The magazine for Steiff Club members – February 2016 Club magazine
STEIFF INSIDE Focus on quality RARITIES Treasures from the archives CONTEST The Steiff Club city tour Mommel rabbit (item no. 021534) is looking forward to Easter. EDITORIAL
Dear Steiff friends,
Since last year there have competitions and readers’ pages been many new names and new are to be added to the columns faces at Steiff, and new attitudes of pure product information. and ideas as well. Change is a Many of you expressed your part of life, and life, so they say, desire for this in last year’s exists only where there is change. reader survey, and now we Older people preserve traditions; are looking forward to finding younger people question them. out what you think of the And if both act with care, then first new issue. they will see that many traditions Drop us a line! Contributions make sense, although some of for the next issue should be them are also due an “update”. with us by June. And something Blazing new trails without else: We will still keep you forgetting one’s “roots” – perhaps informed in the months between this helps to explain the success the two issues of the magazine: of the more than 135-year history in May and November we of the Steiff company. shall write to you with all the You are holding one latest Steiff news! particular example of change in your hands this very moment: Best wishes, the Club magazine now boasts Yours, 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 INGE ZINNECKER inviting to read. Large photos, Steiff Club Manager
3 A little something extra: Six-way or 14 seven-way jointed animals
Quality control is a huge priority at Steiff 16 06
A guide to spring gift-giving
CONTENTS IMPRINT NEWS RARITIES
PUBLISHER: Margarete Steiff GmbH, 6 A guide 14 A little something extra Richard-Steiff-Str. 4, 89537 Giengen an der Brenz, Germany tel.: + 49 (0) 7322 131555 to spring gift-giving Six or seven-way jointed EDITORS: Inge Zinnecker, Rick Emerson Steiff animals CONTRIBUTORS: Rebekah Kaufman, Daniel Hentschel, 10 Special items Annette Schlenker New country and PHOTOS: Steiff GmbH, Fotolia (S. 19, 32-35), BWF Group 38 Secrets from the DESIGN AND PRODUCTION: customer exclusives archives Nadine Reinhardt / Hess GmbH - Medien, www.hess-medien.de A look at never-before-seen PRINT: Wahl Druck GmbH, Aalen treasures from the vaults FREQUENCY OF PUBLICATION: twice a year at Steiff 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
4 20 Only the finest: One of Steiff‘s wool felt suppliers shares insights into their products. 38 Secrets from the Archives: Discovered for you!
TOPICS COMMUNITY STANDARDS
16 Steiff inside 32 The Steiff Club 18 Culture Focus on quality city tour E-mail from Tokyo Guess and win! 20 Experts 30 Service A visit to the 40 Venues Questions and answers BWF company The Steiff museum, Club events, auctions, 45 Calendar 24 History Teddy bear workshop Club events and other dates Steiff wooden toys from 1945 to 1960 48 Mail box 46 The Club page Readers’ letters Rewards for winning new 36 Portrait members, application form Meet Paul Steiff, the inventor of the growler
5 NEWS
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.
A Guide to
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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Steiff’s new take flight with their GUARDIAN ANGEL angelic white felt wings. BEARS would be a You can even choose perfect gift for a friend the perfect colour and or family member who embroidery for is embarking on a big your recipient. adventure or perhaps (from left to right: going off to school item nos. 001734, or college. After all, 001741 and everyone needs someone 001710, to watch over him or 27 cm) her! These bears are made from white mohair, are five-way jointed, and spring gift-giving
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)
7 NEWS
BEAR CROCUS is unquestionably the best of both worlds! This white Teddy bear is five-way jointed No Easter basket is complete without a little and holds a lovely and something from Steiff in it. This year, make very feminine purple someone’s basket even more memorable with coloured felt crocus. Steiff’s new CLICKI CHICK. This delicate yellow Flowers and Teddy It’s a wonderful way darling has a sweet orange felt beak and playfully bears are always perfect to make Mom proud on outstretched wings. She’s right at home in her white gifts for Mother’s Day. her special day. felt eggshell nest. What better way to say “Happy Steiff’s MINI TEDDY (Item no. 040191, 10 cm) Easter”? (Item no. 033094, 9 cm)
Celebrate any occasion
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)
8 NEWS
Looking for a little something for someone who is just nuts about is the one mouse Steiff? Steiff’s new anyone would welcome KECKI CHIPMUNK into his or her home. would be a charming Visiting a friend This tiny Ted is fully “thank you”, “thinking of over the weekend? jointed, and made you” or “I love you” gift. Going to a dinner party? from white mohair. This fabulous field and Don’t forget a house He does not mind if forest friend comes to holds a handmade felt or hostess gift! Steiff’s you tug on his tail... life with wonderful hand nut in his double thick brand new and totally or whiskers! airbrushed detailing on felt hands. adorable MOUSE TED (Item no. 001086, 8 cm) his mohair coat. He (Item no. 070075, 10 cm) with a present from Steiff!
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)
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Special items
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
UK / USA Roald Dahl
Willy Wonka: Steiff are extremely proud and thrilled to be item no. 664939, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Roald Dahl. 28 cm, Roald Dahl was a spy, ace fighter-pilot, Limited Edition chocolate historian and medical inventor. of 1,916 pieces. 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 If you have good thoughts they will
© Roald Dahl Nominee Ltd/ eccentric candy-maker Steiff Quentin Blake 2015 shine out of your face like sunbeams and Roald Dahl is a registered Willy Wonka who is guaranteed trademark of Roald Dahl to draw you to the delicious you will always look lovely. Roald Dahl Nominee Ltd. www. roalddahl.com world of an enduring story.
HOW TO REACH THE STEIFF CLUB IN THE UK: 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: [email protected]
10 NEWS
Uncle Sam: item no. 683107, 31 cm Limited Edition of 1,500 pieces.
USA Mr. 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 Mr. Winter: USA your holiday tree for years to come. Made of finest snow white item no. 683091, Uncle Sam mohair, he has a carrot nose and holds two wooden ski poles. 12 cm, Limited “Mr. Winter” makes an ideal gift for anyone on your list – he’s a Edition of Although best known for being keepsake that will be treasured for generations. 1,500 pieces. the face of historic recruiting campaigns for the U.S. military, the origins of “Uncle Sam” date back even further. The name USA is linked to Samuel Wilson, a Little Boy Blue meat packer from Troy, New York, who supplied barrels of Little Boy Blue, beef to the United States Army Come blow your horn, during the War of 1812. Wilson The sheep’s in the meadow, stamped the barrels with “U.S.” The cow’s in the corn… for United States, but soldiers began referring to the meat as Almost every child can recite this famous “Uncle Sam’s.” To bring this nursery rhyme, which dates back to Tudor- historic figure to life, Steiff is era England. Now Steiff is pleased to present pleased to present a patriotic a timeless Teddy bear interpretation of the musical bear that plays the tune immortal verse. “Little Boy Blue” is an “It’s a Grand Old Flag.” This endearing young boy bear who’s sewn from blond curly mohair Teddy wears finest quality russet alpaca and holds a tiny, a handmade felt hat, an “Uncle handmade sheep puppet. Around his neck, he Sam” pin, and a wild silk bow tie, wears a satin ribbon that perfectly matches the Little Boy Blue: all of which have been airbrushed colours of the sheep’s blue eyes. Both the Teddy and the puppet item no. 683077, for an antique effect. It’s a fitting feature hand-stitched detailing, and the puppet is also lovingly 30 cm, Limited tribute to this enduring American airbrushed by hand. “Little Boy Blue” is the perfect heirloom gift Edition of 1,500 symbol. or nursery decoration – in the inimitable Steiff style. pieces.
