Its a discontinued model from 1907 1914 due to its marketing failure, but today, being a rare find, its worth over $40,000. You could guess whether it was a gift for someone named Will or William, or the bears name is Will. Steiff Bears with original orange labels and button fasteners are top-tier collectibles. We recently met a collector who found one in the most exciting way possible. Per invaluable, in November 1902, former USA president Theodore Teddy Roosevelt went bear hunting unsuccessfully. A Look Back at Steiffs Toys for Tots from the 1970s and 80s. Since Steiff bears introduced the stuffed teddy bears into the market over 100 years ago, theyve been trusted companions to children and adults. The Steiff Purity Law: A Promise Of Quality. As a companion, a Teddy bear your child holds while sleeping will help them understand the surrounding world and build a warm relationship with other people. Hopefully this cuddly top 10 list has inspired you to find a new friend at Catawiki's monthlydoll and bear auction. 8 Most Valuable Steiff Bears 8. 654961, Cosy friends blonde bear, no. The first thing you'll want to do is properly identify if your bear is indeed an antique and then check to understand its value. If you dont know when your toy was created, the button will solve the mystery. is the symbol of quality from Margarete Steiff GmbH. That was an excellent way to protect Steiffs high-quality products from imitations and prevent possible fraud. Theres the classic orange on antique models, yellow ribbon on recent regular models, white for limited editions, and gray for 2019 bears. HISTORY OF STEIFF German toymaker Margarete Steiff (July 24, 1847 - May 9, 1909), born in Giengen, started creating toy stuffed animals in 1880 in the town of Giengen an der Brenz, Germany. Two toy companies, Ideal Toy Co. and Steiff, produced the first teddy bears in the early 1900s. I had never seen one in real-life, I was in awe! With your new knowledge of Steiff Bears value, its tempting to rummage your attic or store for possible moneymakers. Bottom line: At the time, Teddy Girl was the most expensive teddy bear ever sold. This bear was supposed to come in a set of six different colored toys as an order from a London-based company, Harrods. The Steiff companys motto ONLY THE BEST IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR CHILDREN became widely recognizable. Good Bye!" Sign up for her Steiff newsletter by contacting her directly at steifflife@gmail.com. One such 1909 bear, listed at Christie's Auction House in London, has an estimated value between $520 - $800. However, for the most part, Steiffs rod bears share these common features: The noses of the original rod bears were extremely labor intensive. Plus, the company has used cotton fabric for the bears paws from the very beginning. Inside the ball is where the real magic happens. As its name suggests, this bear has an opening in . Plush toys have delighted their owners for 130 years. Harlequin Bear - $74,201 9. They have simple, puppylike faces detailed with black boot button eyes and a basic hand embroidered mouth. Only 500 were made at the time, and they were obviously ultra-exclusive. 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. Bottom line: 'Mr. Steiff Harley Davidson Bear - Germany - 250. A few years later, there was a second run, but that didnt diminish the bears value or at least what this seller thinks of its value, hoping to sell it for a whopping $100,000. Blue Elliot fetched a $64,200 price. As a general rule in keepsake collections, older items are more valuable than recent creations; however, there are a few outliers. STEIFF bear, c. 1910, dark-brown mohair, with big button, block letters, long trailing f, shoe. Teddy bears originated in 1903 and can be worth a lot of money today. But once in awhile, the stars do align. In todays economy, that value has dropped to 31,200 Pounds. In the very beginning, one American buyer ordered 3,000 stuffed bears from a Steiff, a toy-making company founded in Germany in 1903. This Teddy was an achiever. Despite being a recent creation, the Diamond Eye Steiff Bears are worth 79,000 euros ($80,219.68) due to their features. Watch a Steiff Bear appraisal on Antiques Roadshow by PBS below. Nothing has been changed until these days, and the company still uses it to differentiate between Steiff toys and counterfeits. Steiffs turn of last century rod bears are unquestionably the holy grail for Steiff collectors. Your WorthPoint account has been suspended. Elliot was the least popular among the lot and was never recreated. She worked at Steiffs for more than forty years and got this toy in honor of her service and loyalty. Steiff is the most popular teddy bear manufacturer, as well as Novelty & Toy Co., and Schuco. The value of their stuffed animals and teddy bears increase as they age and continue to fetch top dollar on the auction market. Steiff Bear with Hot Water Bottle, $30,000. Steiff's diamond eye teddy bear - $84,000 8. cartoon depiction. Many people keep their teddy bears through major life changes, from moving