The Dicky teddy was beloved from its debut thanks in large part to its soft fur and the warm smile on its face. To my surprise and delight I was contacted the next day and informed I had indeed won a bear! The most distinctive feature of the Center Seam Steiff Bear is its Silver Brooch bearing Will. $75 OFFER Browse Similar. Bottom line: At 45 inches tall and released in 1906, this is one of the largest and oldest-known Steiff models. The typical earliest nose from 1905 is stitched like a bar, with a few stitches in the middle reaching down to join into a simple V-shaped mouth. I picked him up and was surprised how solid he felt. bears were lost at sea, the 1904 28 PBsare the oldest models recorded in Steiffs history. Steiff's turn of last century rod bears are unquestionably the "holy grail" for Steiff collectors. George, Steiff Original Teddy Bear,,1965 to 1966,Steiff Button. Steiff was understandably unhappy about the exact copy, but Strunz continued copying them for years. His companions caught one for him and tied it to a tree for him to kill, but he declined. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. More incredible than the price tag, however, is the story behind this Steiff. 3.75 postage. Two of the most expensive Steiff Teddy bear auction sales of 2020 took place on November 12th through Bertoia Auctions of Vineland, NJ. Being one of two pioneer brands to make Teddy Bears, Steiff Bears are coveted amongst collectors. Many people keep their teddy bears through major life changes, from moving homes to getting married. Bottom line: This valuable teddy bear has flattened fur, a missing label and patches where the mohair is worn away completely, but the seller still thinks it's worth a hefty sum. 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 http://mysteifflife.blogspot.com. You can also find antique appraisers online or even in your community. American toymaker Morris Michtom seized on the popular story and created "Teddys Bear." Much like other antiques of the period, these bears' value increases or decreases based on its condition. Also, as a potential reseller, its best to buy a bear in at least good condition to last for decades while increasing in value. This type of large teddy bear was used as a display toy in old toy shops. Steiff's Grandfather bear - ~$12,900 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. Atlanta, All records listed on our website are current and up-to-date. It was owned by Pam Hebbs, who was considered to be one of the worlds greatest teddy bear collectors and evaluators. Price: Bottom line: This Bruin Steiff teddy bear is a few decades younger than most of the rare teddy bears here, and it shows. Beginning from 1908s, ear tags were attached to the toys together with the Knopf Im Ohr. Teddy Girl Bear - 130,000. You could guess whether it was a gift for someone named Will or William, or the bears name is Will. It also lived in the owners home, where it was rarely shown and generally kept away from curious children. Plus, childrens attachment to lovely stuffed toys shows their emotional maturity. Inspect the furry body for tears and other physical defects. According to collectors, this particular cinnamon-colored Teddy bear with mohair fur and beady eyes that came to the market around 1908 was beautiful. If youre the seller, ensure you keep your bears intact before presenting them for sale and appraisal. 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. 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. The PB 28 series came out in 1904 and only a handful remain intact today. Only 500 were made at the time, and they were obviously ultra-exclusive. 654961, Cosy friends blonde bear, no. Share the joy of squishy hugs from Steiff stuffed bears with the kids in your life. In 1994, Teddy Girl was sold as part of his Estate in an auction for $143,000+ per Reuters. It doesnt matter that a manufacturer still exists today because those designs that made them unique have been watered down to fit modernization. Steiff The Queen Elizabeth Dedication To Service Teddy Bear A Collectable Tribute to Her Majesty - 45cms {691300} 499.00 or 75.00 deposit. It was made in 1908 and features a brooch with the name Will. 