Playing Hide and Seek With This Rare and Unusual Steiff Collectible

It's always the right time of day - or night - for this wonderful and unusual Steiff collectible!  What we have here today is called a "Betthupferlfuchs" or a "Nightcap Fox." This item, which is both adorable and functional, is not terribly well known outside of Europe.  Let's take a look at him and try and outfox the story behind his design and history. 

This well dressed gentleman fox is 15 cm and head jointed. His head and arms are made from light orange dralon. His muzzle and the insides of his ears are white mohair, while the back of his ears are made from black velvet. His body, which is designed to be like a hollow tent, is made from green felt which is decorated a brown felt collar and "pockets" and brown leather buttons. His face is detailed with brown and black pupil eyes, a black hand embroidered nose and mouth, clear mono-filament whiskers, and a touch of airbrushing.  Nightcap Fox was produced in this size only from 1969 through 1974.

But you are probably asking yourself - where's his nightcap?  Well, in this case, "nightcap" does not refer to either a cozy sleeping hat or a shot of  liqueur or spirits enjoyed before bedtime.  Nightcap Fox was designed to hide a sweet, prize, or coin on the pillow of a child. But there's no reason the same logic couldn't work for an adult as well!  (Steiffgal thinks it would be wonderful if he hid a diamond bauble, keys to a new car, or some marvelous chocolates on her pillow - or yours!)  This function, of course, explains his construction and design. 

It might suit you to a "t" to learn that this very well dressed fox is one of a series of delightful "Nightcap" style animals designed and produced by Steiff almost four decades ago.   All were 15 cm and had practically the identical construction as the fox, including adorable faces, detailed heads, simple arms, and hollow, felt bodies.  Others in this series included a grey and white mohair tabby cat wearing a red felt dress (pictured here on the left); a brown dralon bear wearing a blue and red felt dress; a black and white mohair Cockie Cocker Spaniel dog wearing an orange felt dress; a mohair rabbit in a blue felt dress; a mohair rabbit in a red felt dress; a mohair rabbit in an orange felt dress, and a mohair rabbit in a green felt dress with a little white apron. Fox was the only "boy" in the lineup, all the other pieces were "girls." All appeared overall in the Steiff line from 1968 through 1974.  The original advertising pictures of all of these items are shown below, these are from the 1969-1970 version of the Steiff Dealer's Catalog.  

Nightcap Fox, Cat, and Cockie Cocker Spaniel

 Nightcap Teddy Bear

Nightcap Rabbits

 

As far as Steiffgal can tell through her research, these are the only "Nightcap" style animals Steiff manufactured over the history of the company.  Perhaps its time to bring these "sleepers" back into the line!

Steiffgal hopes this discussion on Steiff's Nightcap animals may encourage you to hide - and seek - a few for your own collection.

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

What's Not To Love About FAO Schwarz's Exclusive Steiff Spotty Dotties!

Can you do two things - like see spots and take a stand - all at the same time?  Well, this pair of Steiff rarities is doing just that!  Here we have two examples of one of the rarest dogs Steiff produced in the 1950's, the standing Dally Dalmatian.  These pups were produced exclusively for the high end toy retailer FAO Schwarz in the United States.  Let's see what makes these dotted doggies so special from the historical and design perspectives.

It's easy to crack a smile when it comes to this precious Steiff design.  These Dallies are 11 cm tall, standing on all fours, and unjointed.  They are made from white mohair that has been meticulously hand airbrushed with black spots.  If you look closely at the picture here on the left, you will see that the spots are basically in the identical places on each dog... now that's precision!  Dallys' ears are made of mohair, while their open, smiling mouths are lined in peach colored velvet.  Each dog face is detailed with brown and black pupil style eyes and a simple black hand embroidered mouth.  Each also wears a red leather collar.  Standing Dally was produced in 11, 22, and 28 cm; the 11 cm size was made in 1953 only, while the 22 and 28 cm sizes were made in 1955 only.

