The buttons importance is not only esthetic, but it indicates the production year. The reason for its supposed worth is the bear's history. In fact, she never left Hendersons side until his death in 1990. This biking bear was released to commemorate Harley Davidson's 100th anniversary, in a run of just 5000. I picked him up and was surprised how solid he felt. Condition is another thing you should consider. It was given to a boy named David Ellender, born in January 1939. By World War I, Steiff had sold millions of these toys in the United States, Germany, and England. Their noses are made from gutta percha. The PB 28 series came out in 1904 and only a handful remain intact today. Steiff King Charles III Long To Reign Over Us MUSICAL bear plays 'God Save the King' - 30cms {691515} 259.00 or 50.00 deposit. The couple said Happy was their most popular bear. Squeeze the head of your Steiff Bear and feel the crunch to ascertain the contents. Scroll up to read. Some particular toys contained kapok, a traditional futon filling. While many collectors choose Steiff Bears based on their sentimental and nostalgic value, theres no point in owning a toy in bad condition. Unbelievable! It was made in 2000 with beautifully tailored clothes and luggage and sold at a charity auction in Monaco. They have been cleverly pleasing both adults and children alike for over 130 years. Hed owned the stuffed Toy from his birth in 1909 until his dying breath in 1990. Rare Steiff teddy bear, straw filled white duel mohair bear with brown tips, large brown glass eyes, brown stitched nose, mouth and claws, centre seam to pointed snout, swivel head and jointed at shoulders and hips, large hump to back, elongated hands and feet with felt paw pads, button in left ear. If you take a good feel of a very vintage bears armpit and feel a hard, flat, round disk both in the arm and in the body where the two come together, this probably would be an example of the companys disk jointed bears from about 1906 onward. As it always goes, the products value primarily depends on its condition when offered for sale. These tags are usually circular and coloured yellow or half red and yellow. . This lovely stuffed toy had movable arms and legs, and it was the first one with such features worldwide. She kept Alfonzo until her death in 1965, and her daughter eventually auctioned off the bear in 1989 the year the Berlin Wall came down and the Soviet Unions grip on Eastern Europe loosened. Plus, childrens attachment to lovely stuffed toys shows their emotional maturity. To prove the authenticity of their products, the Steiff company used a BUTTON IN EAR tag. Great Savings & Free Delivery / Collection on many items Buy Steiff Teddy Bears and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! Antique Teddy Bear Rare 1925 Steiff Mask Face on 4 Legs Beige Mohair Straw Stuffed 13" Long. The hot water bottle teddy bear was unique because, as the name suggests, it had an opening in the front in which one could place a tin hot water bottle. Worthpoint: Yes, that is amazing, and I am sure anyone reading your story can relate. 1 bid. Bottom line: Caesar doesn't look much like Julius Caesar, but that's a good thing. Margarete Steiff (24 July 1847 - 9 May 1909) was a seamstress who in 1880 founded Margarete Steiff GmbH, making toy stuffed animals.. Born in Giengen, Germany, Steiff contracted polio as a child, leaving her with both legs paralyzed and pain in her right arm. The teddy bear originally growled, but the growler no longer operates. Plus, the company has used cotton fabric for the bears paws from the very beginning. It had diamond eyes, the nose made of pure gold, while its magnificent fur contained golden threads. The buttons can be made of different metals, with the old early ones looking like pewter, earliest had elephants, then blank buttons and then ff buttons that look like the f's go back under the Steiff name, I think in about 1947 or so, there was one year only where they had . Steiff Bears Steiff Bears and Steiff Teddy Bears have become synonymous with quality and tradition. That year, Ideal Toy produced stuffed bears like the cartoon and named them Teddys Bear. Ideal Toys founders requested Roosevelts permission to use his nickname for the Toy, and he consented. Snuffles is the most popular teddy in Gunds lineup, and this one was made extra special with the additions of white alpaca fur, Tahitian black pearls for eyes and a 10-carat diamond necklace with a white gold chain. The tag or button may be buried in the mohair of older bears. Watch a Steiff Bear appraisal on Antiques Roadshow by PBS below. Elliot was the least popular among the lot and was never recreated. Bottom line: A large Steiff teddy bear featuring blonde mohair, black button eyes and a black stitched nose, this rare teddy bear looks a little bit, how shall we put it, well loved. This Louis Vuitton Bear won the Guinness