S T E I F F I N S I D E

R A R I T I E S

C O N T E S T

Focus on qualityTreasures from the archivesThe Steiff Club city tour

The magazine for Steiff Club members – February 2016C

lub

mag

azin

e

Mommel rabbit (item no. 021534)

is looking forward to Easter.

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E DI T OR I A L

Since last year there have been many new names and new faces at Steiff, and new attitudes and ideas as well. Change is a part of life, and life, so they say, exists only where there is change. Older people preserve traditions; younger people question them. And if both act with care, then they will see that many traditions make sense, although some of them are also due an “update”. Blazing new trails without forgetting one’s “roots” – perhaps this helps to explain the success of the more than 135-year history of the Steiff company.

You are holding one particular example of change in your hands this very moment: the Club magazine now boasts an impressive 52 pages rather than the former 28! We shall be publishing it twice a year (in February and August), and we intend to make it even more appealing in design and more inviting to read. Large photos,

Best wishes,Yours,

INGE ZINNECKERSteiff Club Manager

Dear Steiff friends,

competitions and readers’ pages are to be added to the columns of pure product information. Many of you expressed your desire for this in last year’s reader survey, and now we are looking forward to finding out what you think of the first new issue.

Drop us a line! Contributions for the next issue should be with us by June. And something else: We will still keep you informed in the months between the two issues of the magazine: in May and November we shall write to you with all the latest Steiff news!

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NEWSIMPRINT RARITIES

6 A guide to spring gift-giving

10 Special items New country and customer exclusives

14 A little something extra Six or seven-way jointed Steiff animals

38 Secrets from the archives A look at never-before-seen treasures from the vaults at Steiff

PUBLISHER: Margarete Steiff GmbH, Richard-Steiff-Str. 4, 89537 Giengen an der Brenz, Germany tel.: + 49 (0) 7322 131555

EDITORS: Inge Zinnecker, Rick Emerson

CONTRIBUTORS: Rebekah Kaufman, Daniel Hentschel, Annette Schlenker

PHOTOS: Steiff GmbH, Fotolia (S. 19, 32-35), BWF Group

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION: Nadine Reinhardt / Hess GmbH - Medien, www.hess-medien.de

PRINT: Wahl Druck GmbH, Aalen

FREQUENCY OF PUBLICATION: twice a year

www.steiff.com

Subject to changes. Reprinting and copying, even in part, only with the express permission of the publisher.By submitting manuscripts you consent to their publication in the Club magazine. We must reserve the right to edit or abridge letters or articles. Printed colours may deviate from the original.All rights reserved. Printed in Germany 01/2016 e - item no. 915208

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16

14A little something extra: Six-way or seven-way jointed animals

A guide to spring gift-giving

Quality control is a huge priority at Steiff

CONTENTS

5

COMMUNITY STANDARDSTOPICS

38

20Only the finest: One of Steiff‘s wool felt suppliers shares insights into their products.

Secrets from the Archives: Discovered for you!

32 The Steiff Club city tour Guess and win!

40 Venues The Steiff museum, Club events, auctions, Teddy bear workshop

48 Mail box Readers’ letters

18 Culture E-mail from Tokyo

30 Service Questions and answers

45 Calendar Club events and other dates

46 The Club page Rewards for winning new members, application form

16 Steiff inside Focus on quality

20 Experts A visit to the BWF company

24 History Steiff wooden toys from 1945 to 1960

36 Portrait Meet Paul Steiff, the inventor of the growler

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A Guide to

Steiff is very excited to give you a sneak peak at a number of new friends who made their grand debut earlier this year. Each has very special features and details, they are made from the finest materials, and were designed with love by Steiff’s world-class design team. Best of all, they’re perfect gifts for everyone on your list, on any occasion.

Everyone needs a good Teddy hug once in a while. Especially children do, but also adults. And since the popular Teddy bears named FYNN, LOTTE and CHARLY celebrate their 10th birthday this year, they appear in a fur made of mohair, too. For the grown-up children! All three are the ideal “cheer up”, “stay strong” or “hang in there” gift for a friend or family member who could use a little encouragement. (Item no. 028960, above, item no. 000904, left, item no. 000973, right)

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spring gift-giving

Steiff’s new GUARDIAN ANGEL BEARS would be a perfect gift for a friend or family member who is embarking on a big adventure or perhaps going off to school or college. After all, everyone needs someone to watch over him or her! These bears are made from white mohair, are five-way jointed, and

The finest materials, whether high-quality woven plush or classic alpaca, set apart our Masterpiece editions for Spring. SILVO (left) and CHARI (right) will thrill those who love pets – either cats or dogs! SILVO is one-way jointed; CHARI is jointed five ways with head and limbs loosely attached to the body for ease of posing. (Silvo dog, 35 cm, item no. 035654; Chari cat, 26 cm, item no. 036255)

take flight with their angelic white felt wings. You can even choose the perfect colour and embroidery for your recipient.(from left to right: item nos. 001734, 001741 and 001710, 27 cm)

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N E W S

Flowers and Teddy bears are always perfect gifts for Mother’s Day. Steiff’s MINI TEDDY

No Easter basket is complete without a little something from Steiff in it. This year, make someone’s basket even more memorable with Steiff’s new CLICKI CHICK. This delicate yellow darling has a sweet orange felt beak and playfully outstretched wings. She’s right at home in her white felt eggshell nest. What better way to say “Happy Easter”? (Item no. 033094, 9 cm)

Make your adult brother or sister feel like a kid again with Steiff’s NAJUMO MONKEY MASTERPIECE. This utterly charming monkey has a brown tipped and white fur and his head and limbs are loosely attached to its body. He holds a tiny yellow felt banana, which is a Masterpiece of craftsmanship all by itself!(Item no. 035128, 32 cm)

BEAR CROCUS is unquestionably the best of both worlds! This white Teddy bear is five-way jointed and holds a lovely and very feminine purple coloured felt crocus.

It’s a wonderful way to make Mom proud on her special day. (Item no. 040191, 10 cm)

Celebrate any occasion

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Looking for a little something for someone who is just nuts about Steiff? Steiff’s new KECKI CHIPMUNK would be a charming “thank you”, “thinking of you” or “I love you” gift. This fabulous field and forest friend comes to life with wonderful hand airbrushed detailing on his mohair coat. He

Pandas, like very special friends, are very rare in real life. Celebrate someone who means the world to you with Steiff’s brand new SIRO PANDA MASTERPIECE.

This irresistible bear is fully jointed and has a distinctively chubby, toddler-like appearance.

Like all the pieces in our Masterpiece series, only Steiff’s most skilled artisans are permitted to produce each piece. (Item no. 035753, 27 cm)

Visiting a friend over the weekend? Going to a dinner party? Don’t forget a house or hostess gift! Steiff’s brand new and totally adorable MOUSE TED

is the one mouse anyone would welcome into his or her home. This tiny Ted is fully jointed, and made from white mohair.

He does not mind if you tug on his tail... or whiskers!(Item no. 001086, 8 cm)

holds a handmade felt nut in his double thick felt hands.(Item no. 070075, 10 cm)

with a present from Steiff!

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UK / USARoald dahl

Steiff are extremely proud and thrilled to be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Roald Dahl.

Roald Dahl was a spy, ace fighter-pilot, chocolate historian and medical inventor. He was also the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Big Friendly Giant and many more brilliant stories. He remains the World’s No.1 storyteller.

Roald Dahl’s stories are currently available in 58 languages and he has sold more than 200 million books. In fact, it is estimated that one book is sold every 5 seconds worldwide!

Inspired by Quentin Blake’s original illustrations, Steiff bring their scrumdiddlyumptious style to the beloved Roald Dahl classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with this delicious eccentric candy-maker Steiff Willy Wonka who is guaranteed to draw you to the delicious world of an enduring story.

N E W S

Special items

Willy Wonka: item no. 664939,

28 cm, Limited Edition of 1,916 pieces.

H O W T O R E A C H T H E S T E I F F C L U B I N T H E U K : Leyla Maniera, Margarete Steiff UK, Astra House, The Common, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8RZ,

tel.: +44 (0) 1483 266643, fax: +44 (0) 1483 266650, e-mail: leyla.maniera@steiff.com

© Roald Dahl Nominee Ltd/ Quentin Blake 2015

Roald Dahl is a registered trademark of Roald Dahl

Nominee Ltd. www.roalddahl.com

And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it. Roald Dahl

If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely. Roald Dahl

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USAUncle Sam

Although best known for being the face of historic recruiting campaigns for the U.S. military, the origins of “Uncle Sam” date back even further. The name is linked to Samuel Wilson, a meat packer from Troy, New York, who supplied barrels of beef to the United States Army during the War of 1812. Wilson stamped the barrels with “U.S.” for United States, but soldiers began referring to the meat as “Uncle Sam’s.” To bring this historic figure to life, Steiff is pleased to present a patriotic musical bear that plays the tune “It’s a Grand Old Flag.” This blond curly mohair Teddy wears a handmade felt hat, an “Uncle Sam” pin, and a wild silk bow tie, all of which have been airbrushed for an antique effect. It’s a fitting tribute to this enduring American symbol.