HOW TO REACH THE STEIFF CLUB IN NORTH AMERICA: Steiff North America, Carolyn Smith, Club Administrator tel.: +1 401 312-0080, e-mail: [email protected]
11 NEWS
Austria to him. She smiled, wiped the chocolate off his face, T h e M a n n e r S t e i f f T e d d y b e a r and said that he could stay in the factory forever if he would help them out a little. That was the best Once upon a time there was a cute little bear who news for the little bear! And ever since that day, loved chocolate. One day, when he was in his cave, he has lived at the Manner chocolate factory – and the most wonderful smell of gingerbread, chocolate now even has his own little “mini me” in the form and crispy wafers wafted in. He instantly set off to of a Steiff Teddy bear by his side. The little Teddy find the source. The little bear plodded through the bears in the pink shirts are available to buy from the wood for some time. But the smells were coming factory shop and online. (www.manner.com/shop) 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 To find out noticeable, and followed the cocoa beans through The Manner more about the the building all the way to the liquid chocolate. Steiff Teddy bear, Manner company, What a dream! He dipped his fluffy plush paw in item. no. 988271, its delicious the warm chocolate, tried it, and was overjoyed. 28 cm, specialities and Wafers were being baked in the large ovens – so RRP: appr. the cute little he took some of the fresh, warm wafers and dipped € 29.90 Manner Steiff them in the liquid chocolate, too. Full up and happy, Teddy bear, he dropped off to sleep beside the oven, to dream please go to of Manner’s famous wafers... However, his snoring www.josef. was so loud that people heard him. A lady came over manner.com.
Manner factory in Vienna of 1890
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UK / USA B i g T i m m y
He’s Delightful – He’s Delicious – He’s De-lovely!
He’s our delectable Big Timmy who may be small Big Timmy, in stature but has a super-duper helping of sugar-coated item no. 663994, yumminess. Cradle Big Timmy in your hands 23 cm, Limited and he’s guaranteed to put a huge smile on your face and Edition of a warm glow in your heart. 1,500 pieces. 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.
TAIWAN 75 t h A n n i v e rs a ry B ru c e L e e T e 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 75th Anniver- yellow jumpsuit are truly legendary even to this day. sary Bruce Lee To commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Bruce Lee’s Teddy bear, birthday, the martial arts legend is introduced for the item no. 678042, first time as a Steiff limited edition of 1,940 pieces. The 31 cm, Limited What I Bruce Lee Teddy bear has been meticulously crafted Edition of honestly value with the finest mohair and fully jointed limbs. But what 1,940 pieces. makes the Bruce Lee Teddy bear even more special are more than anything else is his bendable arms and magnetic hands! He can hold quality; doing one‘s best in the onto his own set of nunchucks and strike powerful poses, sure to impress everyone! He is complete with his manner of the responsibility iconic yellow jumpsuit, nunchucks, and with Bruce Lee’s and craftsmanship of a signature embroidered on his foot. With this Teddy bear comes the perfect match of Steiff’s unparalleled quality Number One. Bruce Lee and the legend of Bruce Lee’s mastery.
13 RARITIES
A little something extra
A look at unusual articles with more than five joints.
Since the very beginning, Steiff has always tried to create James D. Julia auction house in the most authentic, lifelike animal designs possible. As a America. matter of fact, one of the reasons Richard Steiff designed the Perhaps the best-known seven jointed Teddy bear was to give the company’s bears movable ways jointed animal was the limbs like real animals. Up until about 1902, Steiff’s animals company’s early Dutch rabbit were quite static, relying on wheeled or brushed platforms design. This fantastic and novel or roly poly semicircular wooden spheres for any type of pattern was produced in white, movement. white and brown, or white and black mohair in 22, 28, and 35 cm The company’s cardboard disk US patent for it on 8 September, from 1907 through 1916 overall. jointing process - one that is still 1908. In addition to head and limb Cats and rabbits used in an updated form today - Among the first type of animal jointing, this rabbit had uniquely were early was put into regular production pattern to include more than five jointed ears; each could be moved experiments in around 1905. This jointing joints was the company’s early around in a full circle - allowing receiving more system changed many aspects cat pattern. This design debuted for great fun and expression! She than five joints of the company’s manufacturing in 1904 and was produced was begging and had early and in the early operations, and opened the door in 17, 22, and 28 cm through “chunky” proportions, including 1900’s. for the product design team 1908. She was made from white very large thighs and long to create a plethora of new, mohair. Her head, front legs, and and narrow padless feet. The This early exciting, and dynamic animal tail were jointed to the outside of Dutch rabbit had a simple hand rabbit even had and doll patterns. Many of these her body while her back legs were embroidered nose and mouth; jointed ears! patterns were four ways jointed, jointed but to the inside of her the albino version had pink and meaning that the arms and legs body, near her lower belly. This red glass pupil eyes, while the bi- Secret surprise! had movement, or were five ways pattern was updated in 1908 coloured versions had black eyes Turn the jointed jointed, meaning that the arms, so that the back legs were also underlaid with red felt. tail of the cat legs, and head could move. jointed to the outside of her body. Few if any six or seven ways (on floor) and As early as 1904, the company This six ways jointed cat was jointed animals appeared in the hear a musical started to experiment with a produced overall in 17, 22, 28, Steiff line after the 1930’s. This tune! number of designs that really 35, and 43 cm in white, spotted, technique, although charming, took advantage of emerging joint grey, grey and white, black, and was very costly and labour movement technologies. In some yellow through 1927. All had intensive to produce. Except for cases, these animals were six or slit style glass pupil eyes and a a few high-end novelties, for the even seven ways jointed. Franz simple hand embroidered nose most part Steiff’s strategy was to Steiff was very interested in and mouth. Some models were produce animals with fewer joints creating and patenting a system produced with a miaou-squeaker, from the mid-1930’s onward. that would help to replicate the further adding to the pattern’s Animals with more than five natural movement of an animal’s lifelike qualities. In 2014, a 17 joints returned in the 2000’s for ear. After several years of trial cm, six ways jointed grey mohair the “Masterpiece” series – proving and error, he finally designed such cat from around 1910 sold for once again that everything old is a specialized joint and received a almost $11,000 through the new again.
