which steiff bears are valuable
They loved them so much that in 1991, Ralph Lauren produced a small batch of Polo teddy bears in collaboration with Steiff and began putting the designs on sweaters, sweatshirts . 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. Catawiki is continuously updating its technology. Bottom line:There are plenty of websites claiming this bear sold for more than $2 million, but we were unable to find a credible source. Ordinary Steiff bears produced after WWII, particularly from the 1950s to the 1980s, can be worth approximately $60. Steiff 28 PB 3. The first models came and included an elephant sign on the Steiff button, although they evolved to a simple inscription of the companys name. This valuable teddy was also large at nearly 20 inches tall. However, the Telegraph reported that Puppenhaus Museum in Switzerland, bought one surviving black fur Steiff Bear renamed The Titanic Mourning Bearat $136,000. . While many collectors choose Steiff Bears based on their sentimental and nostalgic value, theres no point in owning a toy in bad condition. 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Two of the most expensive Steiff Teddy bear auction sales of 2020 took place on November 12th through Bertoia Auctions of Vineland, NJ. 5 out of 5 stars (984) $ 675.54 FREE shipping Add to Favorites Blue Steiff Mohair Bear - Vintage Curly Mohair - Jointed Steiff Animals - Excellent Condition . Today, it has a market value of $1,000. It was made in 1925, and this particular bear was in very good condition upon its sale in 2010. His long, jointed limbs and swivel head still work, and his brown and black glass eyes are as shiny as ever. Worthpoint: I am certain he will find a new loving family immediately, based on his wonderful history and delightful looks and personality! While the tradition remains even today, vintage and antique teddy bears stay on top of the value and demand chain for many reasons. Steiff's turn of last century rod bears are unquestionably the "holy grail" for Steiff collectors. Although Steiff bears are no longer rare on the current market, and you can buy them at an ordinary mall nowadays, these stuffed animals have a rich history. Plus, they can endure wear and tear for a long, thanks to quality materials. I picked him up and was surprised how solid he felt. Already, you should know that Steiff Bears are valuable because theyre produced by one of the oldest teddy bear makers in the world. They have extremely long, narrow feet and a pronounced back hump. 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. $120.00 + $7.50 shipping. The one sold at auction in 2006 was in terrific shape for its age and also sported the rare white mohair, which likely boosted the price from an anticipated 15,000 ($29,400) to more than 25,000 ($49,000). Bottom line: Made over a century ago in 1907, this Steiff bear features reddish mohair, a swiveling head and long, jointed limbs. $549.00. 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. That apparently sent the price skyrocketing, with at least one confirmed purchase of a set of three bears on eBay for $50,000. Apart from the stuffing, the outer material is the easiest way to identify a Steiff Bear. This very chunky-clunky toddler had black shoe-button eyes but did not have any Steiff ID. Thanks to the cartoon showing American President Theodore Roosevelt and a bear cub, they gained the nickname TEDDY. 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. That's only six years after Steiff popularized the teddy bear in 1902. Steiff teddy bear, cream mohair with brown stitched nose and mouth, light brown stitched claws, nickel-plated button, 20 in., $2,280. They have simple, puppylike faces detailed with black boot button eyes and a basic hand embroidered mouth. Their sales were limited, and thus you cant find many well-preserved products nowadays. is a perforated, single-layer fabric tape since . This Louis Vuitton Bear won the Guinness Record for the most expensive Teddy bear ever. Many people keep their teddy bears through major life changes, from moving homes to getting married. Steiff Bears, Steiff Toys, Steiff Baby, The largest Steiff range in Australia online ready to ship today from Teddy Bear Treasures Adelaide warehouse. Although Steiffs black teddy bears first entered the market in 1912 after the sinking of the Titanic, they gained their highest sales day in 2000. Steiff bear values have remained steady throughout the years, and bears that are in good condition can sell for hundreds of dollars. Visit our Friends Under $50 collection for affordable plush bears that make the Steiff magic attainable for all. More like this. Nevertheless, the final bid for this toy was an astonishing $55,500. This type of large teddy bear was used as a display toy in old toy shops. Are Steiff bears numbered? Perhaps you're inspired to sell an antique treasure like the bears listed here. 654961, Cosy friends blonde bear, no. The quickest way to determine the Steiff bears age is to check their eyes. Inspect the furry body for tears and other physical defects. Once I had him home I brought out my loop to view the button fully expecting to find the Steiff FF button. In December 2006, a rare example featuring its original water canister sold at Christie's in London for 31,200 (around AED 150,000). Reuters reported a sale for about $105,000 in Germany despite the 28 P.B. Where to Sell a Teddy Bear (Steiff Bears). 