USAMr. Winter

When the first snow falls, “Mr. Winter” begins planning his holiday ski getaways. And when Christmas finally arrives, he knows the time has come! Dressed in a black felt hat and wearing a red scarf, this delightful snowman ornament will grace your holiday tree for years to come. Made of finest snow white mohair, he has a carrot nose and holds two wooden ski poles. “Mr. Winter” makes an ideal gift for anyone on your list – he’s a keepsake that will be treasured for generations.

USALittLe Boy BLue

Little Boy Blue, Come blow your horn, The sheep’s in the meadow, The cow’s in the corn…

Almost every child can recite this famous nursery rhyme, which dates back to Tudor-era England. Now Steiff is pleased to present a timeless Teddy bear interpretation of the immortal verse. “Little Boy Blue” is an endearing young boy bear who’s sewn from finest quality russet alpaca and holds a tiny, handmade sheep puppet. Around his neck, he wears a satin ribbon that perfectly matches the colours of the sheep’s blue eyes. Both the Teddy and the puppet feature hand-stitched detailing, and the puppet is also lovingly airbrushed by hand. “Little Boy Blue” is the perfect heirloom gift or nursery decoration – in the inimitable Steiff style.

Mr. Winter:item no. 683091, 12 cm, Limited Edition of 1,500 pieces.

Uncle Sam: item no. 683107, 31 cm Limited Edition of 1,500 pieces.

Little Boy Blue:item no. 683077, 30 cm, Limited Edition of 1,500 pieces.

H O W T O R E A C H T H E S T E I F F C L U B I N N O RT H A M E R I C A : Steiff North America, Carolyn Smith, Club Administrator tel.: +1 401 312-0080, e-mail: carolyn@steiffusa.com

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AustriaTh e ma n n e R ST e i f f Te d d y b e a R

Once upon a time there was a cute little bear who loved chocolate. One day, when he was in his cave, the most wonderful smell of gingerbread, chocolate and crispy wafers wafted in. He instantly set off to find the source. The little bear plodded through the wood for some time. But the smells were coming from the city! When he arrived there, he saw a huge, very old building. “Manner Fabrik Wien” – “Manner Factory Vienna” – said the sign on the gate, but of course the little bear couldn’t read. He went inside and saw how cocoa beans were being delivered and roasted. This caught his interest, but of course he didn’t want anyone to see him. So he put on a pink Manner shirt to make himself less noticeable, and followed the cocoa beans through the building all the way to the liquid chocolate. What a dream! He dipped his fluffy plush paw in the warm chocolate, tried it, and was overjoyed. Wafers were being baked in the large ovens – so he took some of the fresh, warm wafers and dipped them in the liquid chocolate, too. Full up and happy, he dropped off to sleep beside the oven, to dream of Manner’s famous wafers... However, his snoring was so loud that people heard him. A lady came over

to him. She smiled, wiped the chocolate off his face, and said that he could stay in the factory forever if he would help them out a little. That was the best news for the little bear! And ever since that day, he has lived at the Manner chocolate factory – and now even has his own little “mini me” in the form of a Steiff Teddy bear by his side. The little Teddy bears in the pink shirts are available to buy from the factory shop and online. (www.manner.com/shop)

Manner factory in Vienna

of 1890

To find out more about the

Manner company, its delicious

specialities and the cute little

Manner Steiff Teddy bear, please go to www.josef.

manner.com.

The Manner Steiff Teddy bear, item. no. 988271, 28 cm, RRP: appr. € 29.90

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UK / USAbi g Ti m m y

He’s Delightful – He’s Delicious – He’s De-lovely!

He’s our delectable Big Timmy who may be small in stature but has a super-duper helping of sugar-coated yumminess. Cradle Big Timmy in your hands and he’s guaranteed to put a huge smile on your face and a warm glow in your heart.

He will fill you with dreamy thoughts and wash away any worries. He is a true darling of a bear.

He’s just too adorable and a must in everyone’s home.

TAIWAN75 t h an n i v e R S a Ry bR U c e le e Te d d y b e a R

Without a doubt, Bruce Lee is one of the most famous Asian superstars in the history of the world. Born on 27 November 1940, Bruce Lee is widely recognized for his impressive martial arts, his philosophy, and his representation of Asian culture in Western cinema. His unforgettable kung fu skills matched with the iconic yellow jumpsuit are truly legendary even to this day.

To commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Bruce Lee’s birthday, the martial arts legend is introduced for the first time as a Steiff limited edition of 1,940 pieces. The Bruce Lee Teddy bear has been meticulously crafted with the finest mohair and fully jointed limbs. But what makes the Bruce Lee Teddy bear even more special are his bendable arms and magnetic hands! He can hold onto his own set of nunchucks and strike powerful poses, sure to impress everyone! He is complete with his iconic yellow jumpsuit, nunchucks, and with Bruce Lee’s signature embroidered on his foot. With this Teddy bear comes the perfect match of Steiff’s unparalleled quality and the legend of Bruce Lee’s mastery.

Big Timmy, item no. 663994, 23 cm, Limited Edition of 1,500 pieces.

75th Anniver-sary Bruce Lee Teddy bear, item no. 678042, 31 cm, Limited Edition of 1,940 pieces.

What I honestly value more than anything else is quality; doing one‘s best in the manner of the responsibility and craftsmanship of a Number One. Bruce Lee

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R A R I T I E S

A little something extraA look at unusual articles with more than five joints.

The company’s cardboard disk jointing process - one that is still used in an updated form today - was put into regular production around 1905. This jointing system changed many aspects of the company’s manufacturing operations, and opened the door for the product design team to create a plethora of new, exciting, and dynamic animal and doll patterns. Many of these patterns were four ways jointed, meaning that the arms and legs had movement, or were five ways jointed, meaning that the arms, legs, and head could move.

As early as 1904, the company started to experiment with a number of designs that really took advantage of emerging joint movement technologies. In some cases, these animals were six or even seven ways jointed. Franz Steiff was very interested in creating and patenting a system that would help to replicate the natural movement of an animal’s ear. After several years of trial and error, he finally designed such a specialized joint and received a

Since the very beginning, Steiff has always tried to create the most authentic, lifelike animal designs possible. As a matter of fact, one of the reasons Richard Steiff designed the jointed Teddy bear was to give the company’s bears movable limbs like real animals. Up until about 1902, Steiff’s animals were quite static, relying on wheeled or brushed platforms or roly poly semicircular wooden spheres for any type of movement.

US patent for it on 8 September, 1908.

Among the first type of animal pattern to include more than five joints was the company’s early cat pattern. This design debuted in 1904 and was produced in 17, 22, and 28 cm through 1908. She was made from white mohair. Her head, front legs, and tail were jointed to the outside of her body while her back legs were jointed but to the inside of her body, near her lower belly. This pattern was updated in 1908 so that the back legs were also jointed to the outside of her body. This six ways jointed cat was produced overall in 17, 22, 28, 35, and 43 cm in white, spotted, grey, grey and white, black, and yellow through 1927. All had slit style glass pupil eyes and a simple hand embroidered nose and mouth. Some models were produced with a miaou-squeaker, further adding to the pattern’s lifelike qualities. In 2014, a 17 cm, six ways jointed grey mohair cat from around 1910 sold for almost $11,000 through the

James D. Julia auction house in America.

Perhaps the best-known seven ways jointed animal was the company’s early Dutch rabbit design. This fantastic and novel pattern was produced in white, white and brown, or white and black mohair in 22, 28, and 35 cm from 1907 through 1916 overall. In addition to head and limb jointing, this rabbit had uniquely jointed ears; each could be moved around in a full circle - allowing for great fun and expression! She was begging and had early and “chunky” proportions, including very large thighs and long and narrow padless feet. The Dutch rabbit had a simple hand embroidered nose and mouth; the albino version had pink and red glass pupil eyes, while the bi-coloured versions had black eyes underlaid with red felt.

Few if any six or seven ways jointed animals appeared in the Steiff line after the 1930’s. This technique, although charming, was very costly and labour intensive to produce. Except for a few high-end novelties, for the most part Steiff’s strategy was to produce animals with fewer joints from the mid-1930’s onward.

Animals with more than five joints returned in the 2000’s for the “Masterpiece” series – proving once again that everything old is new again.

Cats and rabbits were early

experiments in receiving more than five joints

in the early 1900’s.