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. Bear with Louis Vuitton monograms - $ 182,000 3. Steiff is the most popular teddy bear manufacturer, as well as Novelty & Toy Co., and Schuco. The different types of ear tag distinguish one Steiff animal from another. What an exceptional treasure to add to my collection! SWEET 13" Vintage Steiff 0202/36 FAO Schwartz Teddy Bear. Bear means 55cm tall, Plush Beweglich (Moveable in German) Bear. This jointing system shows up prominently in an x-ray, and thats best way to confirm a bears internal connectors. Inside the ball is where the real magic happens. The first models came and included an elephant sign on the Steiff button, although they evolved to a simple inscription of the companys name. She wrote "Collecting Teddy Bears" in 1988, which showed off her extensive collection and knowledge of antique bears. Happy Teddy Bear - 120,000This vintage bear from 1926 sold for an impressive price at the very same Steiff Festival in 2002. In just three years, 400 staff and 1,800 out workers from the Steiff company made almost two million bears, making 1907 a Teddy Bear Boom Year. At the time, the bear was the most expensive teddy purchase ever made. They have been cleverly pleasing both adults and children alike for over 130 years. Theres the classic orange on antique models, yellow ribbon on recent regular models, white for limited editions, and gray for 2019 bears. 1. The Bing clockwork bear was made around 1910. bears being in fair condition. 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. Titanic Mourning Bear - 128,000Just 82 of these bears were produced in 1912 to commemorate the sinking of the Titanic. Its uniqueness lies in its metal rod joints that replaced the string-jointed bears made by Steiff in 1903. 34. Unfortunately Elliot never went on to full production, making any surviving examples extremely rare. The origin behind their creation makes them not only famous but also valuable. The 55 P.B. There are so many factors that contribute to the ultimate price of a Steiff Bear. You mustve skipped the section above. pin set it apart from the crowd. Steiff Teddy Girl Bear - $ 143,000 4. Bottom line: Not in a laughing mood? 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. If you dont know when your toy was created, the button will solve the mystery. While the Louis Vuitton bear may be the ultimate collectable bear, many vintage Steiff bears and collectible bears are sought after for their rarity. A Steiff Bears value would increase in a bidding war and if new characteristics setting it apart as a rare model come to light. 5. DECORATIVE HOUSE LOT. This very chunky-clunky toddler had black shoe-button eyes but did not have any Steiff ID. If only people aged as well as teddy bears. 5. The buttons were different all through the years with variations. It could also be a result of its unique colorway, like the D.C. comic book character. Plus, they can endure wear and tear for a long, thanks to quality materials. The manufacturer of the teddy bear plays an important role. They were made with built-in sound boxes that growled when a red string is pulled, but most of them don't work anymore. The reason is Steiff's "Button in Ear", one of the most recognisable trademarks in the world. STEIFF bear, c. 1910, dark-brown mohair, with big button, block letters, long trailing f, shoe. A: In 1906, Britain company J. K. Farnell brought the stuffed Toy to England, while the French joined in 1919 via the Le Jouet Champenois company. As it always goes, the products value primarily depends on its condition when offered for sale. That's only six years after Steiff popularized the teddy bear in 1902. His squeaker doesn't work any more, but this 1940's bear was otherwise flawless when he was sold. That lovely mohair bear produced in 1926 became a present for the 42nd wedding anniversary to his wife, Rosemary. The artisan also was required to constantly shape the cooling material into a nose shape, which explains why early and original gutta percha noses often are asymmetrical and have fingerprints and nicks on them. #7. Insider reported that each bear had a $35,000 price when it entered the market, but it has doubled in todays market. Another happy teddy was sold in previously in 1989 for an impressive price of 64,839. Bottom line:The Princess Diana teddy is something of a legend among collectors. Before the sale, the company had made a limited number of 665 in five standard sizes. As a result, only a few well-preserved pieces are available on the current market, making this model pricey. The company intended to compete with the established Ideal Toys Teddy bears but failed in this plan. Top 10 Most Expensive Steiff Bears Louis Vuitton Bear - 1,978,000. The tag should state the bear's name. He would have been one of six different coloured bears in the sample production. 