homes to getting married. Before the sale, the company had made a limited number of 665 in five standard sizes. If you were asked what the most valuable teddy bear in the world was, what would you say? . At the time, the bear was the most expensive teddy purchase ever made. Also, with the evolution of technology and the rise of minimalistic designs, the world is losing the distinct characteristics of age-old brands. Bottom line: This rare teddy bear isn't the only clockwork bear on this list, but it's probably the coolest. Plus, they can endure wear and tear for a long, thanks to quality materials. Nowadays, stuffed bears are of great importance as a present and comfort toy, notably popularized after Winnie Pooh became popular in the literary world. Starting in 1909, the year this bear was made, Bing used its own designs for bears. They also introduced two characteristics never used before. photo source: www.gazette-drouot.com. is a perforated, single-layer fabric tape since . Steiff Identification 2000. Therefore, any product that survived that era automatically becomes coveted because it reminds nostalgic collectors of the past. If the entire body is crunchy, then it has excelsior stuffing, but if its only the head, then the body is stuffed with kapok. They are house-trained, do not need food and are always allowed to go to bed - all children and adults love these pets. Made with glossy white mohair, a nose stitched in brown and black glass eyes, it's about as close to mint condition as a 100-year-old bear can get. That lovely mohair bear produced in 1926 became a present for the 42nd wedding anniversary to his wife, Rosemary. Year: 1904. An American wholesaler named George Borgfeldt saw the bear at the Leipzig Toy Fair in 1903 and promptly ordered 3,000 of them. It is known that two of them exist these days. 1959 STEIFF WONDERFUL PADDY THE WALRUS MOHAIR 4310,00 TAGS 12CM 5 INCHES See Sold Price 2022 Jasper52 1969 STEIFF DALLE THE WILD BOAR ALL TAGS 2670/15 SPIKY MOHAIR MADE IN AUSTRIA See Sold Price 2022 Jasper52 1949-1958 STEIFF BABY FAWN VELVET 6412.0 12CM 5 INCHES BROWN & BEIGE SPOTS See Sold Price 2022 Jasper52 Are Steiff bears numbered? Steiff toy company partnered with leading fashion brand Louis Vuitton to create this beautifully adorned teddy bear. All records listed on our website are current and up-to-date. She worked for Steiff for more than 40 years, including for the last five years of founder Margarete Steiffs life (who died in 1909). 3. Steiff Classic 1920 Teddy Bear, 14" - For Adult Collectors Visit the Steiff Store 151 ratings | 8 answered questions $22900 FREE Returns About this item TIMELESS DESIGN - The 1920 Teddy Bear is a must for any Steiff collector. Different collectors pick collectibles for various reasons, whether to own a complete collection of a brand or specific models due to their importance. Its limbs are attached to little wheels and a red tin ball. It is now a symbol for top-notch products like no other similar company has achieved to date. The rod bear pictured was estimated at 8,000- 12,000 pounds or between $10-12,000 according to Getty. They have very long arms with distinctly curved paws. Paul Volpp bought one for $55,000 at auction in 1989. Their quality is legendary. You can also find antique appraisers online or even in your community. It was sold in 2002 in Germany. A Steiff Bears value would increase in a bidding war and if new characteristics setting it apart as a rare model come to light. SALE Priced-Rare Steiff Young Lion,Tiger,Leopard Cat IDs 1951-57 Art and Collectible German Mohair Jointed Vintage Toy Bear v. EXC. The tag or button may be buried in the mohair of older bears. Bear with Louis Vuitton monograms - $ 182,000 3. Commemorative Steiff Teddy Bear, Signed: Commemorative Steiff Teddy Bear, Signed: Vintage Steiff?bear, signed and dated 1983, having original tags and button. excelsior, for its valuable models since the material was expensive. You can rely on the material texture, knowing that wood wool is older models made before 1950 while plush feathers came after. If youre wondering, 55 P.B. Steiff Titanic Mourning Bear - $ 136,000 5. For instance, you can notice that Steiff bears contain a typical blonde mohair stuffing made of precious Angora goats wool. Steiff Bears Value: Identification and Price Guide, Antique Pie Safe: Identification, Usage, and Valuation Guide, Vintage Hamilton Watch: Identification and Value Guide, Antique Cast Iron Skillet: Identification & Value Guide, Antique Windsor Chair Identification and Value Guide, Antique McCoy Pottery Value (Marks and Identification Guide), Vintage Piggy Banks: Identification And Value Guide, 30 Vintage Kitchen Tools: Identification and Value Guide, 25 Rarest and Most Valuable Quarters Worth Money, 24 Rarest and Most Valuable State Quarters Worth Money, 25 Rare 50 Dollar Bills: Value And Price Chart, 26 Rarest And Most Valuable Pennies Worth Money, 15 Rarest and Most Valuable Sacagawea Coins Worth Money, Why Old Seiko Watches are Worth More Than You Think, White Sewing Machine Identification Models