Well, if this fantastic Steiff rarity isn't the cat's meow, Steiffgal is not sure what would be! Here we have an all but purr-fect basket of Steiff Susi cats all snuggled up together in their special bed. Let's take a closer look at these pretty kitties and see what makes this grouping so interesting from the collector's perspective.
A tisket - a tasket - here we have sweet kitties in a basket! This marvelous set consists of three total baby 10 cm Susi cats, and one Mama 17 cm Susi cat. The cats are head jointed and made from white mohair that has been carefully hand-airbrushed with
black stripes. Their tails wrap around their rears. Each has green and
black slit pupil eyes, a pink embroidered nose, and clear monofilament
whiskers. All the Susi cats have been gussied up with a spray of faux silk flowers which are worn like a corsage on their ribbon, or as a pretty crown-wreath on their head. (You can see one of the kittens with her floral flourish here on the left.) Post war, this Susi cat pattern was
produced from 1948 through 1978 in 10, 12, 14, 17 and 22 cm
and remains a classic favorite, even today.
It is interesting to note that "Susi" was named after a member of the Steiff family.
Let's weave the conversation now to the family's great wicker basket. It measures about 36 cm long by 25 cm wide by 11 cm high and is oval in shape. It is made from nicely woven brown wicker and is stamped "West Germany" on the base. The cushion is made from red and white gingham check cotton material, is quite soft and fluffy, and is removable from the basket. The cats are all tied down to the cushion by white thread, which you can see on the underside of the cushion; this is illustrated here on the left.
This charming design was an "exclusive" item produced for the upscale toy retailer FAO Schwarz. Steiff and FAO actually collaborated on a number of different "families in a basket" offerings, including groupings of large and small Dally Dalmatians, Molly Puppies, Snobby Poodles, and other popular pet patterns. In addition to Susi cats, Steiff's Kitty and Tabby cats were also used for this item. You can see the Molly version of this product here on the left; the photo is from the book "A Century of Steiff & FAO Schwarz." Pet families in wicker baskets appeared in FAO Schwarz stores overall from 1961 through 1972; three or four total animals appeared in the baskets depending on the model used and year of production. Steiff made the mohair animals and FAO Schwarz then decorated and attached them to their cushions in house once they arrived here in the United States. According to the FAO Schwarz catalog,
"Next best thing to a real life family of pets (which can have its trying moments) is one of these happy groups of Steiff pets arranged on a pillow in a sturdy 14-inch beribboned wicker basket."
Steiffgal hopes this discussion on Steiff and FAO Schwarz's Susi cat family in a basket has been an exclusive experience for you.
Have a question about one of your Steiff treasures? Let's talk! Click here to learn more.
What's the most important treat the Easter bunny can deliver... candy or a Steiff treasure? Well, Steiffgal would be fibbing if she said she didn't really love sweets, almost as much as Steiff! And both are essential in the perfect Easter basket. Here are three tiny vintage "lying style" treats that are perfect for a Steiff lover's Easter basket... that also leave plenty of space for chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, and other seasonal goodies.
Wouldn't ewe just love to curl up with this first featured friend? Here
we have a very sweet example of Steiff's relatively hard to find lying
Lamm or lamb. This little handful is all of 10 cm, curled up,
unjointed, and made from white wool plush. She has green and black glass
slit pupil eyes and a simple hand embroidered nose and mouth. When she left the factory in Germany, she was detailed with a baby blue silk ribbon and a brass bell. This pattern was made in 10 and 14 cm from 1954 through 1955 and then again in 1966 through 1972 in 25 cm. It is interesting to note that on this particular example, her chest tag has the name "Lamby" on it, although she appears in the reference books simply as Lamb.
Our next barnyard basket buddy just may get your goat - with his cuteness, that is! Here we have Steiff's Ziege or goat. He is 10 cm, lying, and made from tan mohair that has been nicely highlighted with darker tan airbrushing on his body, legs, and face. Goat's ears and the underside of his tail are made from peach colored felt. His face is detailed with green and black slit pupil eyes, a black hand embroidered nose and mouth, and just a touch of red around his lips. Goat retains his original colorful bear faced chest tag, salmon colored silk ribbon, and bitty brass bell. This design was made in 10 and 14 cm from 1954 through 1956 only, and is considered relatively rare. Like his sister Lamb discussed above, it is interesting to note that on this particular example, goat's chest tag
has the name "Zicky" on it, although he appears in the reference books
simply as Ziege.
Of course, rabbits are the perfect Easter accessory, so this last selection should put everyone "at ease." Here we have Steiff’s 6 cm Lieg Hase,
or Lying Rabbit. And by “lying,” Steiffgal means “outstretched,” not
“dishonest.” This rabbit is reclining and made from mohair. She is head
jointed and has quite a prominent “tail end.” Her ears are lined in pink
velvet and she has a pink, hand-embroidered nose; black lips, and clear
monofilament whiskers. Probably her most eye-catching feature is her
outstanding black and white google-style peepers! This basking bunny was
made in 6, 9, and 12 cm from 1953 through 1970.
Steiffgal hopes this discussion on little lying Steiff Easter-themed treasures has been a breath of spring air for you.
Have a question about one of your Steiff treasures? Let's talk! Click here to learn more.
Posts
