It's no stretch to say that Steiff's giraffes are quite the jungle gems. Prewar ones are few and far between on the secondary market, and always catch the eye of collectors. Check out this note from Lynda who would like to know more about a fine and early example from her collection. She writes:
"Hello, I would appreciate any information on age, rarity and value of this old Steiff giraffe on wheels. He measures just under 21” on wheels; the height of giraffe sans wheels 20 1/2” as he sits on a crossbar; actual wheels measure 1 3/4” in height. Thanks!"
This handsome and dramatic giraffe on the go is a legacy pre-war item. The pattern appeared overall in 9 sizes overall, ranging from 28 to 260 cm, from 1909 through 1942. Given his dimensions, Lynda's pal is the 50 cm size, as wheels are not included in his official measurements. He is made from hand stenciled felt, has mohair ears, is standing, and unjointed. His face comes to life with pert black button eyes, prominent ossicones, airbrushed features, and dramatic seams. He retains his long trailing "f" button as his Steiff ID. Giraffe debuted on metal wheels; in 1923 he started to be produced on wooden wheels. Given these details, it is safe to say that this guy was "born" in the 1909-1923 time frame.
Given his appeal and longevity in the line, it is not surprising that this giraffe on wheels pattern was produced in a few forms and variations over the years. For example, the 110 cm size was also made in mohair in the early 1930s. Some larger models were made as riding toys with steering features, while the largest ones came with a saddle and footrests - much like the company's riding horses or donkeys. According to Pfeiffer's Sortiment, the saddle and foot rests were intended "for shoe stores, for fitting children's shoes."
It is interesting to note that despite his age, this model is not Steiff's debut or earliest giraffe model. The company produced felt giraffes with or without metal wheels in 17, 28, 35, and 65 cm from 1892-1909 overall. These first generation, earliest models had simpler lines and more dramatic coloring than the model under discussion here.
Now for the tricky question - his value. As always, something is worth what someone will pay for it, and Steiffgal does not have a crystal ball or insights into what any given bidder or buyer would offer for it. A solid way to think about value is to see what other similar items have sold for at public auction. In 2018, a 50 cm felt giraffe in excellent to unused condition with IDs from the late 1920s-early 1930s realized about $3,751. He is pictured here on the left, and may be the same one shown in Pfeiffer's 1892-1943 Sortiment book, page 310. Given Lynda's example has significant losses and playwear, but retains its ID, has metal wheels, and probably could be restored a bit, it is Steiffgal's best GUESS that he may change hands in the c. $1,500-2,500 range.
Steiffgal hopes this discussion on Lynda's giraffe keeps your interest in Steiff on a roll.