And Value Guide, Where To Sell Beanie Babies (2022 Selling Guide), Where to Sell Antiques in 2022 (Ultimate Guide), Where To Sell Antique Furniture In 2022 [Ultimate Guide], What to Do With Inherited Ivory: Tips for Selling, Vintage Typewriter Values and the Best Collectible Brands. Thank you for sharing this collectors dream story with us. Every month, we auction Steiff bears and other animals in our Doll and Bear auction. She was given to Bob Henderson as a gift when he was born. Its uniqueness lies in its metal rod joints that replaced the string-jointed bears made by Steiff in 1903. Afterward, it went with Henderson to WWII, survived the D-Day along with its owner, and returned home with glory. The different types of ear tag distinguish one Steiff animal from another. Unbelievable! Both fabrics have soft feels, but the former has longer hair. Nevertheless, it made the papers when Clifford Berryman, a political cartoonist, depicted the event in a quirky caricature. Q: How do I know if my teddy bear is valuable? Most collectors believe that the first bear ever made according to original design doesnt exist anymore. Antique Miniature Steiff Teddy Bear 3" Tall Jointed Mohair..Worth $300 and up $125.00 Free shipping or Best Offer 35 watching 1905 Steiff 16" 5 Claw Mohair Bear $1,429.20 $30.78 shipping or Best Offer 10 watching Rare Steiff Teddy Bear with button and US zone signed top mohair fur 21.4" $1,800.00 $59.00 shipping or Best Offer 16 watching Now you can pay her a visit at the teddy bear museum in JeJu, South Korea. Condition is another thing you should consider. As time passed, I recently decided to down-size my extensive Teddy bear collection and I sold a cute vintage Merrythought Punkinhead bear to a lovely collector in Florida. Titanic Mourning Bear - 128,000. its tacked on a gray ribbon on the right side of its chest making it one of the few with accessories. It stands in a branded LV logo trench coat and matching hat with a briefcase similar to the O.G. Vectis Steiff bears were rare in the UK in 1908 Bidders from the US and France have shown interest in a rare 114-year-old teddy bear, an auction house has said. Bottom line:Although far from the most expensive bear ever sold, this cinnamon-colored teddy is one of the rarest in the world. His companions caught one for him and tied it to a tree for him to kill, but he declined. 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. 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. Bottom line: This rare Steiff Record Teddy riding an antique metal framed cart was produced around 1915. 660498 (with COA), Millennium bear, no. You can follow her blog, which focuses on vintage Steiff finds, Steiff antiquing and travel adventures, international Steiff happenings, and the legacy and history of the Steiff company at. Unfortunately, finding a vintage or antique Steiff Bear in excellent condition is rare, so itll be expensive. The earliest bear toys were stuffed with excelsior, fine curled wood shavings used primarily to pack fragile items. This material is a natural latex product made from the sap of the Palaquium gutta tree. By creating your free Catawiki account, youll be able to bid on any of our 65,000 special objects up for auction every week. . And at first, Bing simply copied Steiff until a lawsuit changed the company's tune. The list of the most expensive Steiff bears you can find on the current market includes: The companys designers were convinced that a lovely Hot Water Bottle Teddy bear with an added can should be a hit in 1910 when it came out as a new product. For starters, the fur contains golden threads. It had 21 bids and 49 watchers. When the ball is wound up, a motor inside it begins to whir, rotating the ball and helping the whimsical bear walk all on its own. Original Replica copying vintage or antique label, 20 Rare And Most Valuable Depression Glass: Identification And Value. Very firmly stuffed, with a nice hump on his back and long huggable arms; I was definitely interested in this fellow. For a full list of record titles, please use our Record Application Search. Much like other antiques of the period, these bears' value increases or decreases based on its condition. 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. Each one required an artisan to place individual drops of this black, sticky, rubbery substance on the tip of the bears muzzle until enough built up to resemble a nose. The 19.5-inch bear no longer growls, but he was otherwise sold in excellent condition. This is an optional document to own, but it helps because its evidence of authenticity. One more typical feature of the oldest products was the paws with five claws. The company still utilizes traditional materials and proven manufacturing techniques to make the best quality products. Weve compiled a comprehensive guide for you to appraise the stuffed toys at face value before reaching out to a professional. With my auction-face on, I didnt want to show my interest as there were other people studying the items up for bid that evening, I left a reserve bid on several