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STEIFF INSIDE
Focus on quality
Mr. Thomas Abele will oversee Steiff’s quality control and production.
The Steiff brand is always associated with the There are many aspects to finest products, from playful and durable baby this huge responsibility. He items to the most detailed and collectible mohair insures that all raw materials editions. Quality control and production is a huge provided by suppliers are fully priority for the company, and always has been. inspected and meet Steiff’s very As such, Steiff has recently hired a new Director of high standards, and that the Operations to oversee and improve the company’s company only uses materials in quality control and production functions. its product development process that have been approved by the quality department. He makes Thomas Abele, from Southern parts together. The third is sure that employees in every Germany, is Steiff’s new stuffing, which can be with role have the correct training, Director of Operations. He is polyfill or excelsior. The forth oversight, and information to responsible for overseeing and is finishing which includes do their jobs well. He oversees managing the company’s supply adding eyes, embroidering the numerous inline quality chain, including all associated features, airbrushing, and inspection steps taken during departments, people, and adding accessories like ribbons, the manufacturing process, and processes. This includes technical medallions, or clothing. And confirms that all items have a final development, sourcing, planning, the last step is giving an item inspection before being shipped production, facility management, its “button-in-ear” trademark to a warehouse or distributed. and logistics. Before Steiff, - of course, after it has passed In addition, he manages Steiff’s Mr. Abele held similar roles at all rigorous quality control in-house testing laboratory, as Triumph International, a women’s inspections. On average, a fine well as the company’s relationship apparel company, and WMF, mohair collectible item like a with an independent testing Thomas Abele a manufacturer of high quality Teddy bear requires 30 functions laboratory. Finally, he manages is the new cookware. He really enjoys to complete from start to finish. the company’s continuous Director of working with global consumer It may take up to two full days to improvement process and Operations brands with emotional appeal, complete a large or complicated reporting system. Both of these at Steiff. and overseeing operations end- edition; these usually require tools are designed to discover to-end, so this position with Steiff many more manufacturing improvements on a daily basis as was a perfect fit for his experience steps. Editions requiring new or well as document and monitor and interests. unconventional materials are the all aspects of the company’s In terms of manufacturing, most complicated to produce, as operations. Mr. Abele is responsible for they require additional employee The quality control process is overseeing the five steps involved training as well as special the same for every product line, in producing a Steiff item. The handling. although mohair collectible items first is preproduction, which Mr. Abele also manages require more steps in comparison involves tasks like cutting fabrics Steiff’s rigorous quality control to a plush toy or baby item. Items and embroidering patterns. process, which really is a total that do not meet company quality The second is sewing all the quality management system. standards are destroyed.
16 STEIFF INSIDE
The Steiff quality control Steiff family of companies, Steiff generations. That means keeping standard differs from other is able to control the raw material knowledge in the company in the companies in the toy and production process in detail. form of documents and process collectible industry. Steiff Most competitors do not have this descriptions, but particularly the established an ISO 9001 certified advantage. experience of our employees.” quality management system. This Finally, through his work, is the world’s highest standard Mr. Abele also has the very for quality manufacturing. The important task of preserving the process starts with design and legacy behind Steiff’s legendary ends with the delivery to the button-in-ear brand. When customer. And, as the company asked how he plans to do this, produces toys and playthings he replied confidently, for children, there are many “The button is the trademark additional legal requirements in for our brand, the design and terms of materials, manufacturing, quality of our products, which accessories, packaging, and other refer to our experience of more supply chain issues. Because than 135 years. We can preserve Steiff Schulte, the company that this if we continue what was produces many of Steiff’s mohair started through Margarete Steiff and fine fabrics, is owned by the and cultured through several
17 CULTURE
E-mail from Tokyo
Interesting news from a film legend!
Dear reader,
Do you want to hear some really big news? Steiff is making a very special Studio sized version of me I’m not bragging, but – Godzilla! He will I remain an extremely stand one metre tall and well known character is based on the very both in Japan as well successful and sold out as across the entire mohair Godzilla limited world. My presence and edition produced for other popular films, popularity have inspired Steiff’s sold Japan in 2014. And like books, games, comics, many other “larger out Godzilla me, he will truly be one and TV shows. My than life” fictional hero will be made in of a kind - as only one name is a combination monsters. I have also a super-sized will be produced! of the Japanese words received many honours And, most recently, in edition of only I made my debut over for “gorilla” and and awards for my April 2015, I was made one piece! 50 years ago in 1954 in “whale,” which seems longevity and role in an official ambassador Ishirõ Honda’s 1954 film fitting given my size influencing popular for the central Shinjuku Godzilla. I have since and dexterity. My media and culture. ward of Tokyo! What a appeared in countless appearance, scale, These include an MTV wonderful honour! profound strength, Lifetime Achievement Now Steiff is making and superpowers were Award in 1996 and a a super-sized version all meant to serve as Star on the Hollywood of me and I couldn’t be metaphors for atomic Walk of Fame in 2004. more thrilled! I’m one weapons and nuclear happy reptile! war. Over time, I have played many Sincerely yours, roles – from destructive Godzilla monster to beloved saviour.
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EXPERTS
Only the finest
One of Steiff’s wool felt suppliers shares insights into their products.
Steiff has been making the world’s finest Teddy It probably will come as no bears, dolls, and animals for over 135 years. surprise that BWF makes many An important part of that legacy involves selecting felt fabrics for Steiff in the beige only the finest fabrics for production. One and light brown colour families. important fabric, felt, has been part of Steiff’s These materials are often used history since the very beginning. for paw pad construction. The differences between colours within this range are often very Most collectors are aware that very convenient for face-to-face subtle. But colour matching is Margarete Steiff’s first animal meetings, shipping, and logistics. very important as the felt must was a pincushion made from BWF Feltec has supplied felt fit together aesthetically with the felt scraps. And since then, materials to Steiff for more than mohair or other fabrics that are felt has been used to make or 60 years. The origins of BWF used in combination with it. Not surprisingly, detail countless Steiff treasures. go back as early as 1892, when BWF Feltec also develops Steiff uses Well known examples include Theodor Wilhelm Schmid and customized coloured felt for mostly beige Jocko the Chimp’s felt face, the his partners started a wool felt special projects for Steiff. or light brown company’s early and beloved company in Hof. It is interesting The production of felt felt, primarily felt center-seamed dolls, and of to note that 1892 was also the material is complicated and for paw pads on course, the paw pads on most of year that Steiff launched its first labour intensive. Many different Teddy bears the company’s treasured Teddy commercial catalogue. BWF is production steps are necessary. and animals. bears. now an international company, The fibres need to be washed with four divisions and over or carbonized, but this happens 1,350 employees worldwide. The before the material arrives at the company has operations in the BWF Feltec factory. Once in USA, Italy, China, and Turkey, house, the process begins with and is under the fourth generation the opening and blending of of owner-management. the wool fibres. In addition to For the most part, Steiff continuous quality inspections, purchases pure wool felt fabrics the process requires about 11 from BWF Feltec. This is the production steps to produce the highest quality material BWF Feltec produces. The quantity of Eleven complex The Feltec Division of felt purchased varies from year steps make up BWF Tec GmbH & Co. KG, to year, depending on Steiff’s the process of located in Offingen Germany, is product range. On average, Steiff producing felt. responsible for manufacturing buys between 2,000 and 4,000 some of Steiff’s high quality felt metres of high quality wool felt used in production today. The annually. However, in 2003, Steiff company is located about 30 km nearly doubled its order to 6,300 from the Steiff factory, which is metres of felt!
