His face is detailed with felt ears, black and brown pupil eyes, clear whiskers, and a pink hand embroidered nose and closed mouth. He has white, double thick felt front hand paws, but no feet paws. There is no stenciling on his felt paws. This smelly sweetheart was manufactured from 1960-1974 in this size only.  He is pictured here on the left.

It stinks that there isn't much information available about Phuy. But, it was not unusual for Steiff to produce an animal in a very small edition size, and as a result, not keep detailed records about it. Sometimes these rarities were produced for, or ended up at, specialty retailers such as F.A.O. Schwarz. A good example of this is the company's "Mystery Squirrel" which does not (as far as Steiffgal knows) appear in any of the standard Steiff reference books, but is featured in the F.A.O. Schwarz catalog of 1968-1969. He is pictured here on the left. It is interesting to note that this Mystery Squirrel, like Phuy, is a "field and forest friend," is made from mohair, and is in the same general (begging) body position. Mystery Squirrel is pictured here on the left. 

As rare as Phuy is, he is not the rarest Steiff skunk Steiffgal knows of. Check out this remarkable, and probably one of a kind Steiff Skunk sold by Teddy Dorado in 2013 at the annual Steiff Sommer Auction in Giengen, Germany. He hammered at 950 euro!  This absolute rarity is cataloged as... "Disney character begging skunk, 18 cm, a unique specimen in mint condition from 1978-1979. Art.-No. Art.-No. 7958/18. Made of black, pink & white trevira velvet; chest from pink Dralon plush; white hair on top of head & white-black tail made of long pile woven fur; black-white googly eyes; cord tongue; unjointed in begging position; limbs excelsior stuffed; manufactured without voice & chest tag; small golden coloured Steiff raised script button in ear; Steiff ear tag shows hand written Art.-No. & wrong information about covering material; in mint condition overall; item without report in any Steiff catalogue."  This Disney character skunk is pictured here on the left, the photo is from Teddy Dorado.  

Steiffgal hopes this discussion on Phuy Skunk has been a well deserved breath of fresh air for you. 

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

Looking For Material Evidence On This Unusual Steiff Floppy Kitten

Check out this inquiry that just tip-toed in on little cat's feet from a reader in New Jersey.  She asks about an unusual detail she noted on one of Steiff's beloved "Floppy" or sleeping animal patterns.  What's to make of this pretty Steiff kitty?

Linda shares, in part:
"My sleeping cat has a velvet snout and ears.  It does not have any ID.    I just can't seem to find any example like this in books or online. What do think of this? Many thanks for your help!"

No need to whisper around this sweet sleeping girl.  What we have here is Steiff's Floppy Kitty Cat. She is unjointed, lying down, and made from nice white mohair which has been gently airbrushed with black stripes. She is very softly stuffed.  Kitty has closed stitched eyes and is exceptionally cuddly. Her face is detailed with a pink hand stitched nose and mouth; she appears to have retained her original clear monofilament whiskers.  Overall, Floppy Kitty was produced from 1953 through 1969 and came in two sizes, 17 and 28 cm.  Linda's kitten is the smaller version.  

Steiff produced a great number of "sleeping" style animals during the 1950's through the 1970's. These included a baby lion, tiger, panda bear, fox, Zotty bear, Siamese cat, Cocker Spaniel, seal, and elephant, among others. They were all prone in position and referred to as "floppy" or "cosy" animals. Most were made in two standard sizes, 17 and 28 cm; all were stuffed with soft foam. Each animal "sleeping eyes". All of these delightful bedtime companions were simplified versions of well-known Steiff animal designs.  The baby lion and tiger are pictured here on the left.

Linda's Floppy Kitty is particularly interesting because of its velvet muzzle and ears.  These areas on this model were traditionally made from mohair.  It is the first time that Steiffgal has seen a Floppy Kitty with this unexpected facial detailing.  It was not unusual for Steiff to use velvet highlights on the smallest version of some of their animals (like many dogs and cats) or even make the smallest version of an animal entirely in velvet when the rest of the sizes were mohair (like pigs, zebras, giraffes, etc.) The smallest sized, fully jointed Steiff Kitty also has a velvet muzzle but felt ears; she is pictured above on the left for reference.  
 

