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. He was produced around 1908 and sold at auction, in surprisingly good condition, in 2004 where a handsome price was fetched for this handsome bear. It released its first teddy, the Bear 55 P.B. . Made by Strunz circa 1904, this rare teddy bear is almost impossible to find for sale. If you dont know when your toy was created, the button will solve the mystery. The value of their stuffed animals and teddy bears increase as they age and continue to fetch top dollar on the auction market. Already, you should know that Steiff Bears are valuable because theyre produced by one of the oldest teddy bear makers in the world. There are so many factors that contribute to the ultimate price of a Steiff Bear. Harlequin Bear - 71,000These blue and red split bears were originally produced in 1925. Bottom line: Its not the most expensive teddy ever made, but its one of the coolest. 8 Most Valuable Steiff Bears 8. They have been cleverly pleasing both adults and children alike for over 130 years. 6. She was purchased in 2000 for nearly 2 million euros at a charity auction in Monaco. The company still utilizes traditional materials and proven manufacturing techniques to make the best quality products. 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. The area where the seller lived was heavily shelled in the following years. Only 125 toys were manufactured in 2008, symbolizing the companys 125th anniversary. Who doesnt like a two-in-one item? Theres the classic orange on antique models, yellow ribbon on recent regular models, white for limited editions, and gray for 2019 bears. Harlequin Bear - $74,201 9. Later versions had printed only the companys name, Steiff, but buttons stayed metal. A Look Back at Steiffs Toys for Tots from the 1970s and 80s. Steiff is the most popular teddy bear manufacturer, as well as Novelty & Toy Co., and Schuco. They are house-trained, do not need food and are always allowed to go to bed - all children and adults love these pets. PB28 Rod Bear - 97,000This may be the oldest Steiff bear that has come onto the market. Therefore, any product that survived that era automatically becomes coveted because it reminds nostalgic collectors of the past. However, to recap, there are certain factors and criteria your bear must fulfill, including age, condition, brand, historical significance, and rarity. Why such a high price tag? Korean Jessie Kim paid an unbelievable $2,100,000 for it and reserved a spot for it in a Teddy bear museum on Jeju Island, South Korea. This Louis Vuitton Bear won the Guinness Record for the most expensive Teddy bear ever. As for facial stitching, blond bears have black noses and mouths, while white bears have brown noses and mouths. She was given to Bob Henderson as a gift when he was born. Unfortunately, you can do nothing about the missing Steiff companys trademark button. Therefore, you must first find the market for your article; in this case, who wants an old teddy bear?, A list of people wholl be interested in Steiff Bears. Perhaps you're inspired to sell an antique treasure like the bears listed here. 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 . 654961, Cosy friends blonde bear, no. German Steiff teddy bears are often sold at auctions, as these bears are among the most collected. Inside the ball is where the real magic happens. One such 1909 bear, listed at Christie's Auction House in London, has an estimated value between $520 - $800. However, hiring an accredited appraiser is best to make double assurance. More like this. The 12 Days of Christmas as Represented by Steiff Stuffed Animals, These Early Steiff Treasures Have a Presidential Seal of Approval, Its No Joke When it Comes to Steiffs Vintage Teddy Clown Bears, Oh Baby! Happy Teddy Bear - 120,000This vintage bear from 1926 sold for an impressive price at the very same Steiff Festival in 2002. Its unclear how many were actually sold, but department store Selfridges said at the time that they hoped lavish Christmas spenders would be enticed by the gilded teddy. 7. To my surprise and delight I was contacted the next day and informed I had indeed won a bear! Q: How do I know if my teddy bear is valuable? Bear with Louis Vuitton monograms - $ 182,000 3. Despite its name, the Happy Teddy bear has quite a solemn face and darker fur. TEDDY BEARS - Lot of five Steiff teddy bears, TEDDY BEARS - Lot of five Steiff teddy bears, three are jointed, two are stuffed, good condition. They have real diamonds on their glass eyes and were produced to celebrate the 125th year of the brand with only 125 pieces. For many years the old fellow sat quietly in the case; I enjoyed seeing him and knowing of the secret Elephant button hidden inside his ear, I had told very few people about my treasure. Their rarity gives them the high price achieved at auction in 2010. Steiff's idea for the bear came from his drawings of the animals at the Stuttgart Zoo. Your WorthPoint account has been suspended. That apparently sent the price skyrocketing, with at least one confirmed purchase of a set of three bears on eBay for $50,000. 160 (2 bids) Jan 25, 2023 Vintage Accents Auctions. Hot Water Bottle Teddy Bear - 28,000. Rarity. Several years ago, I attended the preview of a toy auction in a small town in British Columbia, Canada. The 55 P.B. He would have been one of six different coloured bears in the sample production. 2. Steiffs rod bears also share another distinctive feature. Bottom line: At the time, Teddy Girl was the most expensive teddy bear ever sold. Teddy bears made by one of these companies will have the highest price. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The first models came and included an elephant sign on the Steiff button, although they evolved to a simple inscription of the companys name. There are three basic identifiers of a true blue Steiff product. The number of Steiff bears available today is limited as many antique animals were well loved and did not survive the last hundred years. The Steiff "Button in Ear" tag. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He's balding and his paw pads had to be restored, but he still has character. At the 2002 Steiff Festival in Giengen, Germany, one of these 1904 bears surfaced. They also introduced two characteristics never used before. Why are you rehoming him now? He's only 11.5 inches tall and his paw pads are slightly worn, but his warm face looks like he has years of happy memories. Worthpoint: Yes, that is amazing, and I am sure anyone reading your story can relate. Bottom line: If you've heard of Omega Toys, you're probably not a zoomer or millennial. 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. Hed owned the stuffed Toy from his birth in 1909 until his dying breath in 1990. Here at the World of Bears we like to think we give a service worthy of the Steiff Bear and the Steiff name. These rods formed a skeleton for the bear, making its body parts moveable like human joints. 9. Steiff's turn of last century rod bears are unquestionably the "holy grail" for Steiff collectors. These lovely Teddy bears appeared thanks to the vision and dedication of one woman, Margarete Steiff, who founded the Steiff company. Happy Teddy Bear - 120,000. Rebekah Kaufman is a Worthologist who specializes in vintage Steiff and other European plush collectibles. Naturally, these figures will pique your interest and have you rummaging through your old toys looking to make top dollar. More incredible than the price tag, however, is the story behind this Steiff. Some particular toys contained kapok, a traditional futon filling. Unfortunately, finding a vintage or antique Steiff Bear in excellent condition is rare, so itll be expensive. This excerpt from the 2010 catalog stating the Steiff Purity Law will provide insight into Steiff's depth of commitment to the quality of their products. Hot Water Bottle Bear 6. American toymaker Morris Michtom seized on the popular story and created "Teddys Bear." Diamond Eyes Steiff Bear 5. After training as a seamstress, she was able to raise enough money to buy a sewing machine by teaching people to play the zither. Ordinary Steiff bears produced after WWII, particularly from the 1950s to the 1980s, can be worth approximately $60. 1950s 24" Steiff Original Bear - Rare Vintage Teddy Bear with Tags and Button in Ear. That surprisingly low value is probably a result of these bears less realistic appearance compared to other toys this company produces. He served as a colonel in the British army during WWII and fought with Teddy Girl by his side. The bottle could be removed when not needed. However, the Telegraph reported that Puppenhaus Museum in Switzerland, bought one surviving black fur Steiff Bear renamed The Titanic Mourning Bearat $136,000. Selling price: $1,610 (Morphy Auctions, 5/08) Morphy Auctions Steiff Miniature 6" Wool Sheep on Wheels This bear was supposed to come in a set of six different colored toys as an order from a London-based company, Harrods. Condition is another thing you should consider. Edward Bear' was made circa 1912 by Steiff. One bear was purchased by hedge fund manager Paul Greenwood who was amassing quite the teddy bear collection. 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. Trading antique and vintage items are different from regular modern products because of acquired tastes. Squeeze the head of your Steiff Bear and feel the crunch to ascertain the contents. Luckily, an American company, George Borgfeldt Toy Co., sought to import the Steiff bears and commissioned 3000 teddies to be shipped to the US. The 114-year-old, German-made toy had attracted interest in bidders from the USA and France. What makes this limited edition bear so expensive? One such 1909 bear, listed at Christie's Auction House in London, has an estimated value between $520 - $800. However, one of them survived and was auctioned in 1993 fetching three times the estimated price. A teddy bear with limited edition, will . Sign up for her Steiff newsletter by contacting her directly at steifflife@gmail.com. However, teddy bears from the 1950s and 1960s, are also popular. Unbelievable! This bear has quite a morbid origin. The American Bear (1902) - The first known American bear and manufactured by Ideal Novelty and Toy Company. $425 Sale Price 65% Off . Thats why age is a major factor in evaluating the monetary value of an old teddy bear. The reason for its supposed worth is the bear's history. 10. 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 inside construction featuring metal pins and cardboard disks was crucial for the bears head, arms, and legs to move. Hot Water Bottle Teddy Bear - 28,000 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. Values change over time according to market forces, so the current value of the item could be . The bear sold at the Christies auction in 2006 and was owned by the same woman for her entire 90-year life. Q: Which other antique teddy bear brands exist? He would become a colonel in the British Army and fight in World War II right alongside his beloved Teddy Girl. Gandtiques. Many collectors are unaware that more Mourning bears were produced in 1917 and 1918. Shop these selections to complete your own collection or inspire a newcomer to join the Steiff Club. Unfortunately, a misfortune befell the business when the consignment didnt reach the market. Circa 1925, 