The Story of Steiff Bears
The company motto, “Only the best is good enough for our children,” is not a glib phrase, coming as it did from a 19th century woman who had been crippled by polio as a toddler. This woman, wheelchair-bound for most of her life, would go on to found a toy dynasty more than 160 years old, known world-wide for its top-quality products.
Appolonia Margarete Steiff, born in southern Germany in 1847, learned to sew in the 1850s. She became an outstanding seamstress, and began selling her own lines of women’s clothing when she was 32. The year was 1879, and Steiff crafted some pincushions shaped like elephants to give as gifts to friends and family. The reception was so enthusiastic that Steiff made some more to sell as retail items. She learned that children were using her pincushions as toys. These charming elephants were cuddlier than the metal and wooden toys then available, and they were more durable than the dolls of the time, replete with porcelain hands and heads.
Steiff offered pull and riding toys in 1886, and, encouraged by her brother Fritz, moved into a factory setting in 1889. Fritz joined the enterprise as sales representative in 1893, and, eventually, his six sons would join the company and serve as senior management in the first third of the new century.
The Steiff Company had introduced a stuffed bear in 1892, but this creation, which would give Steiff world-wide fame, did not hit its economic stride until 1902. American political cartoonist Clifford Berryman had heard about a hunting trip in which U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt had refused to shoot a tethered bear offered as a trophy by his hosts. Berryman began to draw a small bear into each political cartoon featuring Roosevelt. Roosevelt gained a new political mascot, and the American toymaker, Ideal Company, hastened to manufacture “Teddy Bears.” When Richard Steiff arrived at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, he found that America was enraptured with Stuffed Toy bears. Not only did Steiff’s model win a Grand Prize, but Richard and his aunt Margarete each won a gold medal. By 1907, the Steiff Company had sold almost one million bears worldwide.
As can be imagined, knock-offs sprang up, and Steiff combated this trend by patenting the “Knopf-im-Ohr” (“Button-in-Ear”) trademark. Known for using high-quality materials, a time-intensive manufacturing process, and its expressive Steiff animals, this toy company has created a solid niche for its products. Steiff quality toys make wonderful baby christening gifts …
After all, “only the best is good enough for our children.” But given its ability to create a long-lasting toy, the Steiff Company has seen a secondary market develop for collectors of its products. Glancing through a Steiff bears price guide, one gets the feeling that only the best is good enough for our children’s children.
About the Author
Free online content for your website, if you’d like to use this article, please keep the links in.
Trash or Treasure: Steiff (Dec. 20, 2008)
|
|
Kirk Stieff Old Maryland Engraved 4-Piece Sterling Silver Flatware Place Set, Service for 1 $1,040.00 Delicate traceries scroll along the handles of this pattern. The simple silhouette allows the intricate engraved design to take center stage…. |
|
|
Kirk Steiff Old Maryland Engraved 4 Piece Place Setting Kirk Steiff Old Maryland Engraved 4 Piece Place Setting Old Maryland Engraved offers a uniquely designed and textured pattern on a simple curved handle with a slim stem…. |
|
|
Kirk Steiff Old Maryland Engraved 5 Piece Place Setting Kirk Steiff Old Maryland Engraved 5 Piece Place Setting Old Maryland Engraved offers a uniquely designed and textured pattern on a simple curved handle with a slim stem…. |
|
|
Steiff Macki B Mecki Doll Plush $44.99 5″From editorial emblem to TV star, MECKI was originally a German cartoon figure created by Ferdinand Diehl in 1940. But he became famous in the early Fifties as the editorial emblem a German TV programme magazine, and as a doll made exclusively by Steiff in 1951. His fans formed MECKI clubs and soon there were MECKI books, postcards and even a television series. But this modest little fellow did … |
|
|
Ultra Rare Collectible ‘Winnie the Pooh’ Plush Toy, Limited Edition of 1000 pieces by Steiff Germany. $638.00 Rare Collectible ‘Winnie the Pooh’ Plush Toy, Limited Edition of 1000 pieces by Steiff Germany. Celebrate eight decades of fun and make-believe in the Hundred Acre Wood with everyone’s favorite bear, Winnie the Pooh! He’s a “Silly Old Bear” who has filled children’s lives with excitement and laughter over the past 80 years and Steiff believes that is something to honor! To commemorate Pooh’s anniv… |
|
|
Limited Edition Collectible Steiff Mohair Teddy bear 1908 $380.00 First there were years of being kissed and cuddled – and having its ears nibbled – as Baby’s furry friend. After this, it spent decades forgotten in a dark archive only then to be whisked halfway around the world. This Teddy bear has had an eventful life since coming into the world in 1908 – and it looks it. Now it takes pride of place in a leading US collection. The Teddy bear from 1908 – now th… |
|
|