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. Carefully I checked his left ear with by fingers and felt, deep inside, a small button which was not easily visible to the eye. One of the oldest bears, originating from 1904, had white fur and a sturdy body because of the metal rods that moved its arms. However, hiring an accredited appraiser is best to make double assurance. If youre wondering, 55 P.B. Steiff Identification 1986-1999. Heres her story! However, J.K. Farnells bears didnt last past the 1960s when the company closed down per Mearto. 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. Other than that, Steiff bears have many features that make them unique and help appraisers and experts recognize the authentic pieces. Bottom line:The Harlequin model is one of the prettier Steiff bears with its two-tone coloring. Katy Sunderhaus. PETAdescribes Mohair as a long, smooth fiber, while Plush is made of synthetic fibers like Polyester. Gifting a Teddy bear is a blessing for a child and a symbol of compassion and love. 4. bears being in fair condition. Watch a Steiff Bear appraisal on Antiques Roadshow by PBS below. The Dicky teddy was beloved from its debut thanks in large part to its soft fur and the warm smile on its face. Sold: 2009. Many experts believe that Teddy bears are crucial for kids emotional development, helping them through tough times. The reason for its supposed worth is the bear's history. Rare Steiff teddy bear, straw filled white duel mohair bear with brown tips, large brown glass eyes, brown stitched nose, mouth and claws, centre seam to pointed snout, swivel head and jointed at shoulders and hips, large hump to back, elongated hands and feet with felt paw pads, button in left ear. That was an excellent way to protect Steiffs high-quality products from imitations and prevent possible fraud. The earliest bear toys were stuffed with excelsior, fine curled wood shavings used primarily to pack fragile items. 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. One of the earliest Steiff bears to appear for sale is the Steiff Rod Bear PB28, produced in 1904. While not all teddy bears are as valuable as the ones on this list, the popular stuffed animal has certainly stood the test of time and continues to be passed down from generation to generation. Vintage Steiff Bears, Lot of 7: Lot of 7 Vintage Steiff Bears, Lot of 7: Lot of 7 vintage Steiff bears, all with tag and button. Bottom line: This cuddly little bear debuted at the 2010 American International Toy Fair, where it was encased in thick glass and watched over by a security guard. Unbelievable! Ending Wednesday at 12 . They are highly prized as a collector's item. Following that logic, the most valuable Steiff Bears were produced before the 1950s (after the Second World War ended). Sort By: 1 2 3 4 5 Steiff Bears reserved wood wool stuffing, a.k.a. Commemorative Steiff Teddy Bear, Signed: Commemorative Steiff Teddy Bear, Signed: Vintage Steiff?bear, signed and dated 1983, having original tags and button. Heres one low tech way to tell if you cant get it x-rayed: feel the jointing system in its limbs. In 2010 he was convicted of fraud and all of his bears were sold at auction. Steiff was understandably unhappy about the exact copy, but Strunz continued copying them for years. Steiff, Germany, "Penny" The Federation Teddy Bear Made Exclusively for Australia, Limited Edition of 2000 by Theodore Bruce Est: AUD200 - AUD300 AUD120 2 Bids Mar 02, 9:00 AM EST R. JOHN WRIGHT WINNIE-THE-POOH AND PIGLET, LOT OF TWO by Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates Est: $50 - $100 $70 2 Bids Mar 02, 9:00 AM EST As the oldest surviving model, its only normal that its monetary value is in a six-figure ballpark. Steiff's Oldest Teddy Bear - $ 105,000 7. This Teddy bear type first appeared in 1925. Many collectors are unaware that more Mourning bears were produced in 1917 and 1918. 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. TEDDY BEARS - Lot of five Steiff teddy bears, TEDDY BEARS - Lot of five Steiff teddy bears, three are jointed, two are stuffed, good condition. This Teddy was an achiever. STEIFF bear, c. 1910, dark-brown mohair, with big button, block letters, long trailing f, shoe. The Toy Shoppe has offered Steiff products since we first opened our doors in 1975. Values change over time according to market forces, so the current value of the item could be . Both fabrics have soft feels, but the former has longer hair. Knowing what to look for would help you pick the authentic Steiff Bear when buying and appropriate a good estimate value if you plan to sell. Featuring cuddly plush fabric and adorably grinning faces, these machine-washable Teddy bears are safety tested for all ages. 15,000 ($29,400) to more than 25,000 ($49,000). It could also be a result of its unique colorway, like the D.C. comic book character. Create your free account today and explore our weekly auctions curated by our team of experts. These bears never caught on as well as Steiff had hoped, therefore not many were produced around 1910. Urban tale suggests it got lost at sea, but expert appraisers theorize otherwise, saying they likely were unfitting for sale due to the rigorous travel. 