When you think of Steiff's "curly girls", what comes to mind? For many people it may be poodles... but not always! Such is the case of a reader from Spain who recently came across a wonderful Steiff treasure with quite the hairdo! Through a series of correspondences, Moni writes:
"Hi dear friend!
I have just bought this cutie lamb and I have been looking for more information about her. She is made from woolen plush like a real lamb and is about 20.5 cm and tall about 15 cm. Lamb has pretty green glass pupil eyes and a bell which is attached with a very light blue ribbon. Her face is finished with a red stitched-embroidered mouth and nose, and she has delicate pink shadows near her eyes. She is so sweet!
I think she is from around 1920-1930, can you confirm that? I paid $104 for her. I don't know if it is a good price but I'm in love with her since the first moment I saw her!
Once again thank you so much for your help and kind answers,
Big hug from Spain, Moni"
Oh, this lovely lamb could put Steiffgal into a farmyard frenzy! What Moni has here is Steiff's Lamm or Lamb. She is standing, unjointed, and made from lamb's wool plush. Lamb's wool plush has a marvelous, "lumpy-bumpy" texture to it, much like that of a real lamb. Her ribbon and bell look original. This pre-WW2 design was made in 14, 17, 22, and 28 cm from 1928 through 1943. This basic design was also produced in a lying position, on wheels, as a music box, and as a ride on animal. You can see what Moni's lamb, and the lying down version looked like when new, in the photos above.
After the factory reopened for business in the late 1940's, Steiff again produced the pre-war design for awhile. She was also made in plain wool plush, which does not have the "ringlet" texture of lamb's wool plush. In the early 1950's, lamb's core pattern was modified slightly. This is most noteworthy in the face and facial seam construction. Due to her popularity (possibly because she was such a symbol of Easter, a very popular and beloved holiday in Germany!) her size range now included 10, 14, 17, 22, 28, and 35 cm. Her name was changed from Lamm to Lamby from 1954 onward. Lamby appeared in the line until 1976. The "newer" Lamby lamb appears here on the left.
In terms of value, did Moni get a ba-ba-ba bargain on her lamb purchase? As always, Steiffgal is not a formal appraiser and feels something is worth what someone will pay. Given the lamb's excellent condition, somewhat unusual material, classic and desirable pattern, and original ribbon and bell, Steiffgal would would think that she would value in the $200 to $400 range.
Steiffgal hopes this discussion about Moni's barnyard buddy has left you feeling quite pastoral.
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