20 EXPERTS
finished material. Overall, the The product range of BWF The headquarters production time for any given felt Feltec can be divided into four of BWF Feltec, fabric is about 10 working days. product groups. These include one of Steiff’s BWF can It takes tremendous experience to technical felts, which are used primary felt produce work with natural fibres; some of for automotive, electronic, suppliers. virtually any BWF’s employees and specialists mechanical engineering, musical, colour of felt, have been with the company for orthopedic, and furniture building depending upon more than 40 years. purposes; under collar felts, its purpose.
21 EXPERTS
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.
22 Teddy Clown with felt hat celebrates his 90th birthday in 2016. The replica (item no. 403279) is limited to 926 pieces. HISTORY
Steiff wooden toys
Little known, but of historic significance for Steiff.
In the November 2014 to May 2015 1947 saw the first real toys back in circulation: issues, we provided you with detailed Multiform 8010 with square wooden discs, and information on wooden toy production tile-based game 817, a Tangram game. Finally, with in the years 1910 to 1945. The years the currency reform and the introduction of the after 1945 were notable for deprivation German Mark in June 1948, the German population and tremendous economic difficulties, was able to obtain the ever-popular Steiff products and the Steiff management needed again without major difficulties. The items listed so to be extremely cautious. far only appear on advertising flyers and in special
The hand cart When the war was over, the workforce had to be seasonal catalogues, and are not included in the first 4850L and told that there were no jobs for them in the factory, known post-war main catalogue of 1949/50. For the Corso 2870 and that they should seek replacement work on the first time, this catalogue also includes the popular are the first surrounding farms. However, already from October pull toys “Bimmelbahn” and “Entkette” again. As important 1945 production resumed on a small scale with well as these wooden toys, the catalogue includes post-war items. the approval of the US military government. But mainly “ersatz” stuffed animals and bears, since products could only be exchanged for US dollars, mohair plush was still not available. This changed and initially only to dependants of the American in the second half of 1949. The following year’s Multiform 8010 troops. The first allocations of wooden goods for entire product range bore such a strong resemblance and jigsaw the civilian population started in July 1946. We to the last pre-war illustrated catalogue that the puzzle 817, do know that these were primarily the hand cart 1950 catalogues were actually old stocks of the 1947/48. 4850L made of red beech and the children’s “Corso” 1939 catalogue with an updated price list, WD 50. pushchair. These items were intended for daily These catalogues and the price list were not issued use rather than as toys, and were only available in as reproductions, and are therefore hardly known. exchange for US dollars and additional “donations” As well as various children’s sporting and utility of scrap iron or hardwood lumber. items such as the hobby-horse, wooden scooter and
24 HISTORY
1945 to 1960
rowing car, the items in the wooden area are the post-war period: the “Pumpax 8028” filling station. ones that were available pre-1940: little horses Only manufactured until 1955, it is now right at and carts, various “Kubusboxes”, the “Multiform the top of the wanted lists of even highly discerning 8013” disc tower with round wooden discs, and Steiff collectors. Particularly interesting: the filling Bag “Bausack the “Bimblocks” bell blocks. station is shown in the novelties catalogue of 1952 8100” and Bibi Genuine innovations in wooden toys were with the name of the “Shell” chain of filling stations Blocks 8030 available to customers in 1951: the “Bausack 8100” printed on it, whereas the few items known in are both 1951 plastic bag with 100 coloured waxed small building collectors’ circles today and the archive version are novelties.
blocks and a car, plus the “Bibiblocks 8030” printed with the name “Steiff”, as it is also seen in “Pumpax 8028”, building box with large untreated and partly the main catalogues of 1953 and 1954. Presumably one of the great hollowed-out building blocks. As the “Bibiblocks” the management of the early 50s decided against wooden rarities, was only in the programme until 1954, it is rarely latent hidden advertising, and opted to use the item 1952 to 1955. found today, and is a collector’s rarity. Whereas for its own advertising. In the years between 1953 the “Bausack” was available until 1966, and pops until the 1970s, new vehicles, trailers and accessories up from time to time on the collector’s market – appeared almost every year. These toys, which are Set of nested although rarely complete and with the car that can extremely popular with collectors, have already cubes 6812 in be dismantled. The “Starhaus” nesting box was been described in detail here. Large vehicles that the version of available from 1951, and from 1953 also as a piggy small children can sit on and really drive arrived 1949, right: bank. Both items had been available in the identical as an innovation in 1953; Lenk-Laster (steerable with the new forms in the 1930s, and therefore were not included lorry), Lenk-Bus (bus) and Lenk-Walze (roller) colouring of in the novelties catalogues of the post-war time. were undoubtedly right at the top of every child’s 1957. Both versions of the nesting box remained in the wish list in the early 1950s. However, only the programme until 1974. 1952 brought what is one of lorry proved persistently popular, and was made in today’s most highly-sought after wooden items of the various versions until the 1970s. The roller was only
25 HISTORY
available in the year it was first launched, and the and various Kubus games were issued in pastels. bus was discontinued in 1954. Both of these vehicles The corresponding coloured gift wraps were are extremely rare to find today, and quite possibly redesigned and adapted to contemporary tastes. The hollow are still at the top of many collectors’ wish list. It is unusual to find most of these toys in the new cube 4812 is An extremely interesting building box appears colours, since they were discontinued in the years outstandingly again in 1954: village building box “DOBA” and around 1960. suitable as a town building box “STABA”, both available with This summary of the toys made until 1960 is not decorating item. add-on boxes, allowed youngsters to recreate their intended as an overview of all of the Steiff wooden
Novelties in own villages or towns. The blocks were printed wooden toys with windows, doors and other features, and were of 1952. 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 DOBA 1805 were only available for two years, and are no longer and STABA seen in the catalogues after 1956. In recent years, 1806 dating only a very few empty boxes of these building sets from 1954 have been seen on the collectors’ market, to 1957. and complete boxes are almost never seen on the second-hand market. 1957 brought a small revolution Large wooden with it: a large quantity of the vehicles as steer- current wooden items were now able play cars in available in new colours. The the 1953 novelties Bimbahn, Entkette, Multiform catalogue.