Steiff enthusiasts will most certainly recognize standing Dally's design as quite similar to the company's standard line sitting Dally Dalmatian.  Sitting Dally, who is pictured here on the left, was produced in 10, 17, and 28 cm from 1953 through 1969 overall.  Like standing Dally, sitting Dally also came with a red leather collar; however, sitting Dally had a swivel head while standing Dally was unjointed.  Steiff also produced Dally as a 17 cm hand puppet from 1955 through 1956.  It is not unusual that FAO Schwarz offered slightly modified versions of popular standard line Steiff dogs in their line.  For example, in 1965 and 1966, FAO Schwarz had a 15 cm open mouthed mohair beagle in their catalog.  FAO's beagle pattern was based on Steiff's standing Biggie beagle, which was produced in 10, 17, and 25 cm from 1958 through 1961.  

It is very interesting to note that both a sitting and standing version of Dally are featured on the cover of Gunther Pfeiffer's 1947-1999 Steiff Sortiment reference book (pictured here on the left.) 

In addition to standing Dally, FAO Schwarz also worked with Steiff to create several other really adorable mohair Dalmatian themed products to their stores.  One was a 23 cm sitting Dally; she was also based on the standard line Steiff Dally but her lines were a little more graceful and a little less puppy-like than the regular Dally.  She was produced in 1953 only.  Another was a very playful Dally Family, which consisted of the 23 cm exclusive Dally and several 10 cm standard line sitting Dally puppies, all resting on a cotton cushion in a wicker dog bed.  This set was also only produced in 1953.  Perhaps the most "regal" special Dally was FAO's Royal Dally, a 14 cm, closed mouth sitting Dalmatian wearing a crown and cape.  He was available in 1963 only. The final special Dally was a lying down version; he had an open mouth and was curled up on his side in a realistic, resting position.  He was produced in 28 and 43 cm in 1956 only.  All of these items are extremely rare; most likely due to their limited production and distribution.  As a result, they are very seldom seen and tend to generate great collector's interest when they do indeed come up on the secondary market. 

Steiffgal hopes this discussion on FAO Schwarz exclusive Dally Dalmatians has been more fun than a visit to your favorite toy store!

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

Coming To Your Rescue With This Amazing Lifesized Steiff Saint Bernard Dog

It's the dog days of summer - in a big and Steiffy way - around these parts lately! Check out this note from a reader in North Carolina who asks about a very large, and equally unusual, Steiff "friend for life." Over a series of conversations, Jack writes...
 

"Steiffgal:  I came across your site, and I thought that I would see if you happened to know anything about a St. Bernard dog that I have had since I was 2 years old, I am 45 now! So he has been in the family with me for 43 years.  

The dimensions are as follows: length from nose to rump - 52"; height at head - 33"; and height at rump - 29". 

He weighs in at about 20 pounds and is standing. He does not have a squeaker or make noises of any kind. He was never on wheels. As for the fur, the entire head is made of a soft fur (maybe a polyester), while the entire body seems to be made of a hair-like material with the feel of wool. His nose is made of a vinyl-like black material. The keg around his neck is made of real wood, but it is missing the spigot piece.

You wanted to know if the piece is really a Steiff.  Yes, this is a Steiff, but one of the problems with the piece is that when I was 10, after learning about tools, I removed the ear tag so the dog would not be in any pain. Funny, now is when I am feeling pain thinking of any lost value. 

As for his history, my father bought him for me at FAO Schwarz in New York City in December, 1971. I asked him recently for more information and he said... 

"I bought it off the floor, it was an FAO Schwarz Christmas exhibit centerpiece. It was big money then. It took a ride with me on the Long Island Railroad home to you, which of course generated many strange looks. It is life size – the Steiff is the same size as Sock." 

Sock was our family's real live Saint Bernard at the time.
 

I also sending along a few more pictures from 1971; these are from scans of old negatives from the Christmas when the dog was given to me. For some reason the wooden keg is not showing in these pictures, but I think my parents turned the collar around so they could hang my stocking from the giant Steiff dog.

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide about my big buddy.  I have looked for many years for information on him, without success.