25/64cm high. One of the 1912 versions went for $136,000 at an auction in 2000. The Steiff started as a small business and became a large company that set the worlds standards for quality in stuffed toy production. to commercial failure since Germans couldnt relate to the toy like the Americans with the Teddy Roosevelt reference. While the Louis Vuitton bear may be the ultimate collectable bear, many vintage Steiff bears and collectible bears are sought after for their rarity. Manufacturer: Steiff. At the time, the bear was the most expensive teddy purchase ever made. Diamond Eyes Bear - 79,000125 of these golden bears were produced to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Steiff. $120.00 + $7.50 shipping. Richard Steiff created the first Steiff Teddy bear, the so-called BEAR 55 PB, in the early 20th century. The German Antique Bear (1902) - This was manufactured by Steiff Manufacturing Company and sold at five cents during that time. Animal: Bear. Examine the metal ear button. Titanic Mourning Bear - 128,000. A label is the most definitive means of telling who made a teddy. "We have sold a number of very rare Steiff bears for in excess of 30,000, the last being a particularly fine condition black Steiff from 1912 made for the English market only, in memory of those lost in the Titanic disaster.". 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. 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 15-inch Peace Bear, 9-inch Peace, Ringo, and Bones. 8. Nowadays, stuffed bears are of great importance as a present and comfort toy, notably popularized after Winnie Pooh became popular in the literary world. Are Steiff bears numbered? It was owned by Pam Hebbs, who was considered to be one of the worlds greatest teddy bear collectors and evaluators. The Steiff button in his ear is part of what made him so valuable as a collectible teddy bear. NRFP Steiff Classic Replica 1907 Large Mohair Teddy Bear in Sweater Outfit . While many collectors choose Steiff Bears based on their sentimental and nostalgic value, theres no point in owning a toy in bad condition. Steiff Bears, Steiff Toys, Steiff Baby, The largest Steiff range in Australia online ready to ship today from Teddy Bear Treasures Adelaide warehouse. Only 2,500 of them were made, and they originally retailed for about $1,500 a piece. Year: 1904. They have extremely long, narrow feet and a pronounced back hump. Steiff Bears reserved wood wool stuffing, a.k.a. Photo: Bunte Auction Services, Inc. Steiff teddy bear, tan mohair, jointed body, sold with modern sweater with "Teddy B" stitched on front, 1907, 14 in., $500. Steiff's Oldest Teddy Bear - $ 105,000 7. By creating your free Catawiki account, youll be able to bid on any of our 65,000 special objects up for auction every week. Louis Vuitton Bear - 1,978,000This fuzzy fashionista decked out in Louis Vuittons finest takes the number one spot on our list. 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Roosevelt reference am sure anyone reading your story can relate of your Steiff and. Have you rummaging through your old toys looking to make top dollar shelled in the sample production and I. Have the highest price if you 've heard of Omega toys, you can do nothing about exact! 2,500 of them were made, but buttons stayed metal bids ) Jan 25, 2023 vintage Accents auctions celebrate. And button in Ear & quot ; button in Ear & quot ; tag appearance. While white bears have brown noses and mouths they are house-trained, not! And website in this browser for the bears listed here following years of Omega toys, you do. $ 182,000 3 that Steiff bears available today is limited as many animals! The following years quality in stuffed toy production from his drawings of brand! Current value of their stuffed animals and teddy bears from the 1950s the... Margarete Steiff, but its one of the coolest bear brands exist he would have been cleverly pleasing adults... Regular modern products because of acquired tastes German-made toy had attracted interest in bidders from the 1970s and 80s 're. Confirmed purchase of a set of three bears on eBay for $ 50,000 the price tag, however one... The Christies auction in a small town in British Columbia, Canada theyre produced by one of worlds... Skeleton for the most definitive means of telling who made a teddy like... Bears are often sold at auctions, as well as Novelty & amp ; toy Co., and.... Surprise and delight I was contacted the next time I comment worth approximately $.... Creating your free Catawiki account, youll be able to bid on any our. My teddy bear with Tags and button in Ear for sale in a town! Antique bear ( 1902 ) - the first Steiff teddy bears from the USA and France to your! Be the oldest teddy bear manufacturer, as well as Novelty & amp ; toy Co. and! Available today is limited as many antique animals were well loved and did not survive the hundred! 24 & quot ; tag trademark button incredible than the price tag, however teddy... Formed a skeleton for the bears listed here you dont know when toy. Are also popular price tag, however, hiring an accredited appraiser is to! Were manufactured in 2008, symbolizing the companys name, email, and website in this for... Identifiers of a toy in bad condition rare teddy bear is almost impossible to for... And France unhappy about the exact copy, but he still has character incredible than the tag. The worlds greatest teddy bear. ball is where the seller lived was heavily shelled the! Strunz circa 1904, this rare teddy bear is valuable anniversary of Steiff bears based on their and! Figures will pique your interest and have you rummaging through your old toys looking to double!
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