26 HISTORY
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 The toy train adding one or the other wooden item to them. In the next Bimbahn issue of the Club magazine we shall be looking at the 4205ex in the wooden toys of the years 1960 to 1975, including a few new colouration very rare and sometime educationally valuable rarities. from 1957.
Even with adults, the “Starhaus” nesting box is a popular decoration item.
Carts with horse, here as farm cart, are The novelties a popular catalogue of 1957 sandbox toy. displays the new colouring of well-known wooden toys.
27
SERVICE
Questions and answers
Do you have a question concerning a Steiff item? Find out more here!
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. EXPERT INFO: O. G., by e-mail ? Older Steiff animals that have been owned and played with by families are ideal for children These three animals are standard items from the playing at visiting the zoo or, depending on Steiff range of the years 1950 to 1970 that were the models, for farmyard games. made in large quantities. You do not mention the For hygiene reasons, younger children, sizes of the animals in your e-mail, so we will use the babies and toddlers should only be given new, medium-sized versions as an example. Your giraffe child-safe toys from the current Steiff range. 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 be found on the collectors’ market, and experienced period. As “Snucki” obviously still has glass eyes, collectors want them in as-new condition with all we can assume that this little bundle came from a their trademarks – that is, the button, the ear tag collection of around 1960. These animals can often with clear item number, and the chest tag.
Catalogue references: Dromedary and giraffe in catalogue KAD 1961.
Heathland sheep “Snucki” in the 1959 novelties catalogue.
30 SERVICE
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 pre-1978 products to EXPERT INFO: the metal disc wheels. So we can assume that be missing the Steiff Wheeled elephants have been one this model was built in 1968, since plastic wheels buttons, since they were of the most popular items of all since Steiff were used more after 1967. Your ride-on elephant not yet attached to the production commenced in 1880. As the very is probably the 43 cm or 50 cm version, both of ear permanently then. first Steiff animal, the elephant holds a special which were made until 1974. It is not unusual for With this additional place in the company’s history. information, you To date, well over one hundred different models should easily be able have been offered in the most diverse sizes to find a current and materials. The special role that the elephant market price on various plays was also confirmed at important company platforms on the anniversaries, when elephants were often Internet. Because of issued as special editions. 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.
31 CONTEST
The Steiff Club City tour
Guess and win!
Where do the most Steiff Club 6,806 km members actually live? Do you know? Guess! The former admire the views capital of the Holy of St. Stephen’s Join Mady, our Event bear, on her Club City tour. Roman Empire is Cathedral from Starting from Giengen, she will be visiting the ten towns home to OPEC, its famous Ferris and cities with the most Club members – 10th place to OSZE and – based Wheel. According 1st – and then returning home... Total route: 34,439 km on its population – to a UN survey as the crow flies. Every town contains one letter of the the second-biggest of 2012, it is the solution (Ä = AE, Ö = OE, Ü = UE). German-speaking most affluent city Guess the city and put the letters in the red boxes in city in the world. in the world. In the the right order to find the answer. Over five million international Mercer The first prize is an overnight stay with breakfast tourists come here survey of 2015, in Giengen, complete with a visit every year to it came first for its to the museum and the birthplace drink new wine quality of life – for of Margarete Steiff, and the second (“Heurigen”) at the the seventh time in and third prizes are the Event wine taverns and succession. Teddy bear “Mady” 2016. Let’s go...
6,385 km
Dutch settlers of activity – and founded the city the yellow taxis. August and freezing shaped like an on the island of Business style counts cold of January. iron, the theatres, Manna-Hatta. in the city, even in Huge skyscrapers, museums and Today, a little over the extreme heat of including ones parks all strive 300 years later, it to outshine each is one of the most other. Katz’s popular travel serves pastrami destinations in the sandwiches from world. People like midnight until to cross the street 22:30. And FAO when the lights are Schwarz was at red, and the city is home on 5th until known for its level July this year...
32 CONTEST
1,237 km 9,576 km
“Poor doors” residences. This current heir to the are one of the latest important centre of throne is well into developments of this culture and trade his sixties. Anyone former capital of the is the most densely who broke the law Province Maxima populated city in the in bygone days Caesariensis. They EU, yet doesn’t use ended up in a lead to the low-cost the euro. Countless feared prison: housing that now international stars the Tower. has to be built have made the city alongside luxury their home, and the
Officially Buddhist temples 15,000 people set dissolved in 1943, and 330,000 m² off in all directions. this city, home to of bonsai trees. And tiny 9 million people, There is a tuna earthquakes are now comprises auction on the fish an almost daily 23 independent market in the early occurrence. All this districts. It is one morning for can be found at of the five biggest a maximum of these coordinates: financial centres 120 visitors. 35° 41’ 2’’ N, in the world, and When the lights are 139° 46’ 28’’ E. boasts an amazing green at Shibuya Imperial Palace, station, up to
What used to World Heritage be the “Ohnsorg” Sites, and witnesses theatre is now the to the city’s centuries “König der Löwen” of trading tradition. (“King of the The Hanseatic city Lions”): this is governed from the 8,994 km ever-popular Michel, and in the metropolis Elbe Philharmonic has more than Hall it had for some 60 theatres and time what was 86.2 million probably one of the day visitors! The most controversial “Speicherstadt” (city building sites in of warehouses) and Germany. “Kontorhausviertel” (office district) are
33 CONTEST
463 km
Its name from 77,000 A sausage includes the word (in 1950) to speciality was “nor”, which means 120,000 (1960). created, too. Other “stony rock”. And Even in the Middle export goods in fact, it has in Ages, the intensive on the Pegnitz: many respects a long-distance trade the toy fair and firm foundation: brought spices, “Christkindlmarkt” in the age of the which promoted Christmas market. economic miracle, the business of the the number of gingerbread bakers, employed rocketed the “Lebküchner”.
289 km
There are adorned by the ones that opened more than 400 town’s “Rössle” – the world’s first flights of stairs up the town was built reinforced concrete and down the around a stud farm. TV tower to visitors elevations around Not forgetting, of in 1955. Its the valley basin, course, the car construction costs and the “Zacke” manufacturer with of DM 4.2 million is one of the last the star ... Many were recouped in four rack railways resourceful minds just five years. in Germany. Local are at home in this sports cars are city, including the 80 km ...back to Giengen.
