Gone But Certainly Not Forgotten

Steiffgal's ears certainly perked up when she got this nostalgic inquiry from a reader from Toronto. Take a read here, do you know what she is looking for?

Nancy writes...

"I purchased a Steiff pom pom rabbit in the early 70's, as a child. (I saved a while for it.) It has a cream white body, black ears and feet, and partial black face. I never played with it, I kept it safe. When my son was a toddler, he must have been playing with it and dropped it in the laundry basket. I didn't realize until it was too late. I have kept him, but he is a little warped, and his whiskers were wrecked. I have periodically looked for a replacement, but there appears to be a short supply. Do you have any hints as to where to look? I live in Toronto, Canada. Thanks for any advice you might have."

Nancy, your story really brings back happy memories. When Steiffgal was a little girl in the 1970's (she thinks we are about the same age...) she also collected and cherished Steiff woolies as well as the little Steiff "bendy bears", which she would receive for birthdays and special events. Not to make anyone feel old here, but unfortunately neither is being
manufactured today.

Take a look here at this picture of a woolie rabbit from Steiffgal's collection. This model is called "Woll-Hase" or woolen rabbit. Steiffgal believes that this might be the product you are describing in your email. She has felt ears, glass pupil eyes, mono-filament whiskers, a tiny airbrushed pink mouth, a swivel head, and petite pom pom feet. Rabbit was manufactured in three sizes: 4, 6, and 8 cm. This model was produced prewar from 1931 through 1942 and postwar from 1949 through 1984. Postwar, she was produced in all white (albino, with pink eyes), white/beige, light brown/white, grey/white, and black/white.

Please also note the original attached price tag still on the bunny's foot... she was $2.00 at Bloomingdale's in 1967, which translates into about $12.78 today.

Woolen miniatures are a legacy product for Steiff. Many collectors caught the "collecting bug" from them, as their relatively low price made them more accessible than their higher priced Teddy and animal cousins. Six breeds of birds as woolen miniatures made their debut in the 1931 catalog. This introduction proved really successful, and Steiff introduced rabbits, cats, mice, mice, monkeys, ducks, and other popular breeds in 1934. Steiff produced these woolen miniatures through 1943. They began producing them again in 1949; they appeared in the catalog through the early 1980's.

As for finding a replacement for your childhood purchase, the very best recommendation Steiffgal has is to go online and search eBay and other websites that sell vintage Steiff. Steiffgal does not in any way endorse any particular vendor, and cannot give an opinion on service and price. However, she did find this rabbit for sale online (click here to link to the listing); is this your old friend?

Nancy, I hope this information is helpful and gets you a hop, skip, and a jump closer to finding your childhood treasure.

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

Yes/No... Steiff Or Not?

Well, there's no question at all that Steiffgal extends a hearty hello to all SteiffLife readers!

It's time again for "What Do You Know", where Steiffgal answers questions emailed in from Steiff collectors around the globe. Today we have a really interesting inquiry submitted from Steve, from Pennsylvania. He writes....

"Steiffgal, Here's a recent purchase of mine I need help with.

I believe this is a Steiff Jocko. No Button or Tag can be found. Fur is only on body parts exposed to sight. There is no fur under the chef's outfit so I have to believe is original to doll. Is 9" tall sitting down. When you move the head the tail also moves so they are connected. Any idea about age or if is a Steiff?...

....Yes under his clothes is no mohair but IS NOT worn off just never put on. Eyes are black pupil with brown around them. Tail is about 2 1/2" long. Arms and legs are jointed. I did purchase from an estate that the person collected Steiffs that had about 50 other animals.

Thank You and God Bless!

Steve"

Steve, thanks so much for writing and sharing this precious treasure with Steiffgal and the SteiffLife readers. When Steiffgal first viewed your photos, her first reaction was that this was not a Steiff Jocko even though he certainly has some characteristics in common with the well known Steiff chimp. Upon gathering more details from you, and doing some additional research, she is certain that chef monkey was not made by Steiff.

Here's why:
1. Upon extensive research, and even a conversation with another well versed Steiff collector, Steiffgal can not find any record whatsoever of Steiff ever producing a Yes/No (i.e., tail turns head) Jocko.

2. The Steiff Jocko who is 9" sitting has legs that are bent at the knees, not straight as pictured on your chef monkey.

3. Post war, except for a small series of his and her dressed animals including "Pupphase Bub and Maedel" (Rabbit Doll Boy and Girl), "Pupp-Bazi Bube and Maedel" (Dachshund Doll Boy and Girl), and "Pupp-Fuchs Bube and Maedel" (Fox Doll Boy and Girl), no Steiff character dolls have bare (i.e., mohair-less) bodies and limbs.