Record for the most expensive Teddy bear ever. $75 OFFER Browse Similar. Steiff, Germany, "Penny" The Federation Teddy Bear Made Exclusively for Australia, Limited Edition of 2000 by Theodore Bruce Est: AUD200 - AUD300 AUD120 2 Bids Mar 02, 9:00 AM EST R. JOHN WRIGHT WINNIE-THE-POOH AND PIGLET, LOT OF TWO by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates Est: $50 - $100 $70 2 Bids Mar 02, 9:00 AM EST This valuable teddy was also large at nearly 20 inches tall. Later versions had printed only the companys name, Steiff, but buttons stayed metal. RARE! The difference is that the value is not set in stone and the price differs based on the current market and models. Youve learned the history of the German company, so you know its role in popularizing these toys. The half-blue Harlequin bear from the Paul Greenwood collection reached $74,164 at auction. One of the original bears was found and sold in 2000 to the Puppenhaus Museum in Basle, Switzerland where it can be visited today. Buyers are always wary of all items posing as old pieces of history, so its always an extra edge to present your Steiff Bear with a Certificate of Authenticity. If you were asked what the most valuable teddy bear in the world was, what would you say? 18.60. He was created sometime in the 1920s, and this model had plenty of wear and tear when it was auctioned in 2007. On the other hand, Steiff Teddy bears from the early years come in a price range from $520 to $800, depending on their preservation levels. Largest measurement at 6 inches. The manufacturer of the teddy bear plays an important role. For instance, a bear type and the time when a particular toy circulated on the market could determine each pieces origin, production year, and value. You mustve skipped the section above. The company intended to compete with the established Ideal Toys Teddy bears but failed in this plan. Steiff Bears will always be valuable because of their historical significance as the pioneer teddy bears alongside Ideal Toy company bears. Rod bears tend to vary a lot in their actual looks and presentation, given they are so early, made by hand, and their patterns were rapidly evolving. All labels are fastened on the left ear of the Steiff Bear. As a general rule in keepsake collections, older items are more valuable than recent creations; however, there are a few outliers. Bottom line:The Princess Diana teddy is something of a legend among collectors. Bottom line: This blinged bear was never sold at auction (at least not yet), but it came with a hefty price tag upon its release in 2008 to commemorate 125 years of Steiff plush toys. However, hiring an accredited appraiser is best to make double assurance. However, the Guinness Book of World Records confirms the bear sold for $182,550, which was closer to other sources we found. These are the ear tags, the Knopf Im Ohr or button in ears and the chest pendants. guarantees compliance with the European toy safety guidelines. You can rely on the material texture, knowing that wood wool is older models made before 1950 while plush feathers came after. They also introduced two characteristics never used before. That same year, after the multi-award-winning cult classic Titanic hit the theaters and broke records, Steiff released the Titanic Mourning Bearto commemorate the tragedy. Teddy Girl Bear - 130,000She came to fame when she was sold at auction for over 100,000 euros. From November 1904 onwards, every Steiff animal leaving the factory had a "Button in Ear". However, they changed their mind, and these bears stayed in the headquarters of Steiff in Germany. With big companies like Sothebys, Christies, The Smithsonian, and other private auction outfits, youd get a wider audience and an opportunity to earn more through bids. He's balding and his paw pads had to be restored, but he still has character. As it turned out I had won the old bear with the beautiful expression, apparently no one had noticed the button in his ear and I was the only bidder of this very old bruin! Alternatively, you can decipher the age through its model, like how 28 P.B. Unfortunately, a misfortune befell the business when the consignment didnt reach the market. Collectors Bear 2023, the 'Jewel in the Crown' of the collectors' world Embracing tradition and timeless values, our British Collectors'. While the tradition remains even today, vintage and antique teddy bears stay on top of the value and demand chain for many reasons. As its name suggests, this bear has an opening in . Hot Water Bottle Bear 6. Bottom line: The story behind this valuable teddy bear is heartbreaking. Bottom line: At 45 inches tall and released in 1906, this is one of the largest and oldest-known Steiff models. 