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: [email protected]
City 1 ______Letter 4 City 7 ______Letter 1 City 2 _ _ _ _ Letter 6 City 8 ______Letter 7 City 3 ______Letter 3 City 9 _ _ _ _ _ Letter 8 City 4 _ _ _ _ _ Letter 5 City 10 ______Letter 2 City 5 ______Letter 9 Solution: City 6 Letter 10 ______1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
34 CONTEST
151 km 305 km
Minga isn’t A minimum of appreciate the fine The biggest city landmarks include skyscraper Chinese! Rather, it 13.5% original arts, the exclusive in its federal state, the “Römer” and ambience into the is the city of 1.5 wort is required, museums, the but not the capital banking district. City – “MyZeil” million people that plus 5.8 to 6.4% opera house and ... The name of the The Nextower is the modern every autumn invites alcohol by volume the Gärtnerplatz. metropolis being in the Palais response to the visitors from all over – and attractive And another thing: looked for here Quarter brings famous Zeil the world to the décolletage. Other since a referendum dates back to a the Mainhattan shopping street. Theresienwiese, popular places to of 2004, no new rocky ford that early where total sales meet include the multi-storey buildings inhabitants used of over 1 billion English Garden, the are allowed to to use to cross the euros are poured “Viktualienmarkt”, overlook the Church Main. The city has out for the guests. and for those who of our Lady. Europe’s biggest cargo airport, and is a central rail and road hub. Its
153 km
The first Sunday! The local internationally organised carnival beer is available public by musicians procession in the all year round. like the group Rhineland took Something the “BAP”. St. Peter, the place here on 10 Southern Germans Gothic cathedral February 1823. can’t understand is of this media and Every year since, that it is poured into culture city, is also the cry of “Alaaf” 0.2-litre glasses, world famous. goes up for the and bears the same It was finally Rosenmontag pro- name as the local completed in 1880 cession 48 days dialect... Which after 600 years of before Easter in turn was made construction work.
35 PORTRAIT
Meet Paul Steiff
First 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 Paul Steiff, the to help secure the American market. On his return to Germany, he was inventor of the placed in charge of the quality control and design departments at Steiff. growler. Photo He also continued sketching animals and his artistic ability was highly of around 1930. 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.
The pictures show Paul Steiff with his wife Minni (left), around 1909 and in his car with “Roloplan kite” hood (ca. 1912).
36 PORTRAIT
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.
37 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. DISCOVERIES
Secrets from the archives
A look at never-before-seen treasures from the vaults at Steiff.
This issue of the Steiff Club magazine marks the start of an exciting new feature. We’re pleased to bring you glimpses inside the This elephant prototype of 1930 with bells and a felt hat famous and closely guarded Steiff is most likely a predecessor of the company’s Circus archives, where thousands of Elephant, which was produced in 24 and 39 cm from 1931 treasures are awaiting to be through 1940. The elephant has a tail turns head feature as discovered. The items shown here well as jointed limbs. This fantastic piece proudly presents exist in prototype only – only one for photography. piece was made and was never The purple silk plush monkey is a prototype of 1939. His put into serial production. 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.
More of hidden treasures from the archives to follow…
39 VENUES
Steiff Museum
What 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.
40 VENUES
In the course of Baden Wuerttemberg’s his summer tour Minister President “Kretschmann is Winfried Kretschmann walking!” Minister (second from right) and President Winfried Minister of Education and Kretschmann was at Cultural Affairs Andreas Steiff in Giengen on Stoch (second from left) 13 August. 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.
Well, are you able to distinguish the plush huskies from the living ones?
41 VENUES
Something for everyone
Northern California Steiff fans gather at Susan’s Store Room.
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.
During the appraisals, one (and their Steiff versions in collector brought an extremely plush) in a fascinating, hands-on rare blank button Teddy bear setting. Participants were given from 1904-1905 to be evaluated. a chance to pet an alligator, feel Nicknamed “Sam,” the bear was the prickles of hedgehogs, and purchased new at FAO Schwarz touch furry tarantulas, among in New York in the early 1900’s, other creatures. “I would never then moved with the family to have believed I would have been Owner Susan San Francisco, where he resides this comfortable touching an Hoy of Susan’s today. “The monetary value is alligator!” exclaimed one man. Store Room not important to us,” said the Naturally, the animal portion of introduces a fourth-generation owner. “He the event was also popular with real alligator has been a part of our family for the children in attendance. to its Steiff over a century and we wouldn’t One thing that makes events counterpart. think of parting with him.” Other at Susan’s Store Room so unique notable items included a special is the diversity of the crowd. New York tiger customized for the Chicago Attendees included everyone designer Helen Tribune newspaper during the from children buying their first said one collector. “I like seeing Ratkai costumed 1960’s, a schnauzer costumed by Steiff to collectors buying their people, especially the young ones, this schnauzer, New York designer Helen Ratkai 200th piece. “It’s great to see so excited about Steiff. It’s not brought to in the 1950’s, and an early lamb people from all generations here”, just an event for us collectors.” Susan’s Store on wheels from Room for around 1910. appraisal. As collectors waited to have A highlight of their items every season at appraised, Susan’s Store many took Room is the advantage of elaborately the opportunity dressed to see some windows. live animals
42 VENUES
Small and big treasures
Worldwide interest in the Steiff auction of TeddyDorado.com
More than 150 floor bidders each to a different absent bidder from all over Germany and bidding in writing. Another neighbouring countries gathered antique Teddy bear had come in the town hall of Bonn-Bad from Norway – and was adopted Godesberg for the most recent by a collector in Singapore! Steiff auction in the hope of Lot TD 16-7030 was a wooden adding to their collections – and rocking horse by Mr. Paul Steiff, quite obviously against lots of which he and master carpenter absent bidders, some of them Karl Kreisser had made as a financially very strong – from the Christmas present for the latter’s more than 400 Steiff lots on offer. grandson in 1944. After 70 years A little less than half of the called of use by his own family, said items were post-1980 limited grandson had now personally special items, and a good 50 were brought his rocking horse to pre-1947. TeddyDorado in Wachtberg near One particular floor bidder Bonn, and after a successful bid from the UK, who was also very of €1,600 can now rest safe in interested in dinosaurs (which the knowledge that the “animal” The rocking horse from 1944 was purchased for 1,600 were only made in 1958/59 for will be well looked after by an Euros by an American collector. the American market), acquired American telephone bidder. a green-and-white antique Dolly Other items in great demand bear of 1913. A 70 cm antique were wool miniatures in the best take place on Saturday, 5 March Teddy bear with a sailor collar possible condition: a pair of dogs 2016, again at the town hall in and an antique photo of himself on a lead went for €850, a chick Bonn-Bad Godesberg, and will with his first owners went for with a cardboard tag for €1,700, be a public auction with free €3,000; a 32 cm antique Teddy and a dachshund changed owners admission. On the evening before bear for €2,600, and a 40 cm for an impressive €1,900, the the auction, as well as being able “Lulac”-inspired “Zolac” Teddy world’s highest bid. to preview the items, there will bear of the mid-1960s for €750, The next Steiff auction is to be a valuation day where visitors The Teddy bear can have their historic Steiff items with sailor’s dated and valued (free of charge) collar is 70 cm by Mr. Eßer. You will find the in size. He online catalogue for the Steiff changed owner auctions and further information for 3,000 euros. at www.teddydorado.com. The direct phone number for TeddyDorado GmbH is +49 (0) Wool miniatures 228 207 6758, and you can reach have been very them on Tuesdays and Thursdays popular for between 10:00 and 13:00 hrs. quite some time.