This early rabbit even had

jointed ears!

Secret surprise! Turn the jointed

tail of the cat (on floor) and hear a musical

tune!

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S T E I F F I N S I D E

Focus on qualityMr. Thomas Abele will oversee Steiff’s quality control and production.

Thomas Abele, from Southern Germany, is Steiff’s new Director of Operations. He is responsible for overseeing and managing the company’s supply chain, including all associated departments, people, and processes. This includes technical development, sourcing, planning, production, facility management, and logistics. Before Steiff, Mr. Abele held similar roles at Triumph International, a women’s apparel company, and WMF, a manufacturer of high quality cookware. He really enjoys working with global consumer brands with emotional appeal, and overseeing operations end-to-end, so this position with Steiff was a perfect fit for his experience and interests.

In terms of manufacturing, Mr. Abele is responsible for overseeing the five steps involved in producing a Steiff item. The first is preproduction, which involves tasks like cutting fabrics and embroidering patterns. The second is sewing all the

The Steiff brand is always associated with the finest products, from playful and durable baby items to the most detailed and collectible mohair editions. Quality control and production is a huge priority for the company, and always has been. As such, Steiff has recently hired a new Director of Operations to oversee and improve the company’s quality control and production functions.

parts together. The third is stuffing, which can be with polyfill or excelsior. The forth is finishing which includes adding eyes, embroidering features, airbrushing, and adding accessories like ribbons, medallions, or clothing. And the last step is giving an item its “button-in-ear” trademark - of course, after it has passed all rigorous quality control inspections. On average, a fine mohair collectible item like a Teddy bear requires 30 functions to complete from start to finish. It may take up to two full days to complete a large or complicated edition; these usually require many more manufacturing steps. Editions requiring new or unconventional materials are the most complicated to produce, as they require additional employee training as well as special handling.

Mr. Abele also manages Steiff’s rigorous quality control process, which really is a total quality management system.

There are many aspects to this huge responsibility. He insures that all raw materials provided by suppliers are fully inspected and meet Steiff’s very high standards, and that the company only uses materials in its product development process that have been approved by the quality department. He makes sure that employees in every role have the correct training, oversight, and information to do their jobs well. He oversees the numerous inline quality inspection steps taken during the manufacturing process, and confirms that all items have a final inspection before being shipped to a warehouse or distributed. In addition, he manages Steiff’s in-house testing laboratory, as well as the company’s relationship with an independent testing laboratory. Finally, he manages the company’s continuous improvement process and reporting system. Both of these tools are designed to discover improvements on a daily basis as well as document and monitor all aspects of the company’s operations.

The quality control process is the same for every product line, although mohair collectible items require more steps in comparison to a plush toy or baby item. Items that do not meet company quality standards are destroyed.

Thomas Abele is the new

Director of Operations

at Steiff.

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S T E I F F I N S I D E

The Steiff quality control standard differs from other companies in the toy and collectible industry. Steiff established an ISO 9001 certified quality management system. This is the world’s highest standard for quality manufacturing. The process starts with design and ends with the delivery to the customer. And, as the company produces toys and playthings for children, there are many additional legal requirements in terms of materials, manufacturing, accessories, packaging, and other supply chain issues. Because Steiff Schulte, the company that produces many of Steiff’s mohair and fine fabrics, is owned by the

Steiff family of companies, Steiff is able to control the raw material production process in detail. Most competitors do not have this advantage.

Finally, through his work, Mr. Abele also has the very important task of preserving the legacy behind Steiff’s legendary button-in-ear brand. When asked how he plans to do this, he replied confidently,

“The button is the trademark for our brand, the design and quality of our products, which refer to our experience of more than 135 years. We can preserve this if we continue what was started through Margarete Steiff and cultured through several

generations. That means keeping knowledge in the company in the form of documents and process descriptions, but particularly the experience of our employees.”

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C U LT U R E

E-mail from TokyoInteresting news from a film legend!

Do you want to hear some really big news? Steiff is making a very special Studio sized version of me – Godzilla! He will stand one metre tall and is based on the very successful and sold out mohair Godzilla limited edition produced for Japan in 2014. And like me, he will truly be one of a kind - as only one will be produced!

I made my debut over 50 years ago in 1954 in Ishirõ Honda’s 1954 film Godzilla. I have since appeared in countless

other popular films, books, games, comics, and TV shows. My name is a combination of the Japanese words for “gorilla” and “whale,” which seems fitting given my size and dexterity. My appearance, scale, profound strength, and superpowers were all meant to serve as metaphors for atomic weapons and nuclear war. Over time, I have played many roles – from destructive monster to beloved saviour.

I’m not bragging, but I remain an extremely well known character both in Japan as well as across the entire world. My presence and popularity have inspired many other “larger than life” fictional hero monsters. I have also received many honours and awards for my longevity and role in influencing popular media and culture. These include an MTV Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996 and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004.

And, most recently, in April 2015, I was made an official ambassador for the central Shinjuku ward of Tokyo! What a wonderful honour!

Now Steiff is making a super-sized version of me and I couldn’t be more thrilled! I’m one happy reptile!

Sincerely yours,Godzilla

Dear reader,

Steiff’s sold out Godzilla

will be made in a super-sized

edition of only one piece!

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E X P E R T S

Only the finestOne of Steiff’s wool felt suppliers shares insights into their products.

Most collectors are aware that Margarete Steiff’s first animal was a pincushion made from felt scraps. And since then, felt has been used to make or detail countless Steiff treasures. Well known examples include Jocko the Chimp’s felt face, the company’s early and beloved felt center-seamed dolls, and of course, the paw pads on most of the company’s treasured Teddy bears.

The Feltec Division of BWF Tec GmbH & Co. KG, located in Offingen Germany, is responsible for manufacturing some of Steiff’s high quality felt used in production today. The company is located about 30 km from the Steiff factory, which is

very convenient for face-to-face meetings, shipping, and logistics. BWF Feltec has supplied felt materials to Steiff for more than 60 years. The origins of BWF go back as early as 1892, when Theodor Wilhelm Schmid and his partners started a wool felt company in Hof. It is interesting to note that 1892 was also the year that Steiff launched its first commercial catalogue. BWF is now an international company, with four divisions and over 1,350 employees worldwide. The company has operations in the USA, Italy, China, and Turkey, and is under the fourth generation of owner-management.

For the most part, Steiff purchases pure wool felt fabrics from BWF Feltec. This is the highest quality material BWF Feltec produces. The quantity of felt purchased varies from year to year, depending on Steiff’s product range. On average, Steiff buys between 2,000 and 4,000 metres of high quality wool felt annually. However, in 2003, Steiff nearly doubled its order to 6,300 metres of felt!

It probably will come as no surprise that BWF makes many felt fabrics for Steiff in the beige and light brown colour families. These materials are often used for paw pad construction. The differences between colours within this range are often very subtle. But colour matching is very important as the felt must fit together aesthetically with the mohair or other fabrics that are used in combination with it. BWF Feltec also develops customized coloured felt for special projects for Steiff.

The production of felt material is complicated and labour intensive. Many different production steps are necessary. The fibres need to be washed or carbonized, but this happens before the material arrives at the BWF Feltec factory. Once in house, the process begins with the opening and blending of the wool fibres. In addition to continuous quality inspections, the process requires about 11 production steps to produce the

Steiff has been making the world’s finest Teddy bears, dolls, and animals for over 135 years. An important part of that legacy involves selecting only the finest fabrics for production. One important fabric, felt, has been part of Steiff’s history since the very beginning.

Eleven complex steps make up the process of

producing felt.

Not surprisingly, Steiff uses

mostly beige or light brown felt, primarily

for paw pads on Teddy bears and animals.

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E X P E R T S

finished material. Overall, the production time for any given felt fabric is about 10 working days. It takes tremendous experience to work with natural fibres; some of BWF’s employees and specialists have been with the company for more than 40 years.

BWF can produce virtually any colour of felt, depending upon its purpose.

The product range of BWF Feltec can be divided into four product groups. These include technical felts, which are used for automotive, electronic, mechanical engineering, musical, orthopedic, and furniture building purposes; under collar felts,

The headquarters of BWF Feltec, one of Steiff’s primary felt suppliers.

22

which are used in the clothing, fashion, and accessory industries; coloured felts, which are used for interior design, fine arts and other purposes; and a material called colour PAD which consists of felt and polyester, which is used to manufacture decorative acoustical panels. The range of items made from felt is really huge, and includes some unexpected items like wall coverings, carpets, car parts, pianos, and even the scrubbing panels in car washes!