Best,
Jack" 

Jack, here's some very big news - your life sized St. Bernard is indeed a Steiff, and a rare one at that.  He is not cataloged in standard Steiff reference books, which explains why it was difficult to find information on him specifically.  And it is not surprising that he was purchased at FAO Schwarz, as this store had a tradition of selling exclusive life sized dogs in the 1960's, including a 40 cm standing Beagle (available 1965 through 1966) and a lying 135 cm Collie (available in 1966 only.) Although it is not clear if the St. Bernard is an FAO Exclusive, it is certain that very few were made and that they would have only been sold at very high end stores in the USA like FAO Schwarz.  Above please find the single sales sheet that was printed about him, dated June, 1970.  His specific Steiff article number is 4049/10. 

 

Here's what makes this big boy "best of show." He is standing, unjointed, and  "officially" sized at 100 cm (which equals about 40 inches).  According to the sheet, his head and legs are made from dralon (an artificial plush) while his body is made from mohair, which is wool.  Jack's dog appears to have a dralon head and an all mohair body, but it is impossible to tell from the photos alone.  The Saint Bernard has great airbrushing, especially on his face, which really gives him a lifelike appearance and an authentic texture.  In the catalog picture, he is shown without his wooden barrel - but the one on Jack's dog looks to be original, and sometimes catalog pictures do not exactly resemble the final item which is shipped to stores.  

 

It is interesting to note that because of its date of production, Jack's dog is called a "Schautiere" or display animal - not a "studio animal." Steiff only launched the name "Studiotiere" or "Studio animal" in 1979/1980.  So technically, any life sized items produced before that time period are actually "Schautiere."

   

Steiff was certainly barking up the right tree in the 1960's and early 1970's when it came to creating these life-sized canine creations.  And, for some reason, many of them, like Jack's St. Bernard, do not appear in standard Steiff reference books.  So for all of you out there experiencing a little "puppy love" over these collectibles, here are a doggy dozen for your viewing pleasure!  

 

Here we have Steiff's Schautier or display Basset Hound.  He is 75 cm, sitting, and made from mohair plush.  He appeared officially in the line in 1960 and then again in 1967; this document was printed in July, 1967.

Here we have Steiff's Schautier or display Peky Pekingese.  She is 40 cm, standing, and made from Crylor artificial plush.  A very similar model appeared in the line from 1973 through 1975; this document was printed in June, 1970.

Here we have Steiff's Schautier or display Tibetan Terrier.  She is 80 cm, sitting, and made artificial plush.  She does not appear in the standard Steiff reference books.  This document was printed in June, 1970.

Here we have Steiff's Schautier or display Collie.  She is 90 cm, standing, and seems to be made from both mohair and artificial plush.  She does not appear in the standard Steiff reference books.  This document was printed in June, 1970.

Here we have Steiff's Schautier or display Cockie Cocker Spaniel.  He is 75 cm, sitting, and made from mohair plush.  He appeared officially in the line in 1960 and then again in 1967; this document was printed in October, 1967. 

Here we have Steiff's Schautier or display Tessie Schnauzer.  She is 50 cm, standing, and made from Dralon.  A very similar model appeared in the line from 1973 through 1975; this document was printed in June, 1970. 

Here we have Steiff's Schautier or display German Shepherd.  He is 90 cm, standing, and made from mohair plush.  He appeared officially in the line from 1966 through 1967; this document was printed in June, 1967. 

Here we have Steiff's Schautier or display Arco German Shepherd.  She is 100 cm, sitting, and made from mohair plush.  She does not appear in the standard Steiff reference books.  This document was printed in June, 1970. 
 

 

Here we have Steiff's Schautier or display "House Dog."  She is 90 cm, sitting, and made from long grey artificial plush.  She does not appear in the standard Steiff reference books.  This document was printed in November, 1969.

Here we have Steiff's Schautier or display Snobby Poodle.  She is 80 cm, begging, and made from mohair plush.  She appeared officially in the line in 1967 only; this document was printed in October, 1967.

Here we have Steiff's Schautier or display Polar Pomeranian.  She is 60 cm, standing, and made from mohair plush.  She appeared officially in the line in 1960 and then again in 1967; this document was printed in October, 1967. 

