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Posted 3 years ago
Steiffgal
(27 items)
I am a lifelong Steiff collector and admire many of the company's classic and wonderful designs. However, a particular favorite of mine has always been their "Teddy Baby", a pattern that debuted in 1929 and has been produced on and off in the line ever since.
Teddy Baby has been produced in a number of slightly varying designs over the years. However, all Steiff Teddy Baby bears have three things in common: a distinctive, well defined muzzle; flat, broad, clawed feet made for standing; and sweet, toddler-like features. Pre-World War II, Teddy Baby was made in 9, 12, 13, 15, 20, 22, 25, 30, 35, 38, 40, 45, and 65 cm sizes.
It is interesting to note that Teddy Baby was one of the very first items Steiff started producing when the factory in Germany opened after the war. Due to limited supplies and logistical complications, he was made in artificial silk plush (a transitional, lower quality material) in 1948. Then, once supplies and operations were back in order, he was produced in blonde or brown mohair in 9, 22, 28, 30, and 40 cm in the identical pattern made before the war. All sizes over 9 cm came with a leather collar with a bell. Teddy Baby remained in the Steiff line from 1949 to 1957, although due to his popularity with collectors, has been replicated many times in numerous limited edition series.
The Teddy Baby "foursome" shown here are modern, replica bears produced within the last 15 years. The Teddy Baby "threesome" pictured are vintage Teds from the late 1940's and early 1950's. The close up is a 9 cm Teddy Baby from 1950; it is in almost pristine condition with its original chest tag, button in ear, and white linen US Zone seam tag.
Teddy BearsTeddy bears are among the most cuddled and beloved of childhood companions,…
Steiff Stuffed AnimalsIn 1880, a German seamstress named Margarete Steiff, whose bout with polio …
Wow, great collection! Thanks for sharing.
Gorgeous !! What's not to love about these wonderful bears....
No matter how old I get I will always love Steiff Bears and these are
one of my fav's too. Thanks for sharing
Wonderful bears my favourites of all the Steiff bears your photos are so good the little one is gorgeous
Many thanks all. Yes, the little one is a star in my hug. I found him at an antique show in a case full of things like pens and pipes. He was well priced, but I asked for a big discount - which was granted. It wasn't 'till I got him home and really took a look at him that I noticed his US Zone tag, and how pristine he really was. It was the best, and most memorable, Steiff purchase I ever made (with hopefully more to come!)
A lovely collection of Teddy Baby bears! I have just adopted one from Steiffgal's shop, I am so looking forward to getting him!
I have a teddy bear it looks like a steiff bust has girst Saltzburg on the tag it also has a cent in its pocket i know nothing about teh bear but it is lovely does anyone know anything ?