Wool felt is one of the world’s oldest textile materials but, at the same time, it can also be considered a high tech product. Over time, the principles of wool felt production have not changed, but manufacturing processes have become more efficient and optimized. As such, a piece of felt used on a Steiff bear, doll, or animal from the turn of the last century would have nearly the same look, feel, and properties to that of a piece made today, assuming both were made with the same type of wool fibres. And of course, all the felt used is of the utmost highest quality, as Margarete Steiff herself would have required.

E X P E R T S

Teddy Clown with felt hat

celebrates his 90th birthday in

2016. The replica (item no. 403279)

is limited to 926 pieces.

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H I S T ORY

Steiff wooden toys Little known, but of historic significance for Steiff.

When the war was over, the workforce had to be told that there were no jobs for them in the factory, and that they should seek replacement work on the surrounding farms. However, already from October 1945 production resumed on a small scale with the approval of the US military government. But products could only be exchanged for US dollars, and initially only to dependants of the American troops. The first allocations of wooden goods for the civilian population started in July 1946. We do know that these were primarily the hand cart 4850L made of red beech and the children’s “Corso” pushchair. These items were intended for daily use rather than as toys, and were only available in exchange for US dollars and additional “donations” of scrap iron or hardwood lumber.

1947 saw the first real toys back in circulation: Multiform 8010 with square wooden discs, and tile-based game 817, a Tangram game. Finally, with the currency reform and the introduction of the German Mark in June 1948, the German population was able to obtain the ever-popular Steiff products again without major difficulties. The items listed so far only appear on advertising flyers and in special

seasonal catalogues, and are not included in the first known post-war main catalogue of 1949/50. For the first time, this catalogue also includes the popular pull toys “Bimmelbahn” and “Entkette” again. As well as these wooden toys, the catalogue includes mainly “ersatz” stuffed animals and bears, since mohair plush was still not available. This changed in the second half of 1949. The following year’s entire product range bore such a strong resemblance to the last pre-war illustrated catalogue that the 1950 catalogues were actually old stocks of the 1939 catalogue with an updated price list, WD 50. These catalogues and the price list were not issued as reproductions, and are therefore hardly known. As well as various children’s sporting and utility items such as the hobby-horse, wooden scooter and

In the November 2014 to May 2015 issues, we provided you with detailed information on wooden toy production in the years 1910 to 1945. The years after 1945 were notable for deprivation and tremendous economic difficulties, and the Steiff management needed to be extremely cautious.

Multiform 8010 and jigsaw

puzzle 817, 1947/48.

The hand cart 4850L and

Corso 2870 are the first

important post-war items.

25

1945 to 1960

H I S T ORY

rowing car, the items in the wooden area are the ones that were available pre-1940: little horses and carts, various “Kubusboxes”, the “Multiform 8013” disc tower with round wooden discs, and the “Bimblocks” bell blocks.

Genuine innovations in wooden toys were available to customers in 1951: the “Bausack 8100” plastic bag with 100 coloured waxed small building

blocks and a car, plus the “Bibiblocks 8030” building box with large untreated and partly hollowed-out building blocks. As the “Bibiblocks” was only in the programme until 1954, it is rarely found today, and is a collector’s rarity. Whereas the “Bausack” was available until 1966, and pops up from time to time on the collector’s market – although rarely complete and with the car that can be dismantled. The “Starhaus” nesting box was available from 1951, and from 1953 also as a piggy bank. Both items had been available in the identical forms in the 1930s, and therefore were not included in the novelties catalogues of the post-war time. Both versions of the nesting box remained in the programme until 1974. 1952 brought what is one of today’s most highly-sought after wooden items of the

post-war period: the “Pumpax 8028” filling station. Only manufactured until 1955, it is now right at the top of the wanted lists of even highly discerning Steiff collectors. Particularly interesting: the filling station is shown in the novelties catalogue of 1952 with the name of the “Shell” chain of filling stations printed on it, whereas the few items known in collectors’ circles today and the archive version are

printed with the name “Steiff”, as it is also seen in the main catalogues of 1953 and 1954. Presumably the management of the early 50s decided against latent hidden advertising, and opted to use the item for its own advertising. In the years between 1953 until the 1970s, new vehicles, trailers and accessories appeared almost every year. These toys, which are extremely popular with collectors, have already been described in detail here. Large vehicles that small children can sit on and really drive arrived as an innovation in 1953; Lenk-Laster (steerable lorry), Lenk-Bus (bus) and Lenk-Walze (roller) were undoubtedly right at the top of every child’s wish list in the early 1950s. However, only the lorry proved persistently popular, and was made in various versions until the 1970s. The roller was only

Bag “Bausack 8100” and Bibi Blocks 8030 are both 1951 novelties.

“Pumpax 8028”, one of the great wooden rarities, 1952 to 1955.

Set of nested cubes 6812 in the version of 1949, right: with the new colouring of 1957.

26

H I S T ORY

available in the year it was first launched, and the bus was discontinued in 1954. Both of these vehicles are extremely rare to find today, and quite possibly are still at the top of many collectors’ wish list.

An extremely interesting building box appears again in 1954: village building box “DOBA” and town building box “STABA”, both available with add-on boxes, allowed youngsters to recreate their

own villages or towns. The blocks were printed with windows, doors and other features, and were of great playtime value. From today’s perspective, it is hard to understand why they only remained in the programme until 1957. In fact, the add-on boxes were only available for two years, and are no longer seen in the catalogues after 1956. In recent years, only a very few empty boxes of these building sets have been seen on the collectors’ market, and complete boxes are almost never seen on the second-hand market. 1957 brought a small revolution with it: a large quantity of the current wooden items were now available in new colours. The Bimbahn, Entkette, Multiform

and various Kubus games were issued in pastels. The corresponding coloured gift wraps were redesigned and adapted to contemporary tastes. It is unusual to find most of these toys in the new colours, since they were discontinued in the years around 1960.

This summary of the toys made until 1960 is not intended as an overview of all of the Steiff wooden

Large wooden vehicles as steer-able play cars in the 1953 novelties catalogue.

The hollow cube 4812 is

outstandingly suitable as a

decorating item.

DOBA 1805 and STABA 1806 dating

from 1954 to 1957.

Novelties in wooden toys

of 1952.

27

H I S T ORY

The toy train Bimbahn 4205ex in the new colouration from 1957.

Even with adults, the “Starhaus” nesting box is a popular decoration item.

Carts with horse, here as farm cart, are a popular sandbox toy.

The novelties catalogue of 1957 displays the new colouring of well-known wooden toys.

items produced in this period, but rather should give interested collectors a clearer idea of the variety of these lesser-known Steiff toys. And perhaps also encourage them to enhance their own collections by adding one or the other wooden item to them. In the next issue of the Club magazine we shall be looking at the wooden toys of the years 1960 to 1975, including a few very rare and sometime educationally valuable rarities.

30

S E RV IC E

Questions and answers

?Dear Sir or Madam, I have inherited the following Steiff animals from my grandmother. Could you possibly tell me a little about them? Thank you in advance for your efforts.

O. G., by e-mail

These three animals are standard items from the Steiff range of the years 1950 to 1970 that were made in large quantities. You do not mention the sizes of the animals in your e-mail, so we will use the medium-sized versions as an example. Your giraffe was made from mohair plush, and was available in the 28 cm version between 1953 and 1974. The 28 cm version of the dromedary made of wool plush and velvet was available between 1950 and 1969. Heathland sheep “Snucki” was first available in the 17 cm version on the German market in 1959, and was in production until 1974. The animals are all missing important features such as clear ear tags with item numbers or the chest tag that are essential in order to allocate them to a particular period. As “Snucki” obviously still has glass eyes, we can assume that this little bundle came from a collection of around 1960. These animals can often

Do you have a question concerning a Steiff item? Find out more here!

Catalogue references:

Dromedary and giraffe

in catalogue KAD 1961.

Heathland sheep “Snucki”

in the 1959 novelties

catalogue.

be found on the collectors’ market, and experienced collectors want them in as-new condition with all their trademarks – that is, the button, the ear tag with clear item number, and the chest tag.

EXPERT INFO:

Older Steiff animals that have been owned and played with by families are ideal for children

playing at visiting the zoo or, depending on the models, for farmyard games. For hygiene reasons, younger children, babies and toddlers should only be given new,

child-safe toys from the current Steiff range.

31

?

S E RV IC E

Hello, my aunt has given me an elephant on wheels. Her children probably loved playing with this “ride-on animal” in the 1970s. I don’t know how old the elephant really is, or indeed if it is even an original Steiff animal because he doesn’t have a button in his ear. All I could do is compare him with other Steiff elephants on the Internet. Nor has anybody been able to give me an idea of what he might be worth. Perhaps you could use the enclosed pictures to tell me a little more.