Here we have Steiff's Schautier or display Newfoundland Dog.  She is 100 cm, standing, and seems to be made from both mohair and artificial plush.  She does not appear in the standard Steiff reference books.  This document was printed in October, 1967.

Steiffgal sends lots of Teddy hugs and thanks to Carsten Esser at Teddy Dorado Auctioneers for sharing these marvelous photos from their Steiff archives with us today!

Steiffgal hopes this discussion on rare 1960 and 1970-era life sized Steiff dogs has got your tails - and tongues - all awagging! 

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

Hungry For Information On Steiff's Rare Chow Chow Dogs

Now here's a really unusual Steiff item collectors can really sink their teeth into!  Steiffgal just got back from the 2013 Steiff Sommer Festival, which is held right on the Steiff factory grounds in Giengen, Germany.  Part of the fun of this universal gathering of Steiff enthusiasts is finding all sorts of rare treasures in the event's various show and salesrooms.  And, dog-gonit, Steiffgal did discover a rare pooch she had only read about... a large standing early post-war Chow Chow!  So pull up a chair and feast your eyes on what makes this dog so interesting from the design and historical perspectives.

Hungry to learn more about this curious Chow Chow?  Well, he is 25 cm, standing, and unjointed.  His entire body is made from very long, golden colored wool plush, while his inset muzzle and both sides of his ears are made from the same plush, just much shorter. (Wool plush feels coarser and rougher than mohair - which generally has a rich silkiness to it.)  Chow's chunky tail curls up and back.  His simple face is detailed with brown and black pupil eyes and a black hand embroidered nose and mouth.  Chow's Steiff IDs include a raised script button, yellow ear tag, and a US Zone tag sewn into the seam of his front left leg.  Standing Chow Chow was produced in 12, 17, and 25 cm from 1951 through 1959.  A sitting, white wool plush version was also produced in 10 cm from 1951 through 1957. 

More recently, Chow Chow dogs have appeared relatively infrequently in the Steiff catalog.  A new soft plush model has been introduced roughly every decade since the 1970's.  The company also produced a 65 cm standing Studio Chow Chow made from woven fur in 1978 through 1984. 

Chow Chows have an interesting history on the Steiff menu of product offerings.  And, like many other somewhat unconventional items, Chow Chows were introduced into the Steiff line because of international headline news stories.  For example, remember that it was the American presidency that influenced Steiff's production of Teddy bears, opossums, and Dolly bears!  

Chow Chows made their debut in the Steiff catalog in 1928... the same year that that the German airship "Graf Zeppelin" made its Transatlantic journey.  Accompanying Captain Ernst Lehmann back to Europe was a little Chow Chow dog named Veedol, who was a gift from American friends.  The dog was quite a character on board the airship, and quickly became the mascot of the voyage, despite his puppy antics.  Upon arriving home in Germany, the Chow Chow was given to the airship's helmsman.  The story behind this precocious pooch's adventure quickly spread to both sides of the ocean.  Seeing the potential behind the breed's popularity, Steiff quickly introduced its own Chow Chow, and named him "Brownie."  Both light and dark brown mohair versions of Brownie were subsequently produced sitting, standing, on wheels, as a handbag, and as a pincushion through the early 1930's.  The photo on the left, from Christie's, shows a small sitting version of Chow Chow Brownie.  Steiff also manufactured a very similar Chow Chow design in all white and called her Chow Chow Blanco.  Blanco was produced standing, sitting, and, on wheels during the same time frame. 

According to Steiff company records, the advertising copy for its early Chow Chows read as follows...

"He has been showered with affection from all sides, ever since he was adopted as the Zeppelin mascot on the West East flight of the LZ 127.  His virtue was certainly the reason he was chosen, and is envied by all the world.  As a toy or decorative item, we have portrayed his characteristics as carefully as possible:  large, wise eyes; white, pale, or chocolate brown plush coat, and a good 'barking' voice box."

Steiffgal hopes this discussion on Steiff's rare Chow Chow dogs has whetted your appetite to learn more about this interesting breed!

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