Although there is no hard material evidence, it is Steiffgal's strongest suspicion that this velvet muzzled Floppy Kitty is an early version of the standard line all mohair Floppy Kitty model (pictured here on the left.)  Here are three theories concerning the velvet version:

1.  It is possible that this version was made with velvet early on to save on mohair - as mohair was still relatively rare and hard to get post war until the early 1950's when the fabric factories were in full swing again. 

2.  It is also possible that this was a sample or a trial of this pattern, to keep it consistent in materials and design with the regular jointed Kitty already in the line. 

3.  It is also possible that this model was made early on with a velvet muzzle and ears, but because velvet tends to get dirty easily and is impossible to wash - and this product was designed as a play and bedtime animal - that the material was changed to a more surface washable option.

So what's the real story behind this meow-mixup?  Unfortunately, only Linda's cat knows for sure!

Steiffgal hopes this discussion on this unusual sleeping Steiff cat has been a relaxing bedtime story for you.

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

Steiff's Beagles Are Truly Best In Show In 2015!

This past week, many of us curled up on the couch with our own real pets to watch the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on television. This two night event showcases breathtaking - and usually very well behaved - dogs from all over North America and beyond. This year's "Best of Show" winner was Miss P., the Beagle. In honor of her special accomplishment, let's take a look at Steiff's versions of her wonderful breed!

Some collectors might find it surprising that the first Beagle did not appear in the Steiff line until 1958. Steiff's debut Beagle, and probably the one most favored by collectors, was its standing Biggie Beagle. This model was unjointed and made from tan mohair.  His head, body, and tail were elaborately hand-painted with delightful shades of black, grey, and brown, giving him wonderful definition. His face was detailed with a black hand embroidered nose and mouth and remarkable tri-colored almond shaped glass eyes in white, black and brown.  Standing Biggie was produced from 1958 through 1961 in 10, 17, and 25 cm. The smallest Biggie truly had the sweetest puppylike, smiling appearance.

When it comes to Steiff, there is certainly no rest for the weary! As such, in 1959, just a year after Biggie's very successful introduction, the company made a 17 cm "Floppy" or resting version of him. Steiff manufactured a great number of "sleeping" style animals during the 1950's through the 1970's. All were prone in position and referred to as "floppy" or "cosy" animals.  Many were made in two standard sizes, 17 and 28 cm; all were stuffed with soft foam. Each animal had "sleeping eyes." Like Biggie, these delightful bedtime companions were simplified versions of well-known Steiff animal designs.  Floppy Biggie appeared in the line through 1961 and is considered one of the rarer and more collectible Floppy designs based on his charming design and limited time in the line. 

Hoping to mirror standing Biggie's success, Steiff created a hand puppet version of this playful pup  also in 1959.   This item was called Mimic Biggie Beagle. He was a fully functional, hollow bodied hand puppet with an open and smiling mouth and big pink felt tongue.  He was 28 cm long and made from tan mohair which was airbrushed with black, tan, and grey highlighting all over his body. He had wonderful and long floppy ears, and like standing Biggie, had fantastic tri-colored almond shaped glass eyes. His nose and paws were hand embroidered in black. Mimic Biggie Beagle was produced in one size only in 1958 through 1959. He is pictured here on the left. At the same time, the company also produced mimic style puppets in the form of a Dalmatian and Schnauzer. 

In 1965, Steiff introduced an updated Beagle to the line - perhaps by Presidential decree! This Beagle was also called Biggie, and he was sitting and made from mohair. Like standing Biggie, he had realistic airbrushing on his body. However, unlike standing Biggie, this sitting Biggie had brown and black pupil eyes and was head jointed. Sitting Biggie was produced in 10 and 18 cm from 1965 through 1975.  He is pictured here on the left.
 