A.G., by e-mail

Your model is indeed a genuine Steiff animal. However, many years of use have caused some major changes to this ride-on elephant: the saddle blanket and harness are missing; at least one eye has been replaced, and the original airbrush appliqués have bleached out. Your model has the front wheel steering mechanism that was not catalogued until 1968, but also seems to still have the metal disc wheels. So we can assume that this model was built in 1968, since plastic wheels were used more after 1967. Your ride-on elephant is probably the 43 cm or 50 cm version, both of which were made until 1974. It is not unusual for

pre-1978 products to be missing the Steiff buttons, since they were not yet attached to the ear permanently then. With this additional information, you should easily be able to find a current market price on various platforms on the Internet. Because of the great fluctuations, we are unable to quote a price at this point.

Catalogue reference:Ride-on elephants with front wheel steering in the dealer catalogue of 1969.

EXPERT INFO:Wheeled elephants have been one of the most popular items of all since Steiff production commenced in 1880. As the very first Steiff animal, the elephant holds a special place in the company’s history. To date, well over one hundred different models have been offered in the most diverse sizes and materials. The special role that the elephant plays was also confirmed at important company anniversaries, when elephants were often issued as special editions.

32

C ON T E S T

The Steiff Club City tourGuess and win!

Join Mady, our Event bear, on her Club City tour. Starting from Giengen, she will be visiting the ten towns and cities with the most Club members – 10th place to 1st – and then returning home... Total route: 34,439 km as the crow flies. Every town contains one letter of the solution (Ä = AE, Ö = OE, Ü = UE).

Guess the city and put the letters in the red boxes in the right order to find the answer.

The first prize is an overnight stay with breakfast in Giengen, complete with a visit to the museum and the birthplace of Margarete Steiff, and the second and third prizes are the Event Teddy bear “Mady” 2016. Let’s go...

Dutch settlers founded the city on the island of Manna-Hatta. Today, a little over 300 years later, it is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. People like to cross the street when the lights are red, and the city is known for its level

The former capital of the Holy Roman Empire is home to OPEC, OSZE and – based on its population – the second-biggest German-speaking city in the world. Over five million tourists come here every year to drink new wine (“Heurigen”) at the wine taverns and

Where do the most Steiff Club members actually live? Do you know? Guess!

6,385 km

6,806 km

of activity – and the yellow taxis. Business style counts in the city, even in the extreme heat of

admire the views of St. Stephen’s Cathedral from its famous Ferris Wheel. According to a UN survey of 2012, it is the most affluent city in the world. In the international Mercer survey of 2015, it came first for its quality of life – for the seventh time in succession.

shaped like an iron, the theatres, museums and parks all strive to outshine each other. Katz’s serves pastrami sandwiches from midnight until 22:30. And FAO Schwarz was at home on 5th until July this year...

August and freezing cold of January. Huge skyscrapers, including ones

33

C ON T E S T

“Poor doors” are one of the latest developments of this former capital of the Province Maxima Caesariensis. They lead to the low-cost housing that now has to be built alongside luxury

Officially dissolved in 1943, this city, home to 9 million people, now comprises 23 independent districts. It is one of the five biggest financial centres in the world, and boasts an amazing Imperial Palace,

What used to be the “Ohnsorg” theatre is now the “König der Löwen” (“King of the

Lions”): this ever-popular metropolis

has more than 60 theatres and 86.2 million day visitors! The “Speicherstadt” (city of warehouses) and “Kontorhausviertel” (office district) are

1,237 km

8,994 km

9,576 km

residences. This important centre of culture and trade is the most densely populated city in the EU, yet doesn’t use the euro. Countless international stars have made the city their home, and the

Buddhist temples and 330,000 m² of bonsai trees. There is a tuna auction on the fish market in the early morning for a maximum of 120 visitors. When the lights are green at Shibuya station, up to

current heir to the throne is well into his sixties. Anyone who broke the law in bygone days ended up in a feared prison: the Tower.

15,000 people set off in all directions. And tiny earthquakes are an almost daily occurrence. All this can be found at these coordinates: 35° 41’ 2’’ N, 139° 46’ 28’’ E.

World Heritage Sites, and witnesses to the city’s centuries of trading tradition. The Hanseatic city is governed from the Michel, and in the Elbe Philharmonic Hall it had for some time what was probably one of the most controversial building sites in Germany.

34

C ON T E S T

Its name includes the word “nor”, which means “stony rock”. And in fact, it has in many respects a firm foundation: in the age of the economic miracle, the number of employed rocketed

There are more than 400 flights of stairs up and down the elevations around the valley basin, and the “Zacke” is one of the last four rack railways in Germany. Local sports cars are

Explanatory notes: Follow the arrows and guess the names of the cities! Enter the marked letters to the correct position! When you have figured out the solution, please send a postcard to: Steiff Club, Margarete Steiff GmbH, Postfach 15 29, 89537 Giengen by 30 April 2016 at the latest. Submissions per e-mail to: city-tour@steiff-club.de

463 km

from 77,000 (in 1950) to 120,000 (1960). Even in the Middle Ages, the intensive long-distance trade brought spices, which promoted the business of the gingerbread bakers, the “Lebküchner”.

City 1 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Letter 4

City 2 _ _ _ _ Letter 6

City 3 _ _ _ _ _ _ Letter 3

City 4 _ _ _ _ _ Letter 5

City 5 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Letter 9

City 6 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Letter 10

A sausage speciality was created, too. Other export goods on the Pegnitz: the toy fair and “Christkindlmarkt” Christmas market.

289 km

80 km

adorned by the town’s “Rössle” – the town was built around a stud farm. Not forgetting, of course, the car manufacturer with the star ... Many resourceful minds are at home in this city, including the

ones that opened the world’s first reinforced concrete TV tower to visitors in 1955. Its construction costs of DM 4.2 million were recouped in just five years.

...back to Giengen.

City 7 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Letter 1

City 8 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Letter 7

City 9 _ _ _ _ _ Letter 8

City 10 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Letter 2

Solution: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

35

C ON T E S T

Minga isn’t Chinese! Rather, it is the city of 1.5 million people that every autumn invites visitors from all over the world to the Theresienwiese, where total sales of over 1 billion euros are poured out for the guests.

The first organised carnival procession in the Rhineland took place here on 10 February 1823. Every year since, the cry of “Alaaf” goes up for the Rosenmontag pro- cession 48 days before Easter

A minimum of 13.5% original wort is required, plus 5.8 to 6.4% alcohol by volume – and attractive décolletage. Other popular places to meet include the English Garden, the “Viktualienmarkt”, and for those who

151 km

153 km

305 km

The biggest city in its federal state, but not the capital ... The name of the metropolis being looked for here dates back to a rocky ford that early inhabitants used to use to cross the Main. The city has Europe’s biggest cargo airport, and is a central rail and road hub. Its

Sunday! The local beer is available all year round. Something the Southern Germans can’t understand is that it is poured into 0.2-litre glasses, and bears the same name as the local dialect... Which in turn was made

internationally public by musicians like the group “BAP”. St. Peter, the Gothic cathedral of this media and culture city, is also world famous. It was finally completed in 1880 after 600 years of construction work.

appreciate the fine arts, the exclusive museums, the opera house and the Gärtnerplatz. And another thing: since a referendum of 2004, no new multi-storey buildings are allowed to overlook the Church of our Lady.

landmarks include the “Römer” and banking district. The Nextower in the Palais Quarter brings the Mainhattan

skyscraper ambience into the City – “MyZeil” is the modern response to the famous Zeil shopping street.

36

P OR T R A I T

Meet Paul SteiffFirst in a series of profiles of Margarete Steiff’s nephews.

The next time you tip forward a Steiff Teddy and hear its signature growl, thank Paul Steiff. The eldest of Margarete’s talented nephews, Paul introduced the growler in 1908. In 2008, in celebration of the centenary of this landmark event, a growler bear was introduced based on a Teddy bear that Paul designed. Through the years, Paul created dozens of different Teddies and animals – all of which are highly cherished by collectors today.

Paul was the first-born child to Anna and Friedrich Steiff in 1876. From 1891 through 1894, he served as a draftsman in a firm that built church organs. This apprenticeship would serve him well throughout his later years at Steiff. Like his brother Richard, Paul also studied art in Stuttgart.

In 1902, at Margarete Steiff’s request, he went to the United States to help secure the American market. On his return to Germany, he was placed in charge of the quality control and design departments at Steiff. He also continued sketching animals and his artistic ability was highly visible and much admired in the company. Today, Paul’s sketches are beautifully reproduced on Steiff’s packaging, boxes, and bags.

Among the most whimsical designs that Paul is credited with creating are plush decorations to adorn the hoods of early automobiles. As the owner of the first car in Giengen, it is only natural that Paul would see the need for such a creation. Now extremely rare, these caps fetch thousands of dollars at auction. There were eight original designs: bear, monkey, elephant, donkey, pig, kangaroo, fox terrier, and poodle.