43 VENUES
Club event with Italian flair
Lots of satisfied guests at Reindl‘s first Club event.
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!
Teddy bear workshop
We invite you to take part on 1st or 2nd July 2016.
Since 2006 our popular Teddy all further information about how to bear workshops have taken take part on our new home page at: place within the scope of the www.steiff.com/en-gb/workshop. Steiff Sommer. On 1st and 2nd The number of participants is July 2016 it’s happening again. limited to 80 people. If we receive Unleash your creativity and more registrations, the participants make a personalised unique piece will be drawn by lot. Registration which is available nowhere else ends on 4 April 2016. The team of for a beloved relative, friend or Steiff looks forward to welcoming yourself. Please find a picture of you at the workshops in Giengen. this year’s workshop Teddy bear, the registration form, as well as
44 CALENDAR
Events
Club events and other dates.
Germany Other dates
11/02 Spielwaren Reindl, Fürstenfeldbruck Tel.: +49 (0)8141 2 60 20 Saturday 5 March 2016 11/02 Galeria Kaufhof GmbH, Oberhausen Tel.: +49 (0)208 82 30 378 Steiff special auction 12/02 Stadthalle Bonn-Bad Godesberg 13/02 Galeria Kaufhof GmbH, Hannover Tel.: +49 (0)511 3 60 14 37 Koblenzer Str. 80, 53177 Bonn am Rhein 16/02 Galeria Kaufhof GmbH, Munich Tel.: +49 (0)89 23 18 53 77 Organized by: 19/02 Spielwaren Lütgenau, Dortmund Tel.: +49(0)231 54 90 524 TeddyDorado GmbH 19/02 Galeria Kaufhof, Düsseldorf (Königsallee) Tel.: +49 (0)211 13 91 236 Marienstraße 2, 53343 Wachtberg 04/03 Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH, Mülheim Tel.: +49 (0)208 49 51 468 Tel. +49 (0)228 20 76 758 11/03 Mukk GmbH, Münster Tel.: +49 (0)251 9 79 59 50 Fax: +49 (0)228 20 76 759 16/03 Carl Schäffer Geschenke, Osnabrück Tel.: +49 (0)541 3 31 31 32 www.teddydorado.de 18/03 Galeria Kaufhof GmbH, Bonn Tel.: +49 (0)228 51 60 19/03 Spielzeug-Paradies Wagner OHG, Bochum Tel.: +49 (0)234 90 28 20 Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 March 2016 15/04 Galeria Kaufhof GmbH; Kassel (NI) Tel.: +49 (0)561 78 96 374 Teddybär Welt 23/04 Paul Wolff OHG, Giengen Tel.: +49 (0)7322 51 98 Messecenter Rhein-Main Wiesbaden/Wallau Great Britain Organized by: Christine Spies 11/03 Teddy Bears of Witney, Witney Tel.: +44 (0)1993 702616 Tel. +49 (0)221 530 63 53 13/03 The Bear Garden, Guildford Tel.: +44 (0)1483 302581 www.teddybaer-welt.de 09/04 Steiff Gallery, Bromley Tel. +44 (0)20 8466 8444 Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 April 2016 10.00 - 18.00 and 11.00 - 16.00 hrs Netherlands 22. TEDDYBÄR TOTAL 12/03 Hesemans, Breda Tel.: +31 (0)76.5212310 Messehalle Süd 13/03 Berelijn, Dordrecht Tel.: +31 (0)78.6318028 Messe- und Congress Centrum Halle Münsterland Albersloher Weg 32 48155 Münster Austria Organized by: 18/03 Kober/Steiff, Wien Tel.: +43 (0)1.5124896 Wellhausen & Marquardt 19/03 Elfis Puppenstube, Wien Tel.: +43 (0)1.8656589 Mediengesellschaft bR Hans-Henny-Jahnn-Weg 51 22085 Hamburg Switzerland Tel. +49 (0)40 42 91 77-0 www.teddybaer-total.de 27/04 Steiff Galerie/Pegasus, Zürich Tel.: +41 (0)44.2124642
Friday 1 to Sunday, 3 July 2016 Steiff Sommer 2016 Luxemburg at Margarete Steiff GmbH, 29/04 De Neie Spillbuttek, Luxemburg Tel.: +352 (0)314183 Giengen an der Brenz Contact: [email protected]
(NI = New introductions) Subject to change. Please contact the Club stores for further information. You will find further dates at www.steiff.com 45 THE CLUB PAGE
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 Our current gifts if you win a new member: 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 for a 1-year membership: member. We would be glad about it! Flaps baby penguin, 20 cm, item no. 057090, Manni mammoth, 18 cm, item no. 082412, Koko monkey, 25 cm, 280122 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
for a 2-year membership: The Steiff Club membership card Hippi frog, 28 cm, item no. 282225, This membership card allows you to enjoy privileges such as free entry Mini Teddy bear heart, 10 cm, item no. 028915, to the Steiff museum in Giengen. The card also means you can benefit Piccy blue tit, 10 cm, item no. 033360 from special offers at various Steiff events.
The Steiff Club magazine In 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 events At 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 for a 3-year membership: as special highlights. Petsy Teddy bear, 28 cm, item no. 012402 Hoppi dangling rabbit, 35 cm, item no. 122620, Online offers Urs, brown bear, 45 cm, item no. 070037 In the Club selection at www.steiff.com, you will find the Steiff swap meet, downloads and much more.
