Getting Into The Swing Of Things With This Remarkable Vintage Steiff Duck

Just about anyone interested in vintage Steiff couldn't help but go quackers over today's fabulously feathered find!  This past weekend, Steiffgal had the enormous honor and pleasure of hosting a Steiff collector's event in Cambridge, Massachusetts at the Cambridge Historical Society.  Enthusiasts from five states attended and brought many spectacular treasures from their collections, including "Merry Christmas", a delightful 1920's era Ted; a 1903 era velvet lion with an elephant button; cherished baby kittens from childhood, and many other delightful "friends for life."  However, one attendee from Connecticut brought something Steiffgal had never actually seen in person - a Steiff rattle with a twist, literally.  Let's take a look at this rarity and see what makes it so interesting and unique from the collector's perspective. 

This ducky delight is called a Schwing Ente or Swing Duck.  She is made from from white mohair with a double thick felt orange beak and single thick orange felt legs and feet.  She has black button eyes which are backed by red felt circles.  Her body is unjointed and of a relatively simple design - she appears to be playfully swimming along given the way her legs and feet are angled backwards.  Duck is connected to an approximately 6" long brown hardwood handle.  With a simple wrist rotation, the duck swings along merrily in a circle and makes a whistling sound while doing so.  Swing duck was produced in yellow and white mohair in 10 and 12 cm from 1924 through 1943.  Because this particular model has a tiny, 4mm trailing "f" style Steiff button, it is Steiffgal's best guess that it was produced in the very early part of this time frame, as Steiff introduced a larger, 8mm button in 1925.  

The collector from Connecticut is one lucky duck finding this great item.  Because Swing Duck was designed for exactly that purpose - swinging - is it most unusual to find one in such nice condition that actually still spins and whistles after almost 90 years!  

Swing-Ente is a great example of a product line extension based on a Steiff all time best seller.  Steiff introduced this basic style of "swimming style" duck in felt in its debut catalog of 1892.  In 1914 - 1929, she was produced in mohair in 10, 12, and 14 cm on eccentric wooden wheels as a delightful pull toy.  This pattern was also produced as a duck chain (a mother duck with up to five baby ducks trailing along as a pull toy, pictured here on the left) from 1925 - 1936; a hanging baby carriage toy from 1914 - 1933; and as a series of brightly hued "play ducks" from 1926 - 1933.  Steiffgal can only find reference to two other models of "swing toys" in the Steiff literature; all are based on birds.  These include a 12 cm "swing goose" produced from 1933 - 1934 and a 12 cm "swing chick" produced from 1933 - 1934.  Post war, this basic swimming duck design - with a few updates - appeared in the line through 1978. 

Steiffgal hopes this discussion on this most unusual swinging chick has made you feel like dancing, too!

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

Color Your World With This Marvelous Vintage Steiff Clown Doll

Steiffgal's not clowning around when she says that this recent Steiff inquiry really gave her a good case of the giggles!  Check out this note from a reader who asks about a vintage family treasure that can't help but bring a smile to your face as well.   Denise writes....

"Hi Steiffgal, 

I came across you blog while researching a vintage Steiff Clown that was given to me as a child, and I was wondering if maybe you knew anything about it.  I just recently discovered a clown similar to mine online, which was sold in 2001 in the UK.  

My clown has the same features and outfit, so I'm pretty sure it's a Coloro clown, which I think was made in the early 1900's.  I was wondering if you had anymore information regarding these clowns, such as how many were made, and approximately how valuable they are today.  I also recently went to an antique roadshow and they were not able to give me much information or a definite value. 

