Moving And Grooving With This Darling, Debut Steiff Doggie!

This next fantastic find is bad to the bone, but in the very best way possible! Check out this sweet baby pup that really knows how to move and groove. This recent addition to Steiffgal's collection arrived via an auction box lot win just a few weeks ago. Steiffgal couldn't be more pleased with him... but just who is this somewhat mysterious canine?

This precious pup is none other than Steiff's first and earliest Spaniel. Many thanks to Steiff super fan, and super friend, Karin Houben for her help in identifying him! He is fully jointed and measures 15 cm tall and 23 cm wide (nose to fanny) - not including his tail. His body, limbs, and muzzle are made from tan mohair, while the sides of his face and floppy ears are made from vibrant cinnamon mohair. He has tan hand embroidered claws. His face comes to life with a trimmed muzzle, proportional black and brown glass pupil eyes, and a hand embroidered brown nose and mouth. His IDs include a tiny long trailing f button and traces of a white ear tag. 

Spaniel appeared in the Steiff line for nearly two decades - a pretty significant time frame in dog years - or even people years. He was produced in 17, 22, 28, and 35 cm from 1908 through 1927 overall. Given this example's IDs, somewhat simple body form, and early facial detailing, Steiffgal suspects he was produced towards the very beginning of this time frame. 

It is interesting to note that this Spaniel design is utterly charming, but somewhat "invisible" in the Steiff line. Unlike some other popular and prolific Steiff dogs of his era, this pattern was not repurposed into a novelty like a puppet, roly poly, or pull toy. He does shares a number of design similarities with Steiff's fully jointed black and tan King Charles Spaniel and tan and cinnamon mohair St. Bernhard dogs of the same era. And, like many dog breeds in the line, this Spaniel pattern was dramatically updated and reintroduced in the mid-1920s to reflect a far softer, youthful, and playful aesthetic. You can see Steiff's earliest, fully jointed, brown and white Spaniel pattern as he appeared in the 1924 catalog; he is the dog on the far left pictured right below. Click on the image to make it bigger and easier to read. 

Steiffgal hopes this discussion on Steiff's darling, debut Spaniel has been a first of its kind for you!

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

Good Things Come In Threes With This Precious Prewar Steiff Pup!

They say good things come in threes, and that perfectly describes this week's blog treasure. Check out this amazing, and amazingly interesting, "pup from Pittsburgh." The more you learn about him, the more intriguing he becomes!

This heavenly creature is Steiff's early Saint Bernard dog. He is standing, unjointed, stuffed with excelsior, and made from tan and cinnamon colored mohair. He measures 15 cm tall and 20 cm wide. His proportional tail is positioned downward. He has three brown claws on each of his paws. He comes to life with floppy mohair ears which are tacked to his head, felt backed brown and black glass pupil eyes, a lightly shaved muzzle, and a  brown hand embroidered nose and mouth. He was produced in 17, 22, and 28 cm from 1914-1927. He is described in Pfeiffer's Sortiment as, "mohair plush, white, brown spotted, standing, young, soft stuffed."

So just what makes this guy such a top dog? First, let's start with the obvious. Steiff's prewar pups are always in demand, and those designed and produced in the 'teens and before are highly desirable. That is because they have - for the most part - a distinctively earnest, "literal", and basic look to them. They are also so well constructed and seldom come up for sale on the secondary market. Starting in the mid-1920s, Steiff's canine designs changed significantly and became more "childlike" - often with oversized features and detailing, imaginative coloration, and truly playful personalities. So not only is this example from a key time frame in Steiff's production history, it is also small scaled - another super interesting factor that always calls to collectors.

Now let's move to his second outstanding detail. It is impossible to tell at first glance, but this petite treat also has an amazing secret. He has TWO small silver long trailing "f" buttons in his ear! You can see this illustrated here on the left, One of the buttons has traces of a white paper tag, but the other does not. So why is this? Although the double buttoning in his ear could be an accident, his ear is so small, and the button is so well placed, that the second button truly looks intentional. In the past, Steiff used multiple buttons to keep track of which items were samples, prototypes, and versions of items under development. In the 1920's, this usually took the form of a regular button in one ear, and a "muster button" in the other. It is entirely possible that this dog's multiple button system is an early form of this tracking system - given he was introduced in the 19-teens. Unfortunately, only he knows for sure!

And if you think things couldn't get better than that - guess again! The third amazing thing about this fine example is that it comes with full provenance - that is, documentation regarding his life story. In this case, his provenance includes a letter and several photos - one which is shown below. According to the letter, in part:

"I wanted to share a little bit of history about this Steiff St. Bernard toy dog. It belonged to my father, Robert, who was born in Pittsburgh, PA in June, 1924. My grandmother was sentimental and a "saver," so many things from my father's childhood through his Army service in WWII were passed down and cherished, including his stuffed dog named "Sheppy."