4. Chef monkey's face, although Steiff-like with its black and brown glass pupil eyes, felt eye pockets, and white chin, is slightly different than the traditional face of the 9" sitting Jocko. Steiff Jockos of this size have slightly ajar mouths, not closed like chef monkey's mouth. Jockos also have extensive airbrush shading around the bridge of their nose and eye area; chef monkey does not appear to have this level of detailing. It also appears from the photos that chef monkey's nostrils are stitched; Steiffgal has never seen a Jocko at any size with anything but airbrushed nostrils.

Ok, so chef monkey is not a Steiff. Then what is he?

It is Steiffgal's best opinion that chef monkey is a "Schuco Yes/No Tricky Patent Monkey." From what Steiffgal could discover, Schuco has been producing Yes/No animals from at least the 1920's. Schuco produced a series of dressed Yes/No Tricky Patent Monkeys in the 1950's in at least two sizes: 10" and 13". The 10" versions were lightly attired while the 13" models were elaborately clothed. Your chef monkey, which is 9" sitting, is most likely 13" standing and one of these beloved Schuco collectibles.

Schuco is a German toymaker founded in 1912 that also made and exported mohair and other toys globally, much like Steiff. The company has changed hands and has gone bankrupt several times but is still in business today, primarily manufacturing high end model cars and vehicles.

Steve, Steiffgal hopes that this information is helpful as you piece together the recipe behind your precious and collectible chef Schuco monkey.

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

Girls on Film: Steiff On The Not-So-Big Screen

One of Steiffgal’s favorite songs from the “big 80’s” is Duran Duran’s “Girls on Film.” This week, she had the unique experience of being one (well, sort of!) Steiffgal and a bunch of her hug had the pleasure of sitting for a portrait with the artist Michael Oatman and his team.

Michael is working on a commission for the city of Cambridge, MA called “You Are Here”. “You Are Here” is an open-to-the public project where over the course of six weeks, 20 people from the city are posed and videotaped surrounded by meaningful personal items. At the end of the six weeks, the footage will be edited and processed, resulting in a permanent exhibit and displayed on three large hi-def TVs in the city's new youth community center. The vertically oriented screens will feature portraits of area residents, entitled “The Cantabrigians.”

Of course, it was a thrill to be selected but it probably was the Steiff that won the invitation to participate. Take a look here at a sample shot from the sitting… what do you think?

The hardest part of participating in “You Are Here” was deciding who to bring along for the shoot. Some were chosen for their legacy, others for their personal history, and a few just for their good looks! Here’s the “who’s who” in the portrait, sort of counterclockwise from the top….

Horace, the Longfellow Bear: In honor of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Steiffgal’s friend Frankie Wetherell, both true Cantebridgeans.

Flamingo: For her wonderful color.

Vintage studio gorilla: He was featured in an early 1970’s “Peaceable Kingdom” window display for the department store Gottschalk’s and seemed like a natural fit for this vignette, too.

Leo lion and Cosy lamby: A further reference to Edward Hicks’ famous painting, “Peaceable Kingdom.”

Two large vintage Jocko monkeys: Monkeys are legacy Steiff products and no Steiff scene would be complete without one or two; Steiffgal carried the larger one home from Germany on her lap (Lufthansa didn’t charge for that, thankfully!).

Pug: Because Steiffgal’s two real pugs wouldn’t sit still long enough for the shoot.

Vintage cozy camel: A nod to the first unofficial Steiff logo, the camel, who was the first animal to appear on the cover of the debut Steiff catalog of 1892.

Collie: To keep faithful watch over the participants.

Giraffe: For her beautiful color and adorable facial expression.

Orange replica circus elephant: In tribute to the first official Steiff logo, the elephant… also for her amazing color and tricked out looks.

Vintage Tiki Niki hedgehog doll: Found on an antiquing adventure in Lucerne, Switzerland; to add a bit of the unexpected to the portrait.

Mother/daughter vintage Susi spaniels: For their sheer adorableness.

Two vintage sets of Zotty and Lully bears: Seemed like a natural “peanut gallery” for the shot with their forever smiling open mouths and happy faces.

Lulac tiger: A special gift from Steiffgal’s maternal Grandfather (of blessed memory) when Steiffgal did not get into her first choice college early decision; Steiffgal and tiger together delivered the eulogy at Grandfather’s funeral twenty years later.

And Steiffgal is holding…

Grandma’s very vintage Teddy: Won by Steiffgal’s paternal Grandmother in a drawing in Berlin in the late 1930’s and one of the only things she took with her when she left Germany in the early 1940’s. (Much more on this in upcoming columns.)

Very vintage Jocko monkey: In tribute to Hans and Margret Rey, authors and illustrators of the beloved Curious George children’s book series, who spent the later part of their lives in Cambridge.

A very peaceable kingdom, indeed. A big thank you to Michael Oatman and team for a wonderful once in a lifetime experience.