Paul Steiff, the inventor of the growler. Photo

of around 1930.

The pictures show Paul Steiff

with his wife Minni (left), around 1909

and in his car with “Roloplan

kite” hood (ca. 1912).

37

P OR T R A I T

Paul married Wilhelmine “Minni” Schneider in 1905. They were a devoted couple for 49 years until his death at 78, on 26 September 1954. Into his 70’s, he would walk the short distance from his house to the factory to help shape the Studio animals. Both he and Minni adored children but they were unable to have any of their own. So when Paul died, Mini had a tombstone adorned with several cherubs so that he would always have children around him – a fitting tribute to a figure who brought so much happiness to young people around the world.

These unusual treasures, a

bell-adorned circus elephant

and a purple silk plush monkey,

were discovered in the closely

guarded Steiff archives. Both

are believed to date from

the 1930’s.

39

Secrets from the archivesA look at never-before-seen treasures from the vaults at Steiff.

DI S C OV E R I E S

This elephant prototype of 1930 with bells and a felt hat is most likely a predecessor of the company’s Circus Elephant, which was produced in 24 and 39 cm from 1931 through 1940. The elephant has a tail turns head feature as well as jointed limbs. This fantastic piece proudly presents for photography.

The purple silk plush monkey is a prototype of 1939. His interesting design details include felt backed black eyes, a red tongue, a long mohair facial mane, and distinctive felt hands and feet. It is interesting to note that just a few years later, Steiff went on to produce Coco Baboon, with a similar facial mane, and Mungo, the Multicoloured monkey, who also featured the colour blue in his design.

This issue of the Steiff Club magazine marks the start of an exciting new feature. We’re pleased to bring you glimpses inside the famous and closely guarded Steiff archives, where thousands of treasures are awaiting to be discovered. The items shown here exist in prototype only – only one piece was made and was never put into serial production.

More of hidden treasures from the archives to follow…

40

V E N U E S

Steiff MuseumWhat happened 2015 in and around the Steiff museum?

Roderich Kiesewetter, member of the German Bundestag and constituency representative of the CDU for the Aalen/Heidenheim area and Ulrich Brobeil, CEO of the German Toy Industry Association, have visited us in Giengen! These were very exciting and interesting hours! We were very glad about this visit!

On 14 October 2015, the Radio 7 donations crate was standing in front of the Steiff museum. To celebrate the 10th birthday of the Radio 7 “dragon children”, the four metres long and three metres high crate toured through the region. It stopped at different stations in order to collect donations for ill, traumatised and handicapped children from the region. On behalf of the Steiff museum, which had collected for the Radio 7 dragon children at the Steiff Sommer in July 2015, Simone Pürckhauer handed over a cheque.

from left to right: Thomas Abele, Director of Oper-ations at Margarete Steiff GmbH, Simone Pürckhauer, Manager of the Steiff museum, MdB Roderich Kiesewetter, Ulrich Brobeil, CEO of the German Toy Industry Asso-ciation, and Daniel Barth, CEO of Margarete Steiff GmbH.

41

V E N U E S

In the course of his summer tour “Kretschmann is walking!” Minister President Winfried Kretschmann was at Steiff in Giengen on 13 August.

Well, are you able to distinguish the plush huskies from the living ones?

Baden Wuerttemberg’s Minister President Winfried Kretschmann (second from right) and Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs Andreas Stoch (second from left) in a visibly good temper during their tour of the Steiff museum.

Within the scope of a holiday activity of the experience provider Nature Trails GmbH, a photo shoot in front of the Steiff museum took place. The cuddly Steiff huskies posed together with their living counterparts and ensured incredibly much fun.

42

Something for everyoneNorthern California Steiff fans gather at Susan’s Store Room.

During the appraisals, one collector brought an extremely rare blank button Teddy bear from 1904-1905 to be evaluated. Nicknamed “Sam,” the bear was purchased new at FAO Schwarz in New York in the early 1900’s, then moved with the family to San Francisco, where he resides today. “The monetary value is not important to us,” said the fourth-generation owner. “He has been a part of our family for over a century and we wouldn’t think of parting with him.” Other notable items included a special tiger customized for the Chicago Tribune newspaper during the 1960’s, a schnauzer costumed by New York designer Helen Ratkai in the 1950’s, and an early lamb on wheels from around 1910.

As collectors waited to have their items appraised, many took advantage of the opportunity to see some live animals

Fashionable Marin County, California, was the site of a special Steiff event in October 2015 as dozens gathered at Susan’s Store Room in San Anselmo. Animal exhibits, appraisals, delicious refreshments, and (of course) plenty of shopping were highlights of the event.

(and their Steiff versions in plush) in a fascinating, hands-on setting. Participants were given a chance to pet an alligator, feel the prickles of hedgehogs, and touch furry tarantulas, among other creatures. “I would never have believed I would have been this comfortable touching an alligator!” exclaimed one man. Naturally, the animal portion of the event was also popular with the children in attendance.

One thing that makes events at Susan’s Store Room so unique is the diversity of the crowd. Attendees included everyone from children buying their first Steiff to collectors buying their 200th piece. “It’s great to see people from all generations here”,

said one collector. “I like seeing people, especially the young ones, so excited about Steiff. It’s not just an event for us collectors.”

Owner Susan Hoy of Susan’s

Store Room introduces a

real alligator to its Steiff

counterpart.

New York designer Helen

Ratkai costumed this schnauzer,

brought to Susan’s Store

Room for appraisal.

A highlight of every season at

Susan’s Store Room is the elaborately

dressed windows.

V E N U E S

43

V E N U E S

Small and big treasuresWorldwide interest in the Steiff auction of TeddyDorado.com

More than 150 floor bidders from all over Germany and neighbouring countries gathered in the town hall of Bonn-Bad Godesberg for the most recent Steiff auction in the hope of adding to their collections – and quite obviously against lots of absent bidders, some of them financially very strong – from the more than 400 Steiff lots on offer. A little less than half of the called items were post-1980 limited special items, and a good 50 were pre-1947.

One particular floor bidder from the UK, who was also very interested in dinosaurs (which were only made in 1958/59 for the American market), acquired a green-and-white antique Dolly bear of 1913. A 70 cm antique Teddy bear with a sailor collar and an antique photo of himself with his first owners went for €3,000; a 32 cm antique Teddy bear for €2,600, and a 40 cm “Lulac”-inspired “Zolac” Teddy bear of the mid-1960s for €750,

each to a different absent bidder bidding in writing. Another antique Teddy bear had come from Norway – and was adopted by a collector in Singapore!

Lot TD 16-7030 was a wooden rocking horse by Mr. Paul Steiff, which he and master carpenter Karl Kreisser had made as a Christmas present for the latter’s grandson in 1944. After 70 years of use by his own family, said grandson had now personally brought his rocking horse to TeddyDorado in Wachtberg near Bonn, and after a successful bid of €1,600 can now rest safe in the knowledge that the “animal” will be well looked after by an American telephone bidder.

Other items in great demand were wool miniatures in the best possible condition: a pair of dogs on a lead went for €850, a chick with a cardboard tag for €1,700, and a dachshund changed owners for an impressive €1,900, the world’s highest bid.

The next Steiff auction is to

take place on Saturday, 5 March 2016, again at the town hall in Bonn-Bad Godesberg, and will be a public auction with free admission. On the evening before the auction, as well as being able to preview the items, there will be a valuation day where visitors can have their historic Steiff items dated and valued (free of charge) by Mr. Eßer. You will find the online catalogue for the Steiff auctions and further information at www.teddydorado.com. The direct phone number for TeddyDorado GmbH is +49 (0) 228 207 6758, and you can reach them on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 and 13:00 hrs.

The Teddy bear with sailor’s collar is 70 cm in size. He changed owner for 3,000 euros.

Wool miniatures have been very popular for quite some time.

The rocking horse from 1944 was purchased for 1,600 Euros by an American collector.

44

Club event with Italian flair

Teddy bear workshop

Lots of satisfied guests at Reindl‘s first Club event.

We invite you to take part on 1st or 2nd July 2016.

V E N U E S

The toy shop Spielwaren Reindl of Fürstenfeldbruck in Germany, which has only been an authorised Steiff Club store since the middle of 2015, hosted its first Club event, and was happy to welcome 48 guests. The team under specialist consultant Christine Schuppenhauer decorated the premises with love and care and set up an Italian buffet to provide a welcoming ambience for its guests. In her customary professional manner, Bettina Heinrich presented the latest new items, and Club members had plenty of opportunity to exchange ideas with friends old and new. Our photos will give you an idea of exactly what this successful event “première” was like!

