An A-maize-ing Late 1940's Era Steiff Teddy Baby

Once in awhile, something amazing (or in this case, a-maize-ing) just seems to appear out of nowhere!  And such is the case with this very cool and unusual Steiff Teddy Baby bear.  Steiffgal purchased this terrific toddler online based on his impish smile and adorable personality.  But, he arrived with a surprise - well, three, actually - which really made him a most welcome addition to her hug.  Let's take a look at this colorful cub and check out his special design and period features.  

Oh baby, it's hard not to just fall in love with this adorable Steiff bear.  Teddy Baby is 22 cm, five ways jointed, and made from long maize mohair.  He has a working squeaker in his belly.  His muzzle and the tops of his feet are made from short, tan colored mohair.  His paw pads are made from peach colored felt. His collar and pendant are not original to him but were made by Steiff; this bear would have left the Steiff factory wearing a leather collar and bell. This cub shares all the characteristics of Steiff's beloved and classic Teddy Baby bears:  flat, cardboard lined feet designed for standing; downward curved arms; toddler-esque proportions; and a smiling, open mouth (in the medium and larger models.) Post war, this model was produced in maize, honey, and brown mohair in 9, 22, 28, 30, and 40 cm from 1949 through 1957.

Many people believe good things come in threes, and that's just what's happening with this Ted's interesting features. 

First, orange you curious about his most unusual color?  His hue, called "maize" is very seldom seen in the Steiff line.  It is hard to describe - sort of a tangerine or orangutan color.  Pre-war, Steiff did produce Teddy Baby bears in maize (9, 12, 13, 15, 20, 22, 25, 30, 35, 38, 40, 45 cm from 1930 through 1943), as well as a few other products in the 1930's including a "Ball Teddy" (9 cm from 1935 through 1940), "Ball Chin-Chin" (15 cm from 1932 through 1935), and a handful of rabbits.  Post war, in addition to this Teddy baby, maize items included a wool plush Chow Chow dog (produced in 12, 17, and 25 cm from 1951 through 1959) and a Mini Teddy Baby Replica 1930 (produced in 6 cm from 1998 through 2001; he is pictured here on the left sitting with his vintage brother).

Second, let's button things up with his great knopf-im-ohr!  This Teddy Baby has the great and really rare early post war blank button.  This ID was used from 1948 through 1950, right after the company resumed production post WWII.  This button is made from nickel and measures 5 mm in diameter.  And just how rare is this button?  Steiffgal has less than a handful of items in her vintage collection of 800+ items with this very special IDs.

Third, well, for this one, we must discuss it with a bit of modesty.  Like most Steiff items produced in the 1947 through 1953 time frame, this bear has his US Zone tag.  This tag was traditionally sewn into the seam on the right arm or leg.  However, in this case, Ted has his US Zone tag sewn right in the center of his crotch!  Steiffgal has never, ever seen anything like this!

Steiffgal hopes this discussion on this maize Steiff Teddy Baby has been a colorful experience for you!

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