Dog-gonnit, it's always the perfect time for a little Steiff surprise! Steiffgal most unexpectedly came across this darling doggie. It was the first time she'd ever seen or handled one of these absolute rarities in person. Come take a look at this black and white beauty named Fellow and see what makes him so interesting, and important, from the design and product development perspectives. This precious puppy is a fine Fellow indeed. He 17 cm tall, sitting, and head jointed. He is made from long, shaggy black and tan mohair. His precious and pouty face comes to life with oversized black and brown glass pupil eyes, and a black hand embroidered nose and mouth. He has a non-working squeaker in his belly, folded over ears, and three black hand embroidered claws on each of his feet. He retains his long trailing "f" button and traces of his red ear tag as his Steiff ID. This model was produced sitting in 7, 10, 14, 17, 22, 25, 30, 35, 43, 50, and 60 cm from 1928 through 1931 overall.
Like many of Steiff's beloved c. 1925-1935 pet patterns, Fellow was also produced in a number of variations and novelties. He was made standing on all fours in 12, 14, 17, 22, 28, and 35 cm from 1928 through 1931 overall. He appeared on regular or eccentric wheels in 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 22, and 28 from 1928 through 1931 overall. And the 17 and 22 cm sitting versions, and the 22 cm standing version, were also fitted with a Swiss made press and release music box.Steiff fans can't help but notice the striking resemblance between Fellow and another beloved button in ear buddy of the same era - Molly the Puppy. You can see the two side to side in the photo below. Molly was introduced in 1925 and was an immediate sensation. She could easily take the title of "mitochondrial Eve" behind the 40 new canine species Steiff introduced between 1925 and 1938. Steiff used Molly's basic appealing, endearing “young dog” pattern on other little known dogs of the 1920s and 1930s, including Trolly (a white, yellow, and brown St. Bernhard puppy), Flock (a blonde and white puppy), Zotty (a white puppy), and this Fellow.
It is not clear why Fellow only appeared in the catalog for a handful of years. It is possible that his sales were not strong, or that his black mohair material was either very expensive or simply not available on a commercial scale. Another factor might just be Molly's popularity. According to the Cieslik's Button in Ear The History of the Teddy Bear and his Friends, ..."Molly was Steiff's greatest success after the Teddy bear... Between 1925 and 1932, over half a million Molly products were made." As such, Steiff may have decided to "fish where the fish are" and focus on its Molly production, given her sales superstar status.
Steiffgal hopes you've enjoyed learning all about this fabulous Fellow!
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