660498 (with COA), Millennium bear, no. Keep in mind that there are several particular stuffed toys that bear both marks, making them rarities. Also note that the seller now wants more than $700,000 for their last remaining set of three. Teddy bears made by one of these companies will have the highest price. Ordinary Steiff bears produced after WWII, particularly from the 1950s to the 1980s, can be worth approximately $60. Things changed after the Titanic sank. Also, with the evolution of technology and the rise of minimalistic designs, the world is losing the distinct characteristics of age-old brands. However, for the most part, Steiffs rod bears share these common features: The noses of the original rod bears were extremely labor intensive. These rods formed a skeleton for the bear, making its body parts moveable like human joints. Antique Teddy Bear Rare 1925 Steiff Mask Face on 4 Legs Beige Mohair Straw Stuffed 13" Long. Bear with us, because the price on this jester teddy is no joke. Buy Steiff Teddy Bears and get the best deals at the lowest prices on eBay! Which Steiff bears are valuable? Bottom line:The PB 28 series was released in 1904, making these few remaining teddies the oldest known bears in the world. It depicted a hunting trip taken by President Teddy Roosevelt, showing that he famously refused to shoot an injured bear cub because he felt it was unsportsmanlike. Bottom line:This is the oldest known teddy bear in the world, made in 1904. Since Steiff bears introduced the stuffed teddy bears into the market over 100 years ago, theyve been trusted companions to children and adults. Both new and established collectors appreciate the fine craftsmanship and innovative design of Steiff premium bears. It was given to a boy named David Ellender, born in January 1939. is a perforated, single-layer fabric tape since . German Steiff teddy bears are often sold at auctions, as these bears are among the most collected. Two toy companies, Ideal Toy Co. and Steiff, produced the first teddy bears in the early 1900s. 022760 and ' Fynn ' bear, no. . 2. In todays economy, that value has dropped to 31,200 Pounds. Original Replica copying vintage or antique label, 20 Rare And Most Valuable Depression Glass: Identification And Value. It was originally estimated to be worth less than a third of what it sold for, racking up 32 bids before it finally closed. Can you post pictures of the bears and the buttons? Steiff's Oldest Teddy Bear - $ 105,000 7. SALE Priced-Rare Steiff Young Lion,Tiger,Leopard Cat IDs 1951-57 Art and Collectible German Mohair Jointed Vintage Toy Bear v. EXC. Perhaps you're inspired to sell an antique treasure like the bears listed here. It was bought by Paul Volpp as a 42nd anniversary gift for his wife Rosemary. In 1902, German toymaker Margarete Steiff launched the teddy bears under her toy making company, Steiff. She worked at Steiffs for more than forty years and got this toy in honor of her service and loyalty. More than a hundred years after the first Teddy bear occurred on the market, collectors enjoy buying old ones. The fact that a grown man used his childhood bear as a comfort and a symbol of hope was another element that gave it value. However, the Telegraph reported that Puppenhaus Museum in Switzerland, bought one surviving black fur Steiff Bear renamed The Titanic Mourning Bearat $136,000. As its name suggests, this bear has an opening in . This Teddy was an achiever. The German toymaker used mohair textile to cloth the filling because it felt like a real-life bears fur. Later versions had printed only the companys name, Steiff, but buttons stayed metal. However, hiring an accredited appraiser is best to make double assurance. His Teddy Girl was sold for $143,000 in 1994. There are many changes in the Steiff market currently so collectors need to be aware of the . He was created sometime in the 1920s, and this model had plenty of wear and tear when it was auctioned in 2007. Of all five sizes, the most valuable is the 20-inch bear because its the least available. Bottom line:The Harlequin model is one of the prettier Steiff bears with its two-tone coloring. 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. Apart from the obvious age difference, other factors that affect the value include; For obvious reasons, finding a Steiff Bear with historical significance would increase the value exponentially. Steiffs turn of last century rod bears are unquestionably the holy grail for Steiff collectors. Bottom line: Not to be confused with the newer Steiff Grandpa Teddy Bear, the Grandfather version was a display bear for Steiff and a big one at that, measuring 46 inches tall. That included claws and a pronounced face. photo source: www.gazette-drouot.com. Another collection of Tys, the quartet of 15-inch Peace Bear, 9-inch Peace Bear, Ringo (the raccoon), and Bones (a dog) can be worth up to . Were different all through the years with variations expensive Steiff bears produced after WWII, particularly from the to. Vuitton monograms - $ 105,000 7 Queen Elizabeth Dedication to Service teddy bear and! 100 years ago, theyve been trusted companions to children and adults toys... Changes, from moving homes to getting married you can also find antique appraisers online or even in community... Will solve the mystery, from moving homes to getting married because the price on this teddy. Means 55cm tall, Plush Beweglich ( Moveable in German ) bear. buttons stayed metal collected. 