And what's the connection to the White House here? President at the time, Lyndon B. Johnson - who served from November 22, 1963 to January 20, 1968 - was a huge Beagle enthusiast.  His Beagles, which included Him and Her, were truly the "First Dogs" of America - often accompanying the President on visits to heads of state, hanging out in the Oval Office, and swimming in the White House pool. These lucky dogs were even featured on the cover of Life Magazine in 1964!  This great photo is here on the left.

FAO Schwarz also worked with Steiff to produce a handful of special "limited edition" Beagles for their high end toy stores.  It is safe to say that the timing of all these introductions - 1965 to 1966 - probably had alot to do with the popularity of the Presidential pets!  These treasures included a 40 cm mohair standing display Beagle; a 15 cm standing open mouthed Beagle (sort of a hybrid in design between Steiff's regular line sitting and standing Biggies); and a family of Beagles in a basket, resting on a soft cushion. The 15 cm FAO Biggie is pictured here on the left with his wonderful period red wooden FAO Schwarz tag.

More than a few dog years passed before beagles again graced the Steiff line.  In 2004, Steiff and FAO Schwarz again partnered to produce exclusive Beagles. This time they were in the form of an AKC branded mother and pup; both were made from soft plush and designed for children's fun and play. And most recently in 2014, Steiff treated collectors to another version of Biggie in the form of a 12 cm standing mohair pooch, complete with a matching collar and leash.  He was produced in an edition size of 1,500 pieces for the worldwide market. The 2014 version of Biggie Beagle is pictured here on the left.

Steiffgal hopes this celebration of Steiff Beagles - like Miss P.'s win at Westminster - has been a best of show experience for you.

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

Getting Cosy With Steiff's Delightful And Rare Sleeping Siamese Cat

It's easy to feel sleepy alot of the time around these parts, with the average daily temperature plunging, and the sun going down a little after 4 pm every day!  So the timing seemed more than perfect to welcome the arrival of a new Steiff slumbering friend to Steiffgal's collection.  Take a look at this adorable dozing cat and see what makes her so dreamy - no pun intended - from the both the collector and historical perspectives.

Care to have a snuggle with this Steiff rarity? Here we have the company's unusual and seldom seen Cosy Siamy Katze or Cosy Siamy Cat. She is 17 cm, unjointed, lying down, and made from fuzzy tan dralon that has been highlighted with tan airbrushing on her arms, legs, face, and back. Her face is detailed with a pink hand embroidered nose and mouth, as well as clear monofilament whiskers.  Her muzzle and the back of her ears are made from slightly shorter dralon.  And just how can we be sure that she is sleeping?  Her closed stitched eyes all but insure a perfect night sleep - every night!  As to be expected, Cosy Siamy is exceptionally soft and cuddly.  Sleeping Siamy was produced from 1959 through 1961 in 17 cm only. 

It's like a slumber party when it comes to Steiff's delightful "sleeping style" animals.  The company produced a great number of these designs during the 1950's through the 1970's. These included a Zotty Teddy and panda bear, fox, Cocker Spaniel, tabby cat, seal, poodle, elephant, a Leo, and others. They were all prone in position and referred to as "floppy" or "cosy" animals. Most were made in two standard sizes, 17 and 28 cm; all were stuffed with soft foam. Each animal had sleeping style eyes, meaning that the eyes were designed to appear closed and at peace. All of these delightful bedtime companions were simplified versions of well-known and popular Steiff animal designs of the time.

Cosy Siamy could be considered the cat's meow of Steiff's sleeping animals.  And why is that?  First, sleeping animals were based on current Steiff favorites, yet the original Siamy Siamese cat made her final appearance in the Steiff catalog in 1954 - a full five years before being introduced as a sleeping model.  Second, Cosy Siamy was made for no more than three years, while most of the other models were made for significantly more time - some for decades!  And finally her size.  She was only made in the small size, while most of the other models were produced in the large and small size.  All of these things contribute to her rarity and in turn, interest to collectors. 

Steiffgal hopes this discussion on Cosy Siamy has been as refreshing as a delightful afternoon's nap!

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