Thanks, Denise"

It looks like the circus has come to town - literally - with this marvelous and rare Steiff clown doll.  What Denise has here is indeed Coloro Clown.  He is made from felt, fully jointed, and was produced in one size only - 43 cm - from 1911 through 1919.  Like typical Steiff dolls of the era, this one has a vertical seam down the middle of his face, a well fitted mohair wig, and black button eyes.  This style of doll, which was originally conceived by Richard Steiff at the turn of last century, had comical, exaggerated features – such as extremely lean or rotund bodies, huge limbs, or cartoon-like faces.  As you can tell from the photo, Coloro has really huge feet , which add to his charming and playful look. When he left the factory in Giengen, about a century ago, his clothing was much more brightly colored and he had a matching velvet top hat and black ribbon bows on his shoes.   He also did have a neck ruff, but it is impossible to tell from the pictures alone if the one he is wearing now is original. 

One of the things that is really interesting about this doll is his particular design origins.  This doll, and all of his details, were conceptualized and designed by Steiff designer Albert Schlopsnies.  Among many other creative projects, Schlopsnies carefully studied popular circus acts of the time.  He then brought back those details to Steiff so they could be integrated into a new and breakthrough group of circus themed products.  Coloro was part of this large Steiff "circus series" that included a ringmaster, acrobats, other well attired clowns, and a circus band.  With Coloro, every detail of his facial painting and expression, as well as his carefully designed outfit were specified by Schlopsnies.  Schlopsnies even designed Coloro's fabric, and made certain that the marching bear fabric detail was front and center on each and every Coloro produced. 

Steiff has always shied away from naming and crediting specific designers and artists for items in the line.  This is true even today.  However, Schlopsnies really hit it off with Richard Steiff, who was his true advocate among the Steiff family.  Other family members did not share Richard's enthusiasm for Schlopsnies.  Nonetheless, around 1911, "Ilustrirte Zeitung" (Illustrated Newspaper) - a major German publication -  wrote of Schlopsnies' designs, 

"Schlopsnies's nimble fingers have been responsible for the start of a brand new chapter in Steiff's creative program.  New ideas, new designs; each year brings new creations to be added to the pile of Steiff gifts already spilling over the sides of the Christmas table." 
 

The value behind this lovely Coloro clown is no laughing matter.  As always, Steiffgal is not a formal appraiser, and strongly believes something is worth what someone will pay.  However, given that this lovely clown is quite rare (not many were produced given the extremely labor intensive steps needed for manufacture, plus the very expensive materials required), has his Steiff button, and has visual appeal from the photos, he would be of great interest to vintage Steiff collectors.  The Coloro pictured here on the left might be the one referenced by Denise in her note; he sold for about $1,000 in 2001.  Given all that, and based on somewhat recent sales of comparable items, the state of the collector's market, and assuming very good to excellent condition, it is Steiffgal's best guesstimate that Denise's Coloro may value in the $1,500 -$1,750 range today. 

Steiffgal hopes this discussion on Steiff's Coloro has added a splash of color to your day.  

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

Celebrating Halloween With Steiff's Timeless Black Tom Cats

It's beginning to feel alot like Christmas here in New England, even though the closest holiday on the calendar is Halloween on October 31st! With 6 inches of early snow predicted for around these parts over the next 24 hours, looks like the trick-or-treaters may choose to dress up as Frosty the Snowman, a polar bear, or even a penguin to collect their goodies this year!



Despite the disconnect in calendar and season, it is still the right time of the year to celebrate one of Steiff's oldest, and most beloved NON-bear characters.  Steiffgal here is referring to the company's wonderful black Tom Cat design.



If a pattern could have nine lives - or more - than this "ferocious feline" would more than qualify.  The original Tom Cat was produced in both black and white velvet.  Both versions were very skinny, standing on all fours, unjointed, and had arched backs, open mouths.  They all left the factory in Giengen, Germany wearing a silk ribbon and bell.  Black Tom cats were produced in 10, 14, and 17 cm from 1904 through 1918.  White Tom cats were produced in 14 and 17 cm for three years only - from 1906 through 1908 - and are exceptionally rare.  Steiffgal has never actually seen an early white velvet Tom Cat!  