The Snowman $5.00 The Snowman Illusrated in full color. A wordless story. The pictures have “the hazy softness of air in snow. A little boy rushes out into the wintry day to build a snowman, which comes alive in his dreams that night. The experience is one that neither he nor young ‘readers’ will ever regret or forget.”–(starred) Booklist. … |
|
|
Buying and Selling Teddy Bears Price Guide $8.25 This comprehensive, illustrated colour price guide to the secondary market features more than 450 teddy bears dating from the earliest 1904 creations to contemporary bears by manufacturers, studios and individual artists. Well-known authorities Terry and Doris Michaud have created a unique, easy-to-use rating scale based on condition; the result is the first price guide ever to present three condi… |
|
|
100 Years Steiff Teddy Bears $38.99 Born at the beginning of the last century, he has stolen the hearts of people all over the world. The Teddy bear has lived through the many upheavals of the last 100 years and has not only maintained his appeal, he has become even more lovable with the passage of time. The Steiff Teddy is 100 years old; Who created him? What did he look like? Where did his name come from? All of these questions ar… |
|
|
Traditional Steiff Teddy Bear $17.5 A supremely soft bear made for lots and lots of cuddles by world-renowned German bear manufacturer Steiff. Features: Trademark button-in-the-ear Plastic eyes Beanie bottom Stitched mouth Suitable for all ages Dimensions (cm): 30h Code: 836807 |
|
|
Steiff Bedtime Plush Lamb $44.99 Nighty night. Sweet dreams. Adorable Sleeping Lamb Plush is all set to snuggle with your kids! 11-inches long and made of a soft, light-blond plush. This adorable Sleeping Lamb Plush comes from the talented artisans at Steiff. Don’t be sheepish about acquiring this sleepy little rascal that measures 11-inches long and is fashioned of soft, light-blond plush. Machine washable and complete with a violet ribbon, this is a toy that’s made for snuggling. Get one today! |
|
|
Teddy Bears and Steiff Animals $3.98 Over 500 photos are included in the first series, with hundreds of items from 1903 to 1980. Volume II has no repeats from the first book, and the third series includes Annalee animals as well as teddy bears. |
|
|
Steiff Husky Dog Plush Key Chain $14.99 A fuzzy little dog you can take anywhere! Tiny clasp fits right on to your keys! Will not bark at you! Fact: you need someone to guard your keys. But who? May we suggest this little pooch? This adorable little guy is designed especially to look after the keys to the most important things in your life, and has a real Steiff button on his ear. Measuring 4 1/2-inches long, he’s just the perfect size to go anywhere. |
|
|
The Complete Idiots Guide To Independent Filmmaking By Steiff, Josef $26.23 Presents an introduction to the making of a film without film studio backing, covering such topics as developing the story, obtaining financing, directing, cinematography, location, and postproduction tools such as editing and special effects. Author: Steiff, Josef Series Title: Complete Idiots Guide to Publication Date: 2005/08/01 Number of Pages: 363 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 1.00 Width: 7.25 Height: 9.00 |
|
|
Steiff Treff West Highland Terrier White Plush Puppy $59.99 This Steiff puppy plush is so realistic… and tiny! Doggie features white mohair and a turnable head. Housebroken, so he won’t soil the carpet! This cute-as-can-be 4-inch tall plush stands right up and looks alive! Made of the finest white mohair with stitched details, this delightful doggie features a turnable head and is surface washable. Best of all, the Steiff Treff West Highland Terrier White Plush Puppy is housebroken and won’t soil your carpet! |
|
|
Anime and Philosophy By Steiff, Josef (EDT)/ Tamplin, Tristan D. (EDT) $27 Author: Steiff, Josef (EDT)/ Tamplin, Tristan D. (EDT) Series Title: Popular Culture and Philosophy Subtitle: Wide Eyed Wonder Publication Date: 2010/04/01 Number of Pages: 348 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 0.75 Width: 5.00 Height: 9.00 |
|
|
Manga and Philosophy By Steiff, Josef (EDT)/ Barkman, Adam (EDT) $27 Author: Steiff, Josef (EDT)/ Barkman, Adam (EDT) Series Title: Popular Culture and Philosophy Publication Date: 2010/06/01 Number of Pages: 362 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 0.75 Width: 6.00 Height: 8.75 |
|
|
125 Years Steiff Company History $33.75 This book is in New – Excellent condition |
|
|
Steiff Little Floppy Plush Bernie Husky $29.99 Adorable little puppy dog loves to lay around all day! Soft woven fur is machine washable! Loves hugs! If you’re looking to spruce up a bedroom or play room, give this little guy a try! Measuring 9-inches long, this cute little guy is ready to lounge around and make your life better. With floppy limbs and soft woven fur, this animal is totally machine washable. |
|
|
Alpaca Classic 7-Inch Steiff Teddy Bear Black $144.99 Big paws with airbrushed detail! Adorable pitch black fur! Metal-studded red leather collar! A small Teddy with huge appeal! This 7 1/2-inch sweet little black alpaca bear is five way jointed and has great hand airbrushed paw details. He also has pupil eyes, hand-embroidered facial features, and a metal studded red leather collar. |
|
|