My father always enjoyed reminiscing about his childhood, and he thought his dog was a gift received either for Christmas in 1925 or his second birthday in 1926. Looking at many photos, there was certainly a time period that my father went nowhere without his beloved "Sheppy" in hand."

You can enlarge the provenance letter as well as the photograph here on the left by clicking on them.  

Steiffgal hopes that this discussion on this fantastic Steiff Sheppy has left you quite Peppy!

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

This Prewar St. Bernhard Is Happy To Come To Your Rescue Anytime!

Would you climb every mountain to have a marvelous antique St. Bernhard dog in your Steiff collection? These delightful, hard working, and loyal companions made their Steiff company debut in 1904 and have been a key dog breed in the line ever since. Check out this great example which climbs to new heights with its fabulous presentation and great set of wheels. He'd be happy to come to your rescue anytime!

This pretty pooch is standing, about 15 cm tall and 22 cm wide, and unjointed. He is made from tan mohair with a brown patched-in fanny, head, and ears. His stitched-down ears are lined in felt. His tail is fluffy and somewhat oversized. His face comes to life with brown and black glass pupil eyes, a brown hand embroidered nose and mouth, and a lightly trimmed muzzle. He has a non-working squeaker in his belly. St. Bernhard rides upon two metal axles connected to four concentric, green painted wooden wheels. His leather collar and wooden barrel are not original to him, but seem appropriate, given his tasks at hand. This fine St. Bernhard example retains his long trailing "f" button in ear and traces of his white ear tag as his Steiff IDs. 

Steiff produced this eye-catching design on the go in 11 sizes ranging from 12 to 99 cm overall from 1904 through 1927. Given the huge number of sizes made, and the length of time this model appeared in the line, certain design element updates were noted over time. These included having an open mouth versus a closed one (the earliest ones had open mouths) and the type of wheels (metal on the earliest, wooden from the 19-teens onward.) This particular model under discussion here today, given its IDs and wooden wheels, probably dates from the early 1920s. Here on the left you can see Steiff's print ad for this great pattern in 1912. The image is from Ayers and Harrison's Advertising Art of Steiff, Teddy Bears and Playthings; you can click on it to make it larger if you want to read the product details. 

And don't worry if this fine fellow has you seeing spots, too. Steiffgal has also noted that the brown and tan patching on the body migrates a bit, with the brown patch appearing in a number of locations, perhaps in relation to the dog's size. Here on the left you can see the same St. Bernhard dog model on metal wheels with the patching on his side. This handsome hound probably dates from the early turn of last century.

Steiffgal hopes this discussion on this lovely and popular prewar dog design has been a tail-wagging experience for you.

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

Behind The Scenes Of The October, 2014 Teddy Dorado Steiff Auction Event

It's fun to talk Steiff - especially with professionals who have the distinct pleasure of working with the brand we all know and love for a living!  Steiffgal recently had the wonderful experience of chatting with auctioneer Carsten Esser from Teddy Dorado about his upcoming Steiff sales event on October 25, 2014 in Germany.  This is the company's lucky 13th Steiff auction, and there are so many interesting items available at this sale, both for new and vintage Steiff enthusiasts... and the catalog in its entirety can be viewed here.  But for right now, lets go behind the scenes and learn a little more about this auction and the stories behind some of its highlights!

Steiffgal: Of all the delightful items coming up for auction, which ones would you most like to add to your own collection?

Carsten Esser: I have collected Steiff since I was a young boy, and have forever loved the company's very small dogs. They have always seemed to have such fantastic craftsmanship, and even today I wonder how it is possible to bring excelsior and plush to life in such a magical way. The upcoming Teddy Dorado Auction features some minty mint doggies from the 1950s; this of course brings me great pleasure - and hopefully the same to Steiff dog collectors from all over the world. A wonderful example is lot 13-1204, a 10 cm St. Bernard dog from 1953-1955 in pristine condition; he is pictured here on the left. 

However, when I founded Teddy Dorado four years ago, I made the very difficult decision not to actively collect Steiff anymore. I did so because I felt that if I continued to build my collection, I could not be a fair agent between those who would like to buy and/or sell fine Steiff treasures. So this fabulous example will have to find a new home that is not with me and my family.  But I am certain that this will not be a problem!

Steiffgal: Although you have handled Steiff for many years, and are very familiar with the company's products from the very beginning, are there any items in the upcoming auction that were new to you? 