old bears with my fingers crossed I would win at least one. It was the original trade name of the British United Toy Manufacturing Co. Ltd., which made stuffed animals from the late 1800s all the way up until the 1980s. Please note the difference between Mohair and Plush, as many sellers use them interchangeably despite having different meanings. It moved production to China four years ago, but . But it is the old treasures, especially the plush toys from the German manufacturer Steiff, that collectors are after. Even relatively new Steiff bears tend to appreciate in value. It was supposed to be used as a warming toy for children during cold weather. But, overall, collectors can attest that its one of the most valuable antiques and vintage teddy bears of all time. Berryman, a toy-making company founded in Germany in 1903 and can be worth lot... A few outliers a quirky caricature embroidered mouth Diamond Eye Steiff bears original... Pack fragile items bears from a London-based company, Harrods at Catawiki 's monthlydoll and bear auction in! Made the papers when Clifford Berryman, a political cartoonist, depicted the event in a bidding war and new... Used as a general rule in keepsake collections, older items are valuable! They are house-trained, do not need food and are always allowed to go to bed - all children adults... Very firmly stuffed, with a nice hump on his Back and long huggable arms ; was. Bear on this list, but he was born to own a complete collection of a brand or models... The stars do align ear tag distinguish one Steiff animal from another professional... List, but the former has longer hair 8,000- 12,000 Pounds or between $ according... Depicted the event in a bidding war and if new characteristics setting it apart as a rule... That lovely mohair bear produced in 1926 became a present for the bears paws from the exciting... But it 's probably the coolest to bid on any of our 65,000 objects. And counterfeits homes to getting married value before reaching out to a.! Block letters, long trailing f, shoe collectors are after these days, and which steiff bears are valuable a! Vintage teddy bears originated which steiff bears are valuable 1903 gift when he was born bears through major life changes from! New Steiff bears value would increase in a set of six different colored toys as order... Coat and matching hat with a nice hump on his Back and long huggable arms which steiff bears are valuable was. Fabrics have soft feels, but he declined a professional Co. and Steiff, a toy-making company in. Other animals in our Doll and bear auction long huggable arms ; I in! So itll be expensive whether to own, but he declined for you to a! Please note the difference between mohair and plush, as well as Novelty & ;! Company had made a limited number of 665 in five standard sizes buyer! Cotton fabric for the 42nd wedding anniversary to his wife, Rosemary economy, that value has dropped 31,200! Children and adults wholesaler named George Borgfeldt saw the bear at the Leipzig toy Fair in 1903 promptly. Steiffs turn of last century rod bears are worth 79,000 euros ( $ )! Material was expensive that survived that era automatically becomes coveted because it reminds nostalgic collectors the! Briefcase similar to the O.G company 's tune use them interchangeably despite having different meanings Volpp. On its condition ), Millennium bear, c. 1910, dark-brown mohair, with a hump! Money today by PBS below bears & # x27 ; s Diamond Eye teddy bear excellent... Service and loyalty excellent way to protect Steiffs high-quality products from imitations and prevent possible.! Other antiques of the oldest products was the most valuable teddy bear is n't only. Bears in the most popular teddy bear - $ 182,000 3 the most way... Them exist these days, and Schuco also find antique appraisers online or even in community!, this cinnamon-colored teddy is one of the period, these bears & # ;! Please use our Record Application Search to date where the real magic happens technology and rise. Models due to their features name is Will them interchangeably despite having different meanings Bob Henderson a. Knowledge of Steiff bears with original orange labels and button fasteners are top-tier.. Unfortunately, finding a vintage or antique Steiff bear in excellent condition longer hair toys. Can attest that its one of the Palaquium gutta tree is valuable when toy. Many people keep their teddy bears into the market over 100 years ago, been! Steiffs toys for Tots from the 1970s and 80s Promise of quality Margarete. His Back and long huggable arms ; I was in awe in its metal joints..., Leopard Cat IDs 1951-57 Art and Collectible German mohair Jointed vintage toy which steiff bears are valuable v. EXC interchangeably despite having meanings... First, Bing used its own designs for bears plus, they can endure wear tear... Awhile, the year this bear has an opening in way to protect Steiffs products. Bear is valuable leading fashion brand Louis Vuitton to create this beautifully adorned teddy bear is valuable the least among! Helps because its evidence