Steiff Christmas 2010 White Plush Teddy Bear $219.99 Cuddly bear brings you holiday cheer! Cute stitched red outfit! Adorable red hat! He’s become a beloved holiday tradition in households around the world. Our annual Christmas Teddy bear continues to win hearts, year after year. The 2010 edition is made from antique white curly mohair and features black eyes and a brown, hand-stitched nose. He wears a sophisticated, red velvet jacket trimmed with white woven fur. His coat is held in place by a decorative corded belt made of golden and maroon threads. As a festive touch, the tip of his hood is crowned with an antiqued bell. Whether you never miss one of our holiday editions or this is your first one to purchase, you’ll definitely want to make our Christmas Santa Teddy bear 2010 a part of your family’s memorable holiday season. Stands 12-inches tall. |
|
|
Steiff Micki M Mecki Doll Plush $134.99 A classic hedgehog doll! A favorite of German children for years! Based on the famous cartoon character! If you have family from Germany, there’s a chance they might know about the Mecki family! These little dolls are based on a family of hedgehog people, and this doll of mother Micki M stands 7-inches tall and is ready to take care of your home. With her dress and accessories, she’s all about taking care of her family! |
|
|
Steiff Mohair Mini Teddy Bear Key Chain Wheat Blond $49.99 Key ring and teddy bear, all in one! Ready to cuddle your keys! 3-inches tall, in wheat-blond mohair. Make your keys feel a little more at home with this adorable key ring that features a delightful plush bear! Expertly crafted of wheat-blond mohair, this mini teddy bear stands about 3-inches tall, ready to cuddle your keys. |
|
|
Old Hands: Old Feet $29.99 Old Hands: Old Feet |
|
|
Cockatoo Rattle 1898 Replica Plush $237.5 A century-old baby rattle! Fine craftsmanship using authentic materials. Own an amazing, limited edition replica with a noteworthy history! Up until 1918, it was one of the most known and loved baby rattles in the Steiff collection. But this piece is not merely a great success story. Its faithful craftsmanship, hand-sewn bells, extra bell in his tummy, 5 delicately sewn layers of wings, and authentic material make this a real collector’s item. It’s made of felt, the same material that Margrete Steiff worked with in 1877 in her Filz-Konfektionswaren-Geschaft (Ready-Made Felt Goods Shop) and from which she produced the legendary “little elephant”… the 1st soft-stuffed animal in the world. Because the Steiff trademark “Button in Ear” had not yet been introduced in 1898 (the year in which this rattle was “born”), this 11-inch reproduction bears the original official button with the elephant symbol. Own this rattle and you own a noteworthy piece of history! Limited edition of 1,000 pieces. |
|
|
Old Is In $16.99 As Western society faces a fast-approaching tidal wave of seniors, this palsied opus proves merrily that the best way to relieve the stiff upper lip is with a smile. |
|
|
This Is Old $12.78 Description not provided. |
|
|
In with the Old $8.78 Description not provided. |
|
|
Old $4.99 We believe it is important to preserve what makes music special, and make it easy to craft listening experiences. At MOG, browse millions songs and play them instantly. Or just turn on radio where you can stop and replay songs. You can also create playlists for any occasion, and even download songs to your mobile. We are dedicated to employing the cleanest but most powerful technology so you can enjoy music as much as ever. |
|
|
In With The Old $4.99 For everything you do, there’s a song that hits the spot. MOG brings them all to you: a world of music on demand, unlimited mobile downloads and ways to discover music free from the limitations of Pandora. The music you love, with you everywhere you go. |
|
|
O.L.D. $4.99 We believe it is important to preserve what makes music special, and make it easy to craft listening experiences. At MOG, browse millions songs and play them instantly. Or just turn on radio where you can stop and replay songs. You can also create playlists for any occasion, and even download songs to your mobile. We are dedicated to employing the cleanest but most powerful technology so you can enjoy music as much as ever. |
|
|
Old School $10.9 Old School |
|
|
Old Cowhand $39.99 Old Cowhand |
|
|
SchwarzKopf Old $20 SchwarzKopf Old |
|
|
Old Note $50 Old Note |
|
|
Humphrey’s Bear $4.48 A classic bedtime story, newly redesigned. In Humphrey’s dream, his teddy bear comes to life and joins him on adventures by the sea. Featuring gorgeous illustrations by William Joyce, this loving story of Humphrey and his bear was inspired by the author’s memories of an old Steiff bear that belonged to his father. Unavailable in hardcover since 1977, this edition features a newly designed jacket by William Joyce, new endpapers, and an updated reset interior text. Humphrey’s Bear is now available in both paperback and hardcover-perfect for introducing this bedtime classic to a new generation of readers. A Christopher Award winner, 1987 A Redbook Top Ten Picture Book of 1987 An IRA-CBC Children’s Choice for 1988 |
|
|
Old French $38 A concise but unusually comprehensive handbook for the students of Old French. |
|
|
Old Chicago $37.5 Cardpool pays out 75% for Old Chicago Gift Cards |
|
|
Old Navy $41 Cardpool pays out 82% for Old Navy Gift Cards |
|
|
Old Turtle and the Broken Truth $7.48 Old Turtle and the Broken Truth is a sequel to Old Turtle. |