It is interesting to note that this early black velvet Tom Cat was featured standing on top of a red felt fez as a "Tom Cat coffee cozy."  This incredibly rare item was produced in 28 and 35 cm from 1908 through 1915.  



The next version of this model tip-toed in on little cat's feet in 1923.  Like his older brother, this black Tom Cat also was standing and unjointed.  He was produced in 8, 10, 14, 17, 22, and 28 cm through 1943; the 8 and 10 cm sizes were made from black velvet while the 14 cm and larger versions were made from mohair.  All sizes had prominent green and black glass eyes.  Unlike the original super skinny Tom Cat, design, these were all a little more robust in appearance, had closed mouths, and bushy mohair tails regardless of sizes.


Blink - literally -  and you might have missed this teeny-tiny pre-war black Steiff woolen miniature Tom Cat. Woolies debuted in the 1931 Steiff catalog in the form of six simple birds. This introduction proved extremely successful, and almost immediately Steiff introduced rabbits, cats, mice, mice, monkeys, ducks and other popular species as woolen miniatures.  One of these rarities was an 8 cm black Tom Cat.  He was standing and made from Nomotta wool.  And like his most recent relatives, also had a large, bushy tail and piercing green and black glass eyes.  




Tom Terrific (and I don't mean Tom Brady of the Patriots, here....) quickly hit the markets again once the factory reopened for business post WWII.  These Tom Cats were produced from 1950 through 1976 in 8, 10, 14, 17, and 22 cm. These post war models were all but identical to those produced prewar.  The 8 and 10 cm "kittens" were made from black velvet while the larger "cats" were made from black mohair. All sizes were standing with arched backs and tails reaching to the sky. Their faces were detailed with pink or red stitched noses, clear mono filament whiskers, and intense green and black pupil eyes.



Gotta hand it to Steiff to recognize a good thing when they saw it.  Based on the almost fifty year track record of success of their black Tom Cat design, Steiff introduced "Hand Tom Cat" or black cat puppet in 1952. This puppet was 17 cm tall.  His entire body, head, and arms were made from jet black mohair. The puppet is detailed with green and black slit pupil eyes and red hand stitched nose mouth and claws on his paws. Steiffgal has seen these with either a red or salmon colored silk neck ribbons.  Hand Tom Cat appeared in the line through 1978.  Steiff also produced a 40 cm dangling style Tom Cat named Kalac in 1964 and 1966.  This strange, rare, and wonderful oddity is the result of Steiff “marrying” its classic Tom Cat pattern with their trendy and popular (at the time) lulac “leggy” design. 



  From a collector and historian's perspective, it is most interesting to note that the original black Tom Cat design was featured in a photograph from the 1903 - 1904 Steiff catalog. But what's so special about that? It's the same picture that debuted PB55... the world's first jointed Teddy bear. Timing is everything, eh? A snapshot of this catalog page is shown here on the left; you can spot Tom Cat a little to the right of center standing on top of a donkey on wheels. According to the hand written notes on the photo, these original black Tom Cats were 14.40 Deutchmark per twelve.  That is VERY ROUGHLY roughly $0.30 each in 1903, the equivalent of about $7.00 in today's US dollars.  This picture is from the Cieslik's fantastic Button in Ear The History of the Teddy Bear and His Friends reference, published in 1989. 


Steiffgal wishes all her wonderful readers a frightfully fantastic Halloween and hopes this column on black cats brings nothing but good luck!  


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

Going For Gold At The Upcoming Teddy Dorado Steiff Auction!

Going once!  Going twice!  Going three times... sold!  Hammers down, auctions can be one of the most exciting ways to build a vintage Steiff collection, as well as learn about interesting and special pieces.  Steiffgal loves auctions and frequently attends them live as well as watches them online, at websites including www.liveauctioneers.com.  One of her favorite auction houses is Teddy Dorado, which offers several vintage Steiff auctions per year.  Their next auction is October 29th in Bonn, Germany, but anyone can participate from anywhere in the world by submitting their bids in advance!  After studying the online catalog, here are Steiffgal's top three favorite items in the auction... and why!