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

Two Truths and A Lie: Spotting Fakes Is No Game

This past weekend, Steiffgal went antiquing with a friend (Egypto-mama, for her love of vintage Egyptian themed collectibles) at an area antiques mart. Her experience could be summed up by the party game “Two Truths and A Lie”, where each player reveals two real things about themselves and one fabrication. The other participants have to determine which is which. Here’s why the game comes to mind: Steiffgal scored two lovely collectibles (the truths), and was almost swindled by a fake one (the lie).

First for the two truths.

Truth #1 is this adorable 8 cm Fox terrier. This size was made from 1950 - 1959; he was called Fox up to 1953 and Foxy from 1954 onwards. This pup is unjointed and made from white mohair that is detailed with black airbrushed spots. He has brown glass pupil eyes, a salmon ribbon and metal bell around his neck, a simple embroidered nose and mouth, and tiny brown felt ears. This overall dog model was produced from 1949 - 1975 in 11 sizes ranging from 7 to 36 cm. In 1956, a 8 cm Foxy was paired with a Ginny doll and was given the names “Ginny’s Pup” and “Sparky”; this promotional set is highly coveted by both Ginny and Steiff collectors alike.

Fox terriers are a legacy breed for Steiff, first appearing in the catalog in 1899. Pre-war, close to 40 different models were produced in practically all forms, including sitting, standing, and lying toys; woolen miniatures; puppets; pincushions; rolling toys; and waterproof bath toys. Post war, their popularity continued; the breed was one of the first items produced once the factory was up and running in the late 1940’s. A Fox terrier has appeared in the line almost continuously to this day.

On to truth #2: this exotic 17 cm llama. Llama’s body is made from long cream-colored mohair with brown, black, and tan airbrushed spots. His legs (from mid-thigh down) and face are both made from tan velvet. His ears are tan felt with a bit of pink airbrushing. One of the things that make this llama so interesting are his eyes: they are glass pupil and embedded in velvet eye pockets, giving them a “sleepy” look. Eyelids can lend tremendous emotion to Steiff collectibles: similar facial treatments can be seen in Jocko the Chimp (learn more here) and Treff the bloodhound (learn more here).


Llamas are relatively uncommon in the Steiff catalog; this particular model was the first ever produced and was available from 1957 - 1969 in three sizes: 17, 28, and 43 cm. Steiff has also produced a Studio llama in the 1960’s and two soft plush play llamas in the 1990’s.

Ok, now to the BIG FAT LIE (or, Steiffgal’s tips for spotting a fake)

Steiffgal can’t put into words how excited she was when she spotted what appeared to be a late 1940’s blank button tiger in the showcase at the antiques mart. Egypto-mama can vouch for that! Post war blank buttons are extremely rare and were only used sporadically from 1947 to 1952. (Steiffgal only has one blank button item in her entire collection.) Steiffgal asked to see the piece and was handed a 14 cm running tiger cub.

Immediately Steiffgal felt something was not right with the piece. Here’s what was off, and what you should look for as well before investing in a pricey collectible.

1. The button itself.
Upon closer look, the button was extremely shiny and scratched, like someone had taken a file to it. It was also relatively small and completely flat; it seemed to be glued to the tiger’s ear.

What you need to know:
The post war blank button is full sized and has a dull pewter colored finish. It also is attached to the ear of items via small prongs, which can be seen on the underside of an item’s ear, as well as felt through the fabric. Steiffgal cannot think of a single Steiff item she has ever come across where the button is glued on – it is inserted (via small prongs) or punched into the collectible.

2. The date of the item. As mentioned above, the postwar blank button dates an item from 1947 through 1952. That means this tiger was produced before 1953 at the latest.

What you need to know.
The only possible item this could be is the Steiff Tiger Cub, which didn’t go into production until 1954. So the dates don’t match up.

3. The quality of the item. Even though the piece had what appeared to be Steiff’s classic tiger green glass pupil eyes, something about the quality of the mohair and the facial stitching just didn’t feel or look “Steiff-y”. Even Egypto-mama, a Steiff novice, noticed this. Perhaps most telling were his stripes. Steiff does a good job at robustly “striping” their tigers through careful airbrushing and stencils. This tiger had random, thin, non-precise striping down his back.

What you need to know.
If your gut tells you the item is not real, listen – even if the salesperson insists to the contrary. Steiff items are beautifully constructed, made from top-notch materials, detailed with great care, and age well. If an item doesn’t meet those criteria, buyer beware: it’s better to leave an item on the shelf than to risk making a big financial mistake.

Well, I guess Steiffgal came out on top of this weekend’s round of “Two Truths and A Lie”… but not without some careful thinking and questioning. Make sure you do the same before pulling the trigger on a Steiff collectible that appears “too good to be true!”

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