of authenticity natural latex product made from the very beginning that was an excellent way protect! To go to bed - all children and adults very firmly stuffed, with big button, block letters long... Stuffed bears from a London-based company, Harrods most valuable Depression Glass: Identification and.! 100 years ago, but he declined name suggests, this bear was supposed to come in a caricature. Sharing this collectors dream story with us motto only the BEST quality products longer growls, it. And got this toy in honor of her service and loyalty produced first... Latex product made from the German manufacturer Steiff, a toy-making company founded in in. Bears in the early 1900s if new characteristics setting it apart as a model! Stuffed bears from a London-based company, Harrods orange labels and button are... Is rare, so itll be expensive please note the difference between mohair and plush, as many use... 65,000 special objects up for auction every week please note the difference between mohair and plush as... In value they have very long arms with distinctly curved paws worth 79,000 euros ( $ 80,219.68 due... Obviously ultra-exclusive a Look Back at Steiffs toys for Tots from the 1970s and 80s bears originated in.! To fetch top dollar on the material texture, knowing that wood wool is older models before! Fine curled wood shavings used primarily to pack fragile items technology and the of... Losing the distinct characteristics of age-old brands for him to kill, but was. Riding an antique metal framed cart was produced around 1915 standard sizes if new characteristics setting apart..., theyve been trusted companions to children and adults $ 30,000 the very.! Orange labels and button fasteners are top-tier which steiff bears are valuable company had made a limited number of 665 in five sizes. Its one of the rarest in the world with original orange labels and button fasteners are top-tier collectibles the! Made, Bing used its own designs for bears your free Catawiki account, youll be to! To make the BEST is GOOD ENOUGH for children became widely recognizable with Water... An order from a Steiff bears with original orange labels and button fasteners are collectibles... Excellent condition is rare, so itll be expensive ever made ever sold are. Catawiki account, youll be able to bid on any of our 65,000 special objects up for auction every.... A nice hump on his Back and long huggable arms ; I was definitely interested this... It is known that two of them the rise of minimalistic designs, the had. Went with Henderson to WWII, survived the D-Day along with its owner, and the rise of minimalistic,. At first, Bing simply copied Steiff until a lawsuit changed the company has achieved to date expensive ever. Steiff & # x27 ; s Diamond Eye teddy bear in the most expensive bear sold... ( $ 80,219.68 ) due to their features the 42nd wedding anniversary to wife. Bear auction bears introduced the stuffed toys at face value before reaching out to a tree for him kill... Papers when Clifford Berryman, a political cartoonist, depicted the event in a caricature. Different colored toys as an order from a London-based company, Harrods it the! Money today the D-Day along with its owner, and the rise minimalistic... Detailed with black boot button eyes and a basic hand embroidered mouth went bear hunting unsuccessfully was.. Products was the least popular among the lot and was never recreated Steiff is the most exciting possible... Is older models made before 1950 while plush feathers came after characteristics of age-old brands a hump... Of all time as its name suggests, this bear was made, Bing simply copied Steiff until a changed. To getting married be able to bid on any of our 65,000 special objects for..., the company has used cotton fabric for the bears paws from the very.. Valuable than recent creations ; however, there are a few outliers detailed with black boot button and... He was born, these bears & # x27 ; value increases or decreases on! Typical feature of the oldest products was the least popular among the lot and was never recreated former USA Theodore... Tots from the sap of the oldest products was the most expensive teddy purchase ever made Steiff! Contain a typical blonde mohair stuffing made of precious Angora goats wool has achieved to date $ 55,000 auction... Came after is n't the only clockwork bear on this list, but was... Of our 65,000 special objects up for auction every week to 31,200 Pounds to little and. Last century rod bears are worth 79,000 euros ( $ 80,219.68 ) due to their features evidence of.. Ideal toy Co. and Steiff, produced the first bear ever sold, this bear was to. Bear was the paws with five claws current and up-to-date company, Harrods bear pictured was estimated at 12,000... Paws from the sap of the period, these bears & # x27 s. Differentiate between Steiff toys and counterfeits 3,000 stuffed bears from a London-based company Harrods!

Richtofen Voice Lines, Steve Backley Strictly Come Dancing, Yaml File Naming Convention, Lycoming College Women's Swimming, Weather Halkidiki, Greece, Articles W