Imagine the Teddy hugs from this big bruin?

Bear with her as Steiffgal gets all warm and fuzzy over this first top pick.  Here we have a simply marvelous 50 cm sitting and 70 cm standing Steiff Teddy bear that dates from around 1912 through 1920.  His article number is 5350.  This gentle giant is five ways jointed, made from blond mohair, and firmly stuffed with excelsior.  His face is detailed with large brown and black glass pupil eyes and a black hand embroidered nose and mouth.  His black claws are also hand embroidered.  He has the delightful proportions of an early Steiff Ted including long narrow limbs, curved wrists, large feet, and a big back hump.  He retains his 8mm long trailing "f" button and a little scrap of his white ear tag.  Overall, this pattern was produced in white, blond, and brown mohair from 1905 through 1933 in 10, 15, 18, 22, 25, 30, 32, 35, 40, 46, 50, 60, 70, and 115 cm.

Why this piece is special... For Steiffgal, this piece could be the "older brother" of her own beloved "Teddy Blum" who was produced in the late 1920's or early 1930's but shares the same look and facial expression.  Family is key, even when it comes to bears!

22 cm Steiff Rooster on wheels from 1916-1929

The next auction highlight really rules the roost.  Here we have Steiff's fine feathered felt rooster on wheels.  This barnyard buddy is 22 cm tall on his own and 25 cm including his carriage.  His body is made from gold, red, and green colored felt, while his tail is a spray of green feathers.  His face is detailed with a red felt comb and wattle and and black glass eyes backed by white felt.  His legs are made from tan felt that is supported by an internal metal frame.  Rooster rides on a black metal carriage which runs on four brown eccentric wooden wheels - meaning that he sways to and fro when pulled along.  Rooster retains his tiny 4mm long trailing "f" button and his original pull cord.  Overall, this roving rooster was produced in 12 and 22 cm from 1916 through 1929. 

What was that?  <3

Why this piece is special... This marvelously preserved example is based on a felt rooster design that debuted in the charter catalog of 1892 and was produced continuously through 1929 - giving it a special and unique history and legacy.  This original felt rooster was produced in 12, 22, 28, and 35 cm; a matching felt hen was also made in the same time frame.  Steiffgal can only imagine the look on her pugs' faces if this sweet mobile rooster rolled past them... absolutely priceless!

 

Early 1930's Teddy Baby with delightful mohair

Oh baby, Steiffgal could argue that she saved the best for last when it comes to this review of auction highlights.  Here we have a 41 cm standing and 32 cm sitting Teddy Baby from 1930 through 1933.  This beaming baby is five ways jointed, stuffed firmly with excelsior, and made from dark brown mohair that has lighted up over time, giving the appearance of being tipped.  His facial insert and feet are made from blond mohair.  His open mouth is lined in peach colored felt.  Baby's face is detailed with brown and black pupil eyes and a dark brown hand embroidered nose.  His claws are also dark brown and hand embroidered.  Teddy Baby is wearing a red leather collar that sports one long trailing "f" button and ten silver colored studs.  He retains his 8mm long trailing "f" button and a bit of his original red ear tag.  

Teddy Baby has been produced in a number of slightly varying designs over the years.  This particular brown example was made in 9, 12, 13, 15, 20, 22, 25, 30, 35, 38, 40, 45, and 65 cm from 1930 through 1943.  However, all Steiff Teddy Baby bears have three things in common: a distinctive, well defined muzzle; flat, broad, clawed feet made for standing; and sweet, toddler-like features. 

Why this piece is special... Steiffgal has a thing... ok, an obsession, over Teddy babies.   One of the things that makes this design so collectible is that because of its somewhat complicated facial construction, no two ever truly look alike.  So you can simply never have enough of these charming cubs!

Steiffgal hopes this review of her picks for Teddy Dorado's upcoming auction bids your seal of approval.

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