Since 2006 our popular Teddy bear workshops have taken place within the scope of the Steiff Sommer. On 1st and 2nd July 2016 it’s happening again. Unleash your creativity and make a personalised unique piece which is available nowhere else for a beloved relative, friend or yourself. Please find a picture of this year’s workshop Teddy bear, the registration form, as well as

all further information about how to take part on our new home page at: www.steiff.com/en-gb/workshop.

The number of participants is limited to 80 people. If we receive more registrations, the participants will be drawn by lot. Registration ends on 4 April 2016. The team of Steiff looks forward to welcoming you at the workshops in Giengen.

45

EventsClub events and other dates.

C A L E N DA R

Germany Other dates

Great Britain

Netherlands

Austria

Switzerland

Luxemburg

11/02 Spielwaren Reindl, Fürstenfeldbruck Tel.: +49 (0)8141 2 60 2011/0212/02 Galeria Kaufhof GmbH, Oberhausen Tel.: +49 (0)208 82 30 378

13/02 Galeria Kaufhof GmbH, Hannover Tel.: +49 (0)511 3 60 14 3716/02 Galeria Kaufhof GmbH, Munich Tel.: +49 (0)89 23 18 53 77

19/02 Spielwaren Lütgenau, Dortmund Tel.: +49(0)231 54 90 52419/02 Galeria Kaufhof, Düsseldorf (Königsallee) Tel.: +49 (0)211 13 91 23604/03 Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH, Mülheim Tel.: +49 (0)208 49 51 46811/03 Mukk GmbH, Münster Tel.: +49 (0)251 9 79 59 5016/03 Carl Schäffer Geschenke, Osnabrück Tel.: +49 (0)541 3 31 31 3218/03 Galeria Kaufhof GmbH, Bonn Tel.: +49 (0)228 51 60

19/03 Spielzeug-Paradies Wagner OHG, Bochum Tel.: +49 (0)234 90 28 2015/04 Galeria Kaufhof GmbH; Kassel (NI) Tel.: +49 (0)561 78 96 37423/04 Paul Wolff OHG, Giengen Tel.: +49 (0)7322 51 98

11/03 Teddy Bears of Witney, Witney Tel.: +44 (0)1993 70261613/03 The Bear Garden, Guildford Tel.: +44 (0)1483 30258109/04 Steiff Gallery, Bromley Tel. +44 (0)20 8466 8444

12/03 Hesemans, Breda Tel.: +31 (0)76.5212310 13/03 Berelijn, Dordrecht Tel.: +31 (0)78.6318028

18/03 Kober/Steiff, Wien Tel.: +43 (0)1.5124896 19/03 Elfis Puppenstube, Wien Tel.: +43 (0)1.8656589

27/04 Steiff Galerie/Pegasus, Zürich Tel.: +41 (0)44.2124642

29/04 De Neie Spillbuttek, Luxemburg Tel.: +352 (0)314183

Saturday 5 March 2016Steiff special auctionStadthalle Bonn-Bad GodesbergKoblenzer Str. 80, 53177 Bonn am RheinOrganized by:TeddyDorado GmbHMarienstraße 2, 53343 WachtbergTel. +49 (0)228 20 76 758Fax: +49 (0)228 20 76 759www.teddydorado.de

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 March 2016Teddybär WeltMessecenter Rhein-MainWiesbaden/WallauOrganized by:Christine SpiesTel. +49 (0)221 530 63 53www.teddybaer-welt.de

Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 April 2016 10.00 - 18.00 and 11.00 - 16.00 hrs22. TEDDYBÄR TOTALMessehalle SüdMesse- und Congress Centrum Halle MünsterlandAlbersloher Weg 3248155 MünsterOrganized by:Wellhausen & MarquardtMediengesellschaft bRHans-Henny-Jahnn-Weg 5122085 HamburgTel. +49 (0)40 42 91 77-0www.teddybaer-total.de

Friday 1 to Sunday, 3 July 2016Steiff Sommer 2016at Margarete Steiff GmbH, Giengen an der BrenzContact: museum@steiff.de

(NI = New introductions)Subject to change. Please contact the Club stores for further information. You will find further dates at www.steiff.com

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T H E C L U B PAG E

Give a gift membership, win a new member or

renew your membership very easily.

As a club member you know the benefits the club membership offers you. Maybe you can find some details here which have fallen into oblivion - or you would like to give a membership or win a new member. We would be glad about it!

THE CLUB BENEFITS » Exclusive Club editions » Annual high-quality gift » Invitation to Club events » The Steiff Club magazine free to your door » Current product information » Free entrance to the Steiff museum

The Steiff Club membership cardThis membership card allows you to enjoy privileges such as free entry to the Steiff museum in Giengen. The card also means you can benefit from special offers at various Steiff events.

The Steiff Club magazineIn the Steiff Club magazine you can find lots of interesting information and the latest news regarding Steiff and the Club. From 2016 you will receive it free to your door twice a year (in February and in August).

The Club eventsAt Steiff Club events like-minded enthusiasts can talk shop with experts and compare notes with friends. They get to know the novelties of Steiff and only here the Event Teddy bear is available. At the events, special items only available in selected countries are also on offer as special highlights.

Online offersIn the Club selection at www.steiff.com, you will find the Steiff swap meet, downloads and much more.

The exclusive Club editionsAs a member, you can purchase one item from each special edition, either from a Club store in your area, via postal direct order or on www.steiff.com. Each member receives a personalised order form for the Club editions.

The annual Club giftEvery membership year you will receive an exclusive Steiff gift. It will be sent to you after renewal of your membership at the beginning of your personal membership year. Since 2015 the membership years begin on 1st February, 1st May, 1st August, or 1st November. Members renewing for two or three years will receive their annual gift with the first shipment of the Steiff Club early in February.

Our current gifts if you win a new member:

for a 1-year membership:Flaps baby penguin, 20 cm, item no. 057090,Manni mammoth, 18 cm, item no. 082412,Koko monkey, 25 cm, 280122

for a 2-year membership:Hippi frog, 28 cm, item no. 282225,Mini Teddy bear heart, 10 cm, item no. 028915,Piccy blue tit, 10 cm, item no. 033360

for a 3-year membership:Petsy Teddy bear, 28 cm, item no. 012402Hoppi dangling rabbit, 35 cm, item no. 122620,Urs, brown bear, 45 cm, item no. 070037

or a 75 EUR voucher for the Steiff online shop (Germany, France, Austria and UK only)

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T H E C L U B PAG E

Application form O I would like to become a member of the Steiff Club

O I would like to give a gift membership in the Steiff Club O I am a member and would like to win a new member

Details new member: O Ms O Mrs O Mr

First name, surname Please complete in clearly legible block capitals!

Address

Postcode, town

Country

Telephone no.

e-mail:

Date of birth

Your Club store (if known)

Details gift giving person or member who is recommending: O Ms O Mrs O Mr

First name, surname

Address

Postcode, town

Country

Telephone no.

e-mail:

Date of birth

Membership number (only when you win a new member)

Please send the first mailing to: O the recipient of the gift membership O me personally(A gift certificate can be downloaded from www.steiff.com/Club)

My preferred gift: (when you win a new member)

Item no.

Name

Delivered free of charge to your door while supplies last. The gift will be sent approximately 4 to 6 weeks after receipt of the new member’s subscription. You will receive a notification by mail or e-mail giving you the voucher code for 75 €. Cash payment is not possible. Recourse to courts of law is likewise excluded.

Place/Date Signature of person who is recommending and new member

I wish to pay my membership subscription for

O one year (50 EUR /60 CHF / 42 GBP) O two years (90 EUR /100 CHF / 75 GBP) O three years (130 EUR /150 CHF / 105 GBP)

non-European countries (exluding the USA):

O one year: 100 EUR O two years: 180 EUR O three years: 250 EUR

O by direct debit (until cancelled, throughout Europe in Euros only)

account holder bank

IBAN

BIC

O with the enclosed cheque

O by bank transfer to the following account:

Deutsche Bank AG, Heidenheim, account no: 202 753 002, bank code 613 700 86, IBAN: DE 21 6137 0086 0202 7530 02, Swift Code (BIC): DEUT DESS 613

Duration of membership: The personal membership year begins on 1st February, 1st May, 1st August, or 1st November depending on in which quarter the application is received and lasts for one year. Membership is automatically renewed for a further year, unless cancelled within the period specified in the renewal notice the Steiff Club sends to every member. Gift memberships are not renewed automatically. At the end of the personal membership year, the membership can be renewed by the person who placed the order or the member themselves.