Carsten Esser: Whenever an item appears that I have not seen in the past, well, this is always a very exciting experience indeed! And yes, this did occur with an item in this auction. We ran a Steiff valuation clinic during a Steiff Club event in a very large shopping center in southern Germany some months ago. Here, someone brought us a Steiff pedal car, which is lot TD 13-2601. The owner told us that it was his favorite toy when he was a kid, that the car still works very well, and that he hoped that now this vehicle could find a good new home. This was the first time I had seen one of these in person, and all I could think about was how exciting it will be to share this great and unusual find with the rest of the Steiff collecting world!  (This pedal car is pictured here on the left.)

But then the story gets even more interesting! The same man with the Steiff pedal car then took a tiny woolen miniature Pomeranian dog (now lot TD 13-7009) out of this pocket. He told me that he suspected that the dog was made by Steiff due to its white paper ear tag, but that it felt it was probably not terribly valuable and not worth enough to be auctioned off. Much to his surprise, I told him that the small dog would also do quite well at auction, and that his car and dog would be important lots in the upcoming October overall sale.  (This dog is pictured here on the left.)

I sometimes do see very rare or uncataloged items, and that is due in part to our business location, which is relatively close to Giengen.  My company very often receives consignments from people who live nearby the Steiff factory who have - or had - relatives who were employed by Steiff. And that is true in this auction as well, where we are listing a large and most likely one of a kind rabbit, lot TD 13-1503, from the estate of a former long term Steiff employee.  He is brown and white dralon and was most likely a prototype that was never put into production.  I particularly like his eyes, which are backed in felt. (This rabbit is pictured here on the left.)

Steiffgal: Your printed catalogs are so professionally done, well illustrated, and most informative. But how do you decide what appears on the cover? Is it the age of the items, or the lot numbers, or values, or something else?

Carsten Esser: We try to have the items on our catalog covers to be representative of the entire auction, as well as highlight some very special pieces, too. We choose items which are the "celebrities" of an auction (like Black Jack, the 1912 black bear who appeared on our summer, 2014 catalog cover and hammered for 15,000 €), items in extremely good or like new condition, very unusual treasures (like the White Teddy Girl on a mohair cushion who also appeared on our summer, 2014 catalog cover and hammered for 8,000 €), highly valued items, and things that go together nicely, like "couples." Our current cover features two such pairs: two small Teddy bears (lots 13-7001 and 13-7002) and a Fluffy cat and Rattler dog who have been together for many, many decades. They all came to us from the same private estate. If you check out our fall, 2014 catalog cover, you'd have to agree that they look great together! (Cover pets Fluffy and Rattler are pictured here on the left.)

Steiffgal: Carsten, as always, thank you so much for your time, and sharing some of your behind the scenes auction secrets with the Steifflife readers today!  

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

The Countdown Is On To The 2013 Steiff Sommer Festival And Teddy Dorado Auction!

It's the most wonderful time of the year, at least in Steiffgal's eyes! And just why is that? Well, early summer means the annual Steiff Summer Festival... along with the the marvelous Teddy Dorado Steiff auction! This yearly happening, which takes place right on and around the Steiff campus in Giengen, Germany on June 28th through the 30th, calls for Steiff enthusiasts from around the world to gather and celebrate all things button-in-ear... right where it all began! This year's Steiff auction features many precious items, including some never publicly seen items before, as well as some treasures with the most remarkable histories.  All the lots can be viewed by clicking here.  But right now, here are three items that really caught Steiffgal's eye from the catalog.  What do you think?

Let's get things moving with this first auction highlight, Lot 9-1908.  Here we have a 12 cm unjointed grey felt running rabbit on iron wheels.  He has black shoe button eyes and a stitched mouth.  His inner ears are lined in pink felt.  He is stuffed with excelsior.  He retains his original red velveteen taffeta neck bow and bell and trailing "F" style Steiff button in ear.  He is clean and in nice condition overall.   This design is really special as it appeared in the debut Steiff catalog of 1892.  Overall, this pattern was produced from 1892 through 1917; this example was made in the 1906 through 1917 time frame. 

And what makes this rolling rabbit a favorite?  Besides her affinity for all things on wheels, Steiffgal loves this rabbit's early, organic form that so perfectly represents what makes turn of last century Steiff items so classic - and so charming.  

It's time to take a look at this next "best of show" selection, Lot 9-1931.  Here we have a 29 cm sitting tail turns head St. Bernard dog.  He is made from long pile natural white and brown tipped mohair plush.  His face is detailed with brown and black glass pupil eyes and a dark brown hand embroidered nose and mouth.  He has a mechanism embedded in his neck which allows his head to turn when his tail is moved back and forth.  Besides his absolutely handsome appearance, this all but mint condition dog also retains his Steiff trailing "F" style button, red ear tag, named chest tag, and a special tag on his backside which reads "Turn here and I will move my head."  This pattern overall was produced in 11, 15, 18, 23, 29, and 36 cm from 1931 through 1934. 

