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Perhaps you've heard of this new movement - where people all over the world are putting Teddy bears and other stuffed friends in the street facing windows of their homes. And the reason for this? So children (and adult children, like us) can spot them on "Teddy bear scavenger hunts" on family walks during this global health crisis. And given that stories about this phenomenon have appeared on media outlets like the BBC, FOX, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and many others - it just goes to prove what doll and bear collectors have known all along... that there is nothing more universally healing and comforting than a Teddy bear.
Steiffgal immediately embraced this unusual "window of opportunity" and sprang into action. The front of her home, which has two bay windows, faces a well-travelled street walked by locals and visitors alike. The bays usually display a collection of succulents, given their full sun exposure. Steiffgal moved all the greenery into one bay, so the other could feature bears. The cubs selected for display include a 75 cm replica Teddy baby, an 80 cm studio Zotty, two 35 cm Teddy baby replicas, three 15 cm Teddy baby replicas, and three teeny-tiny 10 cm cubs. All the bears are sitting or standing on blue and white checkered risers - as a nod to their Bavarian heritage. A few wooden flowers - also made by Steiff in the late 1960s - early 1970s as part of a floral construction/puzzle set - add a spot or two of primary color to the display. 
The bears chosen for the window display were selected to bring a smile to your face - literally. Most of the cubs have open, smiling mouths. From the collector's perspective, the most interesting one is the 80 cm studio Zotty bear. This fine fellow was made in the mid-1960s and was produced in both 80 cm and a whopping 100 cm. He really translates proportionally well in this huge size, but is quite chunky - definitely too large and heavy to be a hands-on plaything. This handsome hunk retains his original yellow silk ribbon, as well as his huge chest tag, large raised script button, and handwritten, yellow ear tag as his Steiff IDs. The 1967 catalog page for studio Zotty is featured here on the left. 
So what's been the feedback on this contribution to the Teddy bear scavenger hunt? It has been delightful to see walkers of all ages stop, point, and study the vignette. Some people take photos, other take selfies with the bear display in the backdrop. One youngster was so excited to see the bears he started squealing in delight (or maybe fear?) The display does seem to offer passers-by a spot of happiness and levity in a period seriously devoid of both.
If you are willing and able, I would ask you to consider also putting a Steiff or two in a visible window in your home, apartment, or condo. Please help spread universal love, goodwill, and kindness through this no-cost gesture.
Steiffgal hopes this discussion on displaying Teddy bears in your windows has been absolutely "pane"-less to you.
Have a question about one of your Steiff treasures? Let's talk! Click here to learn more!