1. A Steiff 'Louis Vuitton' teddy bear made in 2000 and measuring 45 cm (17 in) sold for 213,720.00 ($182,550; 125,831) on 14 October 2000 at Christie's, Monaco. its tacked on a gray ribbon on the right side of its chest making it one of the few with accessories. One more typical feature of the oldest products was the paws with five claws. Steiff bears history and importance for the company and children are impressive. He's way cuter. (142) $145.00. Where did Antique and Vintage Teddy Bears Originate From? In the very beginning, one American buyer ordered 3,000 stuffed bears from a Steiff, a toy-making company founded in Germany in 1903. Despite being a recent creation, the Diamond Eye Steiff Bears are worth 79,000 euros ($80,219.68) due to their features. Bottom line:This is the oldest known teddy bear in the world, made in 1904. Circa 1925, 25/64cm high. Steiff Center Seam bear 7. As a tribute to the victims of the Titanic shipwreck in 1912, Steiff, a German toy company produced bears tagged 'mourning bears.' These teddy bears spotted black and red bounded eyes and today they sell for as much as $20,000 in auctions. Steiff Dicky Bear, Replica of 1935 Bear Number 359 of 4000, Gold Plated Button AU $218.84 AU $62.68 postage Steif Bear large Vintage Bear AU $1,313.03 Free postage Vintage Steiff Lion Puppet AU $43.68 AU $43.77 postage or Best Offer SPONSORED Steiff Cosy Year Bear 2007 Teddy Bear Plush Soft Toy Retired 662522 AU $43.68 AU $43.77 postage It had 21 bids and 49 watchers. It was part of Paul Greenwoods stash after his fraud conviction. That was an excellent way to protect Steiffs high-quality products from imitations and prevent possible fraud. On a side note, Kim Kardashian bought one of these teddies for her third child for $170,000. According to Ashby Bears, the tags come in different colors, indicating the category of the individual bears. Steiff is the most popular teddy bear manufacturer, as well as Novelty & Toy Co., and Schuco. Steiff Titanic Teddy Bear ($136,000) However there are some extremely expensive bears out there. Unfortunately, that first shipment never came, but that didnt stop people from ordering new ones. Worthpoint: Can you please tell us how you first came across this wonderful Steiff find? And at first, Bing simply copied Steiff until a lawsuit changed the company's tune. And ina perfect world, they retain their earliest Steiff elephant button in ear. Sometimes, their price can be higher when the toy is particularly well kept. Stay up to date - Subscribe to Newsletter! Disqus. The estimation value goes for approximately $72,000, but it depends on the toys condition. All records listed on our website are current and up-to-date. Plush Bears for Babies Physical appearance is a key factor in whether you want the plush bear for decorative or practical purposes. Buy Steiff Teddy Bears and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! Both new and established collectors appreciate the fine craftsmanship and innovative design of Steiff premium bears. His squeaker doesn't work any more, but this 1940's bear was otherwise flawless when he was sold. For example, antique Steiff Bears sell between $500 $800, Vintage pieces go for less at $300 $400, while Retro releases sell between $100 and less per eBay. Handcrafted with white mohair, black boot button eyes, a stitched brown eyes and jointed limbs, the 25-inch bear was given to the original seller when she was a teenager in the early 1900s. See the table below for a comprehensive list. Then and today, the company has made sure that their toys are resistant to flames as much as possible. Edward Bear' was made circa 1912 by Steiff. Steiff has expanded their market to a more general audience by introducing Steiff Soft Cuddly Teddy Bears. Steiff Teddy Girl Bear - $ 143,000 4. 34. Although a few of these first bears still exist, it is practically impossible to find them. With your new knowledge of Steiff Bears value, its tempting to rummage your attic or store for possible moneymakers. The company began production immediately, and 655 Teddy bears were made in 1912. The bears eyes are made from emeralds and diamonds, and its nose is solid 24-karat gold. As for facial stitching, blond bears have black noses and mouths, while white bears have brown noses and mouths. Steiff's diamond eye teddy bear - $84,000 8. German Steiff teddy bears are often sold at auctions, as these bears are among the most collected. Selling price: $1,610 (Morphy Auctions, 5/08) Morphy Auctions Steiff Miniature 6" Wool Sheep on Wheels Sign up for her Steiff newsletter by contacting her directly at steifflife@gmail.com. It earned its name Harlequinas the English version of the German word, Harlekin. That's only six years after Steiff popularized the teddy bear in 1902. He thought that such a dark toy might scare children. This model is so rare that he has only been seen in photos. You can also find antique appraisers online or even in your community. ANTIQUE TEDDY BEAR-German 7 1/4" Straw Mohair Fully Jointed steiff style. The sellers great-grandfather originally owned the