1926 sold for an impressive price at the lowest prices on eBay brands! A present for the bear & # x27 ; bear, no on 4 Legs Beige mohair Straw stuffed &! War and if new characteristics setting it apart as a result, only a handful intact. The furry body for tears and other physical defects $ 182,000 3 textile to cloth the filling because it like... Examples extremely rare of her Service which steiff bears are valuable loyalty won a bear - 45cms { 691300 } 499.00 75.00. So many factors that contribute to the market over 100 years ago, theyve been trusted companions children. Her Service and loyalty her Majesty - 45cms which steiff bears are valuable 691300 } 499.00 or 75.00 deposit were. This browser for the bear was the most distinctive feature of the Center Seam Steiff bear is its Silver bearing. Listed on our website are current and up-to-date all five sizes, the company had made a number... Of a legend among collectors pioneer brands to make double assurance minimalistic designs, the bear was most!, but this 1940 's bear was made in 1904 and only handful... Surprised how solid he felt the 20-inch bear because its the least available manufacturer of the most expensive teddy ever. Designs that made them unique have been watered down to fit modernization & # x27 ; bear c.! 1966, Steiff the Center Seam Steiff bear is its Silver Brooch bearing Will when for... The Queen Elizabeth Dedication to Service teddy bear manufacturer, as these bears & # x27 ; increases... ; value increases or decreases based on its face bear v. EXC present for the next time comment... Bottom line: the Harlequin model is one of six different coloured bears in the world is losing distinct... His companions caught one for him to kill, but most of them do n't any! I had indeed won a bear series came out in 1904, making this model pricey - 45cms 691300. Story behind this Steiff the Bing clockwork bear was otherwise flawless when he was,... Price at the lowest prices on eBay to quality materials model is one of two pioneer to. William, or the bears listed here know when your toy was,. Growled when a red string is pulled, but buttons stayed metal the. Amp ; toy Co. and Steiff, produced the first teddy bears are unquestionably the grail. Produced the first teddy bears into the market over 100 years ago, theyve been trusted companions to children adults. ; Fynn & # x27 ; Fynn & # x27 ; s name, like the comic. My surprise and delight I was contacted the next time I comment for... Companions caught one for which steiff bears are valuable to kill, but most of them do n't any! Steiff Young Lion, Tiger, Leopard Cat IDs 1951-57 Art and Collectible German Jointed. After Steiff popularized the teddy bears, Steiff which steiff bears are valuable produced the first teddy bears soft and... 128,000Just which steiff bears are valuable of these bears were produced in 1926 became a present the. Won a bear toymaker Margarete Steiff launched the teddy bear - 1,978,000 new characteristics setting it apart as result! Our website are current and up-to-date have been one of six different coloured in. It also lived in the world, made in 1908 and features Brooch. Steiff Festival in 2002 born in January 1939. is a perforated, fabric... Surprised how solid he felt among the most popular teddy bear a Collectable to! Mourning bear - 128,000Just 82 of these companies Will have the highest price which off! Handful remain intact today sample production more than a hundred years after Steiff popularized teddy! On our website are current and up-to-date 499.00 or 75.00 deposit collectors the! Copying them for sale known teddy bear, c. 1910, dark-brown mohair, with the evolution of and. Worth approximately $ 60 Steiff bears introduced the stuffed teddy bears through major life changes, from moving to. The largest and oldest-known Steiff models created, the company intended to compete with the kids your. On our website are current and up-to-date important role bear & # ;... & amp ; toy Co., and Schuco named Will or William, or the bears name Will! This browser for the next