Steiff Timeline
The wonderful world of Steiff Toys actually started with a small elephant pincushion. Margarete Steiff was diagnosed with paralysis as a small child, but instead of being dependent on others, she learned a trade by going to school and becoming a seamstress. She worked in her older sisters' tailor shop and in 1874 started working on her own, after they moved away. She became successful enough that in 1877 she started her own clothing business and was able to employ seamstresses to work for her.In 1879 Margarete saw a pattern for a small elephant in a magazine. She made it into a felt pincushion and the future was decided.
By 1880 her company was officially founded - Steiff Manufacture. Within six years over 5000 elephants were sold!
The First Catalog and Button in the Ear
The first catalog was released in 1892 with a wide variety of toy animals. Margarete Steiff's motto was also in that catalog -- "for children, only the best is good enough".In 1897 nephew Richard Steiff joined the company and sketched many of the animals for the line. Five years later he designed the first stuffed bear with moveable arms and legs. After showing the bears at the Leipzig Toy Trade Fair, 3000 bears were ordered by an American buyer. They were sold in the USA as the "teddy bear".
The company was ahead of their time and sought to protect themselves from imitators. The result was the button-in-the-ear trademark.
By 1907, after just a few short years of production, 973,999 teddy bears had been made, along with 725,000 other toys!
The Family Carries On
Even though Margarete Steiff passed away in 1909 from a lung infection, her nephews carried on the business. The company has had several tough times in their history, including the years of World War II, but has persevered. Today the company's products are still among the most revered in the toy market and it's a lucky child who gets a Steiff.The Most Expensive New Steiff
Steiff North America
An extraordinary limited edition set, Elefantle and Teddy Bear are made with mohair, silk, gold ivory, diamonds sapphires and onyx. The set brings to the collector what Steiff has stood for these many years, quality, beauty and craftsmanship. And it also pays homage to Margarete Steiff, 125 years after her humble start with a fabric elephant pin cushion so many years ago.
Antique Steiff Bear Visits the Vet
Bertoia Auctions
Steiff Pictures and Prices
Bertoia Auctions
Steiff Online Auction Prices
A sampling of prices from eBay/Live Auction for Steiff toys.Auction Date: January 2004
- Vinyl Shell Slo Turtle - $50.
7" long - Jocko the Monkey - $70.
6" - Puma Plush Lion - $90.
17" long - Junior Peky Pekinese Plush Dog - $80.
10" long - Mohair Peky the Pekinese Dog - $70.
5.5" long - Cosy Mummy Sitting Rabbit - $40.
- Mohair Leo the Lion - $110.
8" long - Standing Baby Panda - $80.
7.5" - Molly Raggy Standing Raccoon - $90.
9.5" - Rocky Mohair Mountain Goat - $140.
11" tall