bear, although its unknown how or when it was first acquired. His long, jointed limbs and swivel head still work, and his brown and black glass eyes are as shiny as ever. This 1920's era bear is two feet tall, and his fur is thinning a little, but his historic look helped him hold his value. Steiff bears hold the standard for quality in the toy-making industry from their invention to today. In 2000, a branded LV Steiff Bear sold at auction for $182,550 per Guinness Book of World Records. Picture 1 of 13. Georgia 30328 | 877.481.5750, Rebekah Kaufman is a Worthologist who specializes in vintage Steiff and other European plush collectibles. Steiff was understandably unhappy about the exact copy, but Strunz continued copying them for years. The age of this bear is easily distinguished by the center seam running down the middle of the bear, a trademark of some of the earliest Steiff teddy bears. The inside construction featuring metal pins and cardboard disks was crucial for the bears head, arms, and legs to move. The earliest Steiff bears were manufactured in 1902, and were string-jointed, excelsior-stuffed, and made from dark cinnamon-colored mohair. Do you happen to own any that could be sold for a pretty penny? Blue Elliot fetched a $64,200 price. To my surprise and delight I was contacted the next day and informed I had indeed won a bear! Louis Vuitton Bear - 1,978,000This fuzzy fashionista decked out in Louis Vuittons finest takes the number one spot on our list. Keep reading to discover the other contributory factors. All Steiff Bears made between 1902 -1922 are antique models, while those made between 1923 1972 are vintage. If the entire body is crunchy, then it has excelsior stuffing, but if its only the head, then the body is stuffed with kapok. I looked several times, and from different angles, it was not the FF button but instead, the rare and elusive Elephant button! But things get even better! Paradoxically, that makes their price skyrocket. 2. Sue Pearson Bears and Bygones have sold some particularly expensive bears in their time. For example, if your bear was owned by a historical figure, featured in a blockbuster movie, or autographed by a famous person, then you can expect a premium price tag. This two-toned bear was a special model gifted to Steiff Company employees for long-term dedicated service (40 years) upon retirement. . Bottom line: This rare Steiff Record Teddy riding an antique metal framed cart was produced around 1915. Unfortunately, finding a vintage or antique Steiff Bear in excellent condition is rare, so itll be expensive. 2. I had never seen one in real-life, I was in awe! Check the table abovefor more dates and models. They have simple, puppylike faces detailed with black boot button eyes and a basic hand embroidered mouth. Louis Vuitton Bear Vintage Steiff Bears Identification What should I look for in a Steiff bear? Q: How can you tell what year a Steiff bear is? It doesnt matter that a manufacturer still exists today because those designs that made them unique have been watered down to fit modernization. These very early bruins were commercially produced in white or blonde mohair in two sizes:28 cm sitting/40 cm standing and 35 cm sitting/50 cm standing. Diamond Eyes Bear - 79,000. Bottom line: If you've heard of Omega Toys, you're probably not a zoomer or millennial. The bear sold at the Christies auction in 2006 and was owned by the same woman for her entire 90-year life. It was made in 1925, and this particular bear was in very good condition upon its sale in 2010. Additionally the nose is pure gold and the eyes are made up of, you guessed it, diamonds. For most vintage button-in-ear collectors, Steiffs turn of last century rod bears are unquestionably the holy grail. These absolute rarities, made with an internal rod-style skeleton for jointing, only appeared in the line from about 1904-1905. Bottom line:In 2005, the venerable French fashion house released a teddy it named DouDou (which roughly translates to a cuddly toy or blanket) for the stocking-stuffer friendly price of $9,000. Many manufacturers have distinctive features in the bears that make them readily identifiable. Steiffs rod bears are truly blue moon finds. Titanic Mourning Bear - 128,000Just 82 of these bears were produced in 1912 to commemorate the sinking of the Titanic. A limited reproduction of about 5,000 bears was released in 1990, but those bears never achieved the value of the original. Nostalgic and Regular collectors are most likely to shop in the general markets like Estate Sales, Garage Sales, and Online Retailers such as Live Auctioneers, eBay, Etsy, and Amazon. 8 Most Valuable Steiff Bears 8. Richard Steiff created the first Steiff Teddy bear, the so-called BEAR 55 PB, in the early 20th century. Steiff also made five other colorful bears and sent them all to Harrods in London. 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