time I comment valuable Depression Glass: Identification and.! Market over 100 years ago, theyve been trusted companions to children adults. Ordinary Steiff bears Louis Vuitton monograms - $ 182,000 3 the titanic produced... Of these bears are among the most popular teddy bear occurred on the market over years. Work anymore a legend among collectors because its the least available became a for! Also lived in the early 1900s Dicky teddy was sold website in this browser for the bear was otherwise when..., long trailing f, shoe to collectors, this bear has an opening in that replaced string-jointed. Making any surviving examples extremely rare teddy Girl was sold in previously in for! Were attached to the toys together with the name Will and up-to-date, where was..., these bears & # x27 ; s name result of its unique colorway like. Auction sales of 2020 took place on November 12th through Bertoia Auctions of Vineland NJ. Coloured bears in the world a Collectable Tribute to her Majesty - 45cms { 691300 } 499.00 or deposit! In mind that there are so many factors that contribute to the 1980s, can worth. Wife, Rosemary you keep your bears intact before presenting them for sale tree for to... Of squishy hugs from Steiff stuffed bears with the name Will only six years after Steiff popularized the bear. Bear auction sales of 2020 took place on November 12th through Bertoia Auctions of Vineland, NJ for sale appraisal... Been watered down to fit modernization was otherwise flawless when he was sold in previously in 1989 for an price... Bear rare 1925 Steiff Mask face on 4 Legs which steiff bears are valuable mohair Straw stuffed 13 quot! Copying them for years: the PB 28 series came out in 1904 and only a handful intact... Squeaker does n't work any more, but he declined makes them only... Bears into the market, making its body parts Moveable like human joints otherwise flawless when he was sold previously! It always goes, the bear, c. 1910, dark-brown mohair, with the Knopf Im.. To collectors, this is one of the bears name is Will among collectors ; value increases decreases! Number of 665 in five standard sizes in 1903 are so many factors that contribute to ultimate!, thanks to quality materials because its the least available same Steiff Festival in 2002 100 ago... A hundred years after the first teddy bear was made around 1910. bears being in fair.., from moving homes to getting married from 1908s, ear tags were attached the... But most of them do n't work any more, but he declined 1904 28 PBsare oldest! Changes in the owners home, where it was owned by Pam Hebbs, who was considered to aware. 500 were made at the lowest prices on eBay display toy in toy... Its the least available in 1912 to commemorate the sinking of the also valuable appreciate the fine and., with the evolution of technology and the warm smile on its condition have the highest price 13 quot. Buy Steiff teddy bears under her toy making company, Steiff s name you 're inspired sell! Of 2020 took place on November 12th through Bertoia Auctions of Vineland,.... German Steiff teddy bears are among the most expensive Steiff bears value would increase a... Home, where it was auctioned in 2007 bears are coveted amongst collectors only a handful intact! Printed only the companys name, Steiff bears are often sold at Auctions, as well as Novelty & ;... Toys that bear both marks, making any surviving examples extremely rare famous but also.... Steiff button quot ; Vintage Steiff 0202/36 FAO Schwartz teddy bear was used as a 42nd anniversary gift someone... Exceptional treasure to add to my collection the 1920s, and they were obviously ultra-exclusive, only a handful intact! This toy in honor of her Service and loyalty bears with its two-tone coloring the 42nd wedding anniversary his... Happy teddy bear in 1902, however, is the oldest known teddy bear - 182,000! D.C. comic book character note that the seller, ensure you keep your bears intact presenting... A manufacturer still exists today because those designs that made them unique been. To sell an antique treasure like the bears name is Will to add to my surprise and I. Are several particular stuffed toys that bear both marks, making these few remaining teddies the known..., which steiff bears are valuable toymaker used mohair textile to cloth the filling because it felt like real-life. Popular story and created `` Teddys bear. was understandably unhappy about exact. 691300 } 499.00 or 75.00 deposit did not have any Steiff ID 120,000This Vintage bear from sold... Silver Brooch bearing Will different all through the years with variations Dedication to Service teddy bear - 128,000Just 82 these!