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. Things changed after the Titanic sank. A limited reproduction of about 5,000 bears was released in 1990, but those bears never achieved the value of the original. So you think you may have come across a rod bear, or even have one in your collection? He was fortunate to survive, and the worn bear was sold with David's original National Registration Identity Card. The difference is that the value is not set in stone and the price differs based on the current market and models. The Earliest Steiff Bears. Blue Elliot Bear - 58,000It is assumed that Elliot was produced as a sample for the British department store, Harolds. Many manufacturers have distinctive features in the bears that make them readily identifiable. Each wooden wheel of the cart has "Steiff" stamped on it, and the entire ensemble was in excellent condition at the time it was sold. Plus, the company has used cotton fabric for the bears paws from the very beginning. Steiff teddy bear collectibles bring superior value to your cherished heirlooms. These bears were called Rod teddies because they had metal rods inserted in them so as to create joints. Unfortunately, it will stay a mystery forever. However, before you do that, there are a few things to know: How do I identify my Steiff Bear?. There is no way to replace the once lost original button, decreasing the bears value. One came to light in 1993 and was sold at auction for an impressive price. It spent many years on display in a shoe store in Massachusetts before it was auctioned off. Who doesnt like a two-in-one item? Bottom line: This Bruin Steiff teddy bear is a few decades younger than most of the rare teddy bears here, and it shows. Luckily, an American company, George Borgfeldt Toy Co., sought to import the Steiff bears and commissioned 3000 teddies to be shipped to the US. Bottom line: The story behind this valuable teddy bear is heartbreaking. They have all the elements of a valuable antique or vintage item, from historical significance to longevity and rarity. This is an optional document to own, but it helps because its evidence of authenticity. She worked at Steiffs for more than forty years and got this toy in honor of her service and loyalty. Keep scrolling for more on this bear. If he were sitting in the window of a toy shop today, this 12-inch teddy would fit in just fine. These are the ear tags, the Knopf Im Ohr or button in ears and the chest pendants. Toy and collectables . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your WorthPoint Account is Suspended: Please update your billing information in. Since Steiff bears introduced the stuffed teddy bears into the market over 100 years ago, theyve been trusted companions to children and adults. To prove the authenticity of their products, the Steiff company used a BUTTON IN EAR tag. Its a discontinued model from 1907 1914 due to its marketing failure, but today, being a rare find, its worth over $40,000. One such 1909 bear, listed at Christie's Auction House in London, has an estimated value between $520 - $800. Vintage Steiff Bear and Deer, Lot of 2: Vintage Steiff Bear and Deer, Lot of 2: Vintage 1980's Steiff Mr. Cinnamon Bear and 1960's seated deer. The tag or button may be buried in the mohair of older bears. The following luxurious and extremely rare teddy bears are the five most expensive in the world. Initially, these toys eyes were black shoe buttons, but they changed over time. Picture Information. 1. Bottom line:The Elliot model debuted in 1908 and was notable for its bright-blue mohair. Each of these groups shops in unique markets based on their interests, and you must know which audience suits your product. The buttons importance is not only esthetic, but it indicates the production year. As the stories go, he held on to his teddy girl during World War II making Teddy Girl a pseudo veteran of the British Army. Its limbs are attached to little wheels and a red tin ball. If you were asked what the most valuable teddy bear in the world was, what would you say? Keep reading to discover the other contributory factors. Plush Bears for Babies 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. Be aware that it is possible to repair a damaged Steiff bear, and you can sew on its eye or patch tears. The company began production immediately, and 655 Teddy bears were made in 1912. Steiffs rod bears are truly blue moon finds. Colonel Bob Henderson's Teddy Girl 1. Only 500 were made at the time, and they were obviously ultra-exclusive. That year, Ideal Toy produced stuffed bears like the cartoon and named them Teddys Bear. Ideal Toys founders requested Roosevelts permission to use his nickname for the Toy, and he consented. Richard Steiff created the first Steiff Teddy bear, the so-called BEAR 55 PB, in the early 20th century. Measures 14 inches high. 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