What puts this St. Bernard on the "man's best friends" list?  His darling, and authentic facial expression and muzzle construction are irresistible.   And the fact that he still retains all of his IDs, especially the tush tag - is completely amazing, given he was made as a plaything almost 85 years ago!  But don't just take Steiffgal's word on it... this is such a marvelous pattern that it was was produced again as a limited edition replica in 1993 in an edition size of 4,000. 

This last Steiff selection, Lot 9-1997,  is truly royalty.  Perfectly and appropriately named "Teddy King Winter of Giengen," this beautiful bruin is five ways jointed and made from white long pile mohair plush.  His face is detailed with large black shoe button eyes and a copper colored stitched nose and mouth.  His joints are under laid with black and red felt and he has a working hug-me squeaker.  He retains his original Steiff trailing "F" button and remains of his white ear tag.  His four original felt paws and general condition are very good and just have a little minor wear consistent with his age.  He measures about 57 cm standing and 42 cm sitting.  Teddy King Winter of Giengen was produced in the 1906 through 1907 time frame.  

Bear with Steiffgal as she catches her breath over this terrific Ted.  What is not to love?  His size is majestic and impressive.  His clean white mohair coat looks like it was produced yesterday.  And his face, well, you know what Steiffgal means.  It really doesn't get much better than this bear. 

Carsten Esser, Teddy Dorado's owner and auctioneer, was kind enough to speak briefly with Steiffgal about the upcoming Teddy Dorado Steiff auction on June 29th.  This is the third year Teddy Dorado has hosted the auction, and it gets better and better each time!  Carsten is also a Steiff collector and enthusiast, and he brings this love and passion to each and every Steiff event he runs.  Here are some highlights from the conversation...

Steiffgal:  What is your personal favorite item in the Sommer auction, and why? 

Carsten:  My favorite item is probably auction lot 9-2013 (pictured here on the left.)  This is a painting that features two images Mr Hans Otto Steiff as he appeared in photographs from the 1960's, painted by the artist and long term Steiff employee Mr Helmut Braig.  The painting includes several colorful and expressive Steiff animals and is signed "Helm. Braig 2013".  Mr. Braig was a Steiff employee from 1937 to 1978.  The piece itself is framed and about 107 cm high and about 83 cm wide. 

I met Mr. Braig probably ten times in the last three years to speak him about the history of Steiff from his perspective.  Last December, I asked him if he would do a painting in acrylic
colors featuring Steiff animals; he had never done that before.  A few weeks later, just days before his 90th birthday, he sent me a photo of a painting and asked, "Are you fine with that?" - the painting showed Steiff animals arranged around a double portrait of Mr. Hans Otto Steiff, the company's very long term Steiff CEO in the 1960s and 1970's.  Mr. Braig and Mr. Hans Otto Steiff liked and honored the work of each other very much. Oh and yes, I am fascinated by that painting!

Steiffgal: Tell us a little story about finding some of the treasures in the upcoming Sommer auction. 

Carsten:  We were asked to help sell a very large, fine group of Steiff items that actually took up two whole collecting rooms in a home! The family who owned the treasures needed to reduce the collection to just one cabinet in order to install a day care room for their grandson who would be spending much more time in their home in the near future. Needless to say, the family was most interested in selling off those pieces that took up allot of space!  Of course Teddy Dorado could help out here.  From this collection, we are selling their exceptional, one of a kind display piece featuring the Steiff Sommmer event bears from 1997 through 2000 (lot number 9-2000, pictured here on the left), as well as their 100 cm Studio sized blond mask Teddy bear, (lot number 9-1982) among other fine items from their collection. 

Steiffgal:  Carsten, if you could auction off any Steiff piece ever created, which one would that be and why?

Carsten:  That is a good question, and I have several answers!   I really love antique Steiff center seamed felt dolls - especially the Indian and Samojede examples from the turn of last century.  For the newer items, favorites include the 1960's-era mohair Studio snake and the 1970's era Studio Toucan.  I wanted that bird so badly when I was a teenager!  But my dream situation would be auctioning off a prototype or the LED #1 of a "Teddy Dorado" bear made by Steiff for charity.  Maybe sometime in the future this dream could come true! 

Steiffgal:  Teddy hugs and thanks so much Carsten -  best of luck at the upcoming auction! 

Steiffgal hopes this virtual auction preview has bid up your excitement for this upcoming Steiff event on June 29th, 2013! 

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