Right of withdrawal: You have two weeks in which you may cancel the membership application in writing. Please write to the following address in good time: Steiff Club, Margarete Steiff GmbH, Postfach 15 60, 89530 Giengen an der Brenz, Germany

Notes on data protection: By providing your signature below, you confirm that you give your consent to your data given above being collected, processed, and utilised by Margarete Steiff GmbH, the Steiff Club, and your Steiff Club store. The data will be collected, processed and utilised confidentially and in accordance with the data protection regulations of Margarete Steiff GmbH, the German Data Protection Act, and further statutory regulations. Any passing on of data to third parties will take place exclusively for the purpose of the contractual relationship, e.g. for handling payment transactions, sending Club information, and invitations to Club events. If you have anyfurther questions, comments, or require information about your data, please contact Margarete Steiff GmbH, Postfach 1560, 89530 Giengen an der Brenz, Germany.

Date Signature

You have several possibilities to answer: Cut out or copy the form and send it by mail to the Steiff Club, Margarete Steiff GmbH, Postfach 1560, 89530 Giengen or fax it to: 49 (0)7322 131-476.The easiest way is per online application at: www.steiff.com/Club

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M A I L B OX

Readers’ letters

Dear Steiff Club, I found a great old Steiff bear at an antique store, but it does not have its button. Is it possible to send it back to the company for a replacement button? PS, Cologne, Germany

In times past, an occasional Steiff item would make it out of the factory without its button. So your item may be one of the rare examples that were never “buttoned” in Giengen. On the other hand, if there is a hole present, the button may have been removed by a cautious parent or lost during play as the years rolled by. Unfortunately, Steiff does not replace buttons in any of our products, but this should not keep you from enjoying your wonderful antique store find. A Steiff is still a Steiff, with button or not!

Dear Steiff Club, I have been a collector of your company’s great items since I was a child, and have more than 500 examples in my personal collection. I often think about ideas for Steiff items, things that would be great to see in the line. Do you take ideas from collectors for product design and development? JO, Washington, DC, U.S.A.

Yes, we are always interested in learning about new ideas for the line, especially from our

cemetery in which she is buried. Both are located just a short walking distance from the Steiff factory. And, the town of Giengen is lovely, filled with quaint shops and delicious restaurants. There is certainly enough to do to fill an exciting day! For more information, please see http://www.giengen.de/welcome or www.steiff.com

Dear Steiff Club, how can I find out how much my Steiff collection is worth? Does the company provide valuations? GS, New York, NY, U.S.A

The secondary market for Steiff products changes over time due to many factors that are beyond our control. For this reason, we do not provide official evaluations; however, to gauge a general idea of an item’s worth, there are a number of publications published for your reference and research. Perhaps the best known of these is the Sortiment series by Gunther Pfeiffer. Copies are widely available online and through the secondary market. Also, evaluations are offered by several auctioneers like TeddyDorado (see www.teddydorado.com). But keep in mind: besides your collection’s monetary value, reminder how much joy it brings you – a joy that’s priceless.

collectors and members of the Steiff Club. If you are in Europe, please send your ideas to us here at info@steiff-club.de. If you are in the USA, please send your ideas to Carolyn Smith, North American Club Manager at Carolyn@steiffusa.com.

And if you are in the UK, please send your ideas to Leyla Maniera, UK Club Manager at leyla.maniera@steiff.com. They will forward the ideas along to our product development committee for review. Every suggestion receives careful consideration, and we appreciate your input!

Dear Steiff Club, my family and I would like to pay a visit to the birthplace of the Teddy bear. What types of things can we do in Giengen, Germany? RE, London, UK

There are many fun and exciting things to do in Giengen. Come visit the Steiff campus, where you can tour our family-friendly museum and see our original buildings, many of which date from the turn of last century. Enjoy a meal in the Bistro Knopf and then shop in our retail store - located in the museum building - or find amazing bargains in our seconds shop, located opposite to the museum. You can also take a tour through Margarete Steiff’s original birth house, as well as the

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M A I L B OX

Dear Steiff Club, how do I clean my mohair items? I have them displayed on a shelf and I noticed that they have gotten dusty. DW, Berlin, Germany

To remove light dust, a gentle brushing may be enough to do the job. For items that are truly in need of cleaning, the first rule to remember is this: never submerge your Steiff mohair item in water. Instead, take a mild detergent (such as dish soap) and make a foam. Apply the foam very sparingly to the soiled item, then use a damp sponge to rinse. Make sure to get all the soap completely out while avoiding over-wetting. When finished, brush occasionally as the item air dries. Mohair is very durable and, when cleaned, your item should look as good as new.

Dear Steiff Friends,After reading the latest Steiff magazine I wondered if you would be interested in the story of my Steiff “Big Bear”.

He belonged to my mother, Marie Colles who was born in 1908. I remember as a child he had been mended with blackout curtain to his nose, elastic stocking to his ankles but had always been greatly loved and had lost most of his fur. I constantly had him dressed and took him for walks in my doll’s pram - I didn’t like dolls - only bears! However, he still had his “button in ear”. I started getting more Steiff bears but sadly had to let Big Bear go to auction in Sheffield about 10 years ago. Recently I found some old photographs showing Big Bear – he certainly was a very fine bear in his early years!

If a collector who bought Big Bear is a Steiff Club member, maybe he or she would recognise him and be interested in his story.

“Big Bear” - taken in 1996.

“Big Bear” before and after

“nose job”

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FAVOU R I T E

A tale of two miceMemories bring childhood friends together again.

It was a busy morning for Mirabelle the mouse. She was busy scrubbing dishes, washing laundry, and ironing. “Oh, I do wish that something exciting would happen today!” she exclaimed.

As she went outside to hang her clothes to dry, she saw the postman approaching. He was carrying a large envelope addressed to her. “Well hello Mirabelle, it is nice to see you! It looks like you have a letter today from Maxine the mouse.”

Minutes later, Mirabelle sat at her kitchen table and carefully opened the letter. It read, “Dear Mirabelle, I hope you remember me. My name is Maxine. We went to school together many years ago. I was organizing my attic and came across some of my childhood things and thought of you. Can we meet again? I live a few towns away from you and would love to see you. Please visit me next Thursday. Best, Maxine.” Mirabelle was delighted with the invitation and started planning her visit. “Now, this is the fun I had wished for!” she thought.

Mirabelle had many decisions to make about her upcoming trip. After much consideration, she decided to wear her favorite blue dress. She also discovered that she could take a bus, and then a train, and then a taxi to get to Maxine’s. And, for a house gift, she decided to make a batch of gingerbread cookies.

When the big day arrived, Mirabelle waited patiently at the bus stop. When it arrived, the driver asked where she was going to. She explained that she needed to get to the train station. So the driver said, “That will be one euro in fare.” Mirabelle froze. She forgot to bring money! What would she do? So she looked at the driver and shyly said, “May I pay you in gingerbread?” The bus driver was surprised but said, “It depends on how tasty the cookies are!” So she handed him one of Maxine’s cookies. “That’s the best gingerbread I’ve ever had! That will cover your fare as far as I am concerned!” he said.

The bus dropped Mirabelle off at the train station. But now she was worried. How would she pay for the train ride? She went to the ticket booth and explained her situation. The man at the booth was friendly and said, “Well, today is your lucky day, as I am very hungry and I forgot to pack my lunch. So, I will trade you some gingerbread for a train ticket.” Mirabelle immediately agreed, and handed some cookies over to him. She got her ticket, boarded the train, and continued on her journey. She did notice that her travel bag was getting lighter.

Half an hour later, the train arrived in Maxine’s town and Mirabelle left the station to get a taxi. She asked the driver if he would take gingerbread cookies as payment for the short ride. “I usually drive for money, not cookies!” he said, “But I suppose I can make an exception this one time.”

Soon they arrived at their destination and Mirabelle rang Maxine’s doorbell. Maxine opened the door and welcomed Mirabelle with open arms. The years melted away. After an hour of conversation, Maxine asked Mirabelle if she’d like some tea. Then Mirabelle remembered the gingerbread cookies she had baked for Maxine. She looked into her travel case and with horror – there was only one cookie left, and that was not a very generous house gift at all!

After Maxine returned with the tea service, Mirabelle presented her with one remaining cookie. She explained that she had started out with plenty of treats, but had to pay for her travel in cookies. Mirabelle was very embarrassed. But Maxine laughed and said, “That is perfectly ok, old friend! I am on a diet, and shouldn’t have any sweets at all. But I would be delighted to split the last cookie with you with our tea.” Maxine then reached over and gave Mirabelle a big hug.

It was at that moment that Mirabelle truly under-stood what it was like to have a friend for life.

Pixi mouse, item no. 021497, is 9 cm in size and comes in a piece of cheese made of felt.

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Margarete Steiff GmbH, Richard-Steiff-Straße 4, 89537 Giengen an der Brenz

www.steiff.com