The exclusive Club editions As 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 gift Every 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 or a 75 EUR voucher for the Steiff online shop gift with the first shipment of the Steiff Club early in February. (Germany, France, Austria and UK only)
46 THE CLUB PAGE
Application form
OO I would like to become a member of the Steiff Club OO I would like to give a gift membership in the Steiff Club OO I am a member and would like to win a new member
Details new member: O Ms O Mrs O Mr I wish to pay my membership subscription for
OO one year (50 EUR /60 CHF / 42 GBP) First name, surname Please complete in clearly legible block capitals! OO two years (90 EUR /100 CHF / 75 GBP) OO three years (130 EUR /150 CHF / 105 GBP)
Address non-European countries (exluding the USA):
Postcode, town OO one year: 100 EUR OO two years: 180 EUR OO three years: 250 EUR Country
O by direct debit (until cancelled, throughout Europe in Euros only) Telephone no.
account holder bank e-mail:
IBAN Date of birth
BIC Your Club store (if known)
Details gift giving person or member who is recommending: O Ms O Mrs O Mr O with the enclosed cheque
First name, surname O by bank transfer to the following account:
Deutsche Bank AG, Heidenheim, account no: 202 753 002, bank code 613 700 86, Address IBAN: DE 21 6137 0086 0202 7530 02, Swift Code (BIC): DEUT DESS 613
Postcode, town st Duration of membership: The personal membership year begins on 1 February, st st st 1 May, 1 August, or 1 November depending on in which quarter the application Country 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 Telephone no. of the personal membership year, the membership can be renewed by the person who placed the order or the member themselves. e-mail: 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 Date of birth 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 Membership number (only when you win a new member) 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 Please send the first mailing to: O the recipient of the gift membership O me personally protection regulations of Margarete Steiff GmbH, the German Data Protection Act, (A gift certificate can be downloaded from www.steiff.com/Club) 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 My preferred gift: (when you win a new member) transactions, sending Club information, and invitations to Club events. If you have any further questions, comments, or require information about your data, please contact Margarete Steiff GmbH, Postfach 1560, 89530 Giengen an der Brenz, Germany. Item no.
Name Date Signature
Delivered free of charge to your door while supplies last. The gift will be sent approximately 4 to 6 weeks after You have several possibilities to answer: Cut out or copy the form and send it receipt of the new member’s subscription. You will receive a notification by mail or e-mail giving you the voucher by mail to the Steiff Club, Margarete Steiff GmbH, Postfach 1560, 89530 Giengen code for 75 €. Cash payment is not possible. Recourse to courts of law is likewise excluded. or fax it to: 49 (0)7322 131-476. The easiest way is per online application at: www.steiff.com/Club
Place/Date Signature of person who is recommending and new member 47 MAIL BOX
Readers’ letters
Dear Steiff Club, I found a collectors and members of the cemetery in which she is buried. great old Steiff bear at an Steiff Club. If you are in Europe, Both are located just a short antique store, but it does not please send your ideas to us here walking distance from the Steiff have its button. Is it possible at [email protected]. If you are factory. And, the town of Giengen to send it back to the company in the USA, please send your is lovely, filled with quaint shops for a replacement button? ideas to Carolyn Smith, North and delicious restaurants. There PS, Cologne, Germany American Club Manager at is certainly enough to do to In times past, an occasional [email protected]. fill an exciting day! For more Steiff item would make it out of And if you are in the UK, information, please see the factory without its button. please send your ideas to Leyla http://www.giengen.de/welcome So your item may be one of the Maniera, UK Club Manager at or www.steiff.com rare examples that were never [email protected]. They “buttoned” in Giengen. On the will forward the ideas along other hand, if there is a hole to our product development Dear Steiff Club, how can I present, the button may have committee for review. Every find out how much my Steiff been removed by a cautious suggestion receives careful collection is worth? Does the parent or lost during play as the consideration, and we appreciate company provide valuations? years rolled by. Unfortunately, your input! GS, New York, NY, U.S.A Steiff does not replace buttons The secondary market for in any of our products, but Steiff products changes over this should not keep you from Dear Steiff Club, my family and time due to many factors that enjoying your wonderful antique I would like to pay a visit to the are beyond our control. For this store find. A Steiff is still a Steiff, birthplace of the Teddy bear. reason, we do not provide official with button or not! What types of things can we do evaluations; however, to gauge a in Giengen, Germany? general idea of an item’s worth, RE, London, UK there are a number of publications Dear Steiff Club, I have been There are many fun and published for your reference a collector of your company’s exciting things to do in Giengen. and research. Perhaps the best great items since I was a Come visit the Steiff campus, known of these is the Sortiment child, and have more than where you can tour our family- series by Gunther Pfeiffer. 500 examples in my personal friendly museum and see our Copies are widely available collection. I often think about original buildings, many of which online and through the secondary ideas for Steiff items, things date from the turn of last century. market. Also, evaluations are that would be great to see in the Enjoy a meal in the Bistro Knopf offered by several auctioneers line. Do you take ideas from and then shop in our retail store like TeddyDorado (see www. collectors for product design - located in the museum building teddydorado.com). But keep in and development? - or find amazing bargains in our mind: besides your collection’s JO, Washington, DC, U.S.A. seconds shop, located opposite to monetary value, reminder how Yes, we are always interested the museum. You can also take a much joy it brings you – a joy in learning about new ideas for tour through Margarete Steiff’s that’s priceless. the line, especially from our original birth house, as well as the
48 MAIL BOX
“Big Bear” before and after “nose job”
Dear Steiff Club, how do I Dear Steiff Friends, clean my mohair items? I have After reading the latest Steiff magazine I wondered if you would them displayed on a shelf and be interested in the story of my Steiff “Big Bear”. I noticed that they have gotten He belonged to my mother, Marie Colles who was born in 1908. dusty. DW, Berlin, Germany I remember as a child he had been mended with blackout curtain to To remove light dust, a gentle his nose, elastic stocking to his ankles but had always been greatly “Big Bear” - brushing may be enough to do loved and had lost most of his fur. I constantly had him dressed and taken in 1996. the job. For items that are truly in took him for walks in my doll’s need of cleaning, the first rule to pram - I didn’t like dolls - only remember is this: never submerge bears! However, he still had his your Steiff mohair item in water. “button in ear”. I started getting Instead, take a mild detergent more Steiff bears but sadly had (such as dish soap) and make to let Big Bear go to auction in a foam. Apply the foam very Sheffield about 10 years ago. sparingly to the soiled item, then Recently I found some old use a damp sponge to rinse. Make photographs showing Big Bear – sure to get all the soap completely he certainly was a very fine bear out while avoiding over-wetting. in his early years! When finished, brush occasionally If a collector who bought as the item air dries. Mohair is Big Bear is a Steiff Club very durable and, when cleaned, member, maybe he or she would your item should look as good as recognise him and be interested new. in his story.
49 FAVOUR ITE
A tale of two mice
Memories bring childhood friends together again.
It was a busy morning for Mirabelle the mouse. The bus dropped Mirabelle off at the train She was busy scrubbing dishes, washing laundry, station. But now she was worried. How would and ironing. “Oh, I do wish that something exciting she pay for the train ride? She went to the ticket would happen today!” she exclaimed. booth and explained her situation. The man at the As she went outside to hang her clothes to dry, booth was friendly and said, “Well, today is your she saw the postman approaching. He was carrying lucky day, as I am very hungry and I forgot to a large envelope addressed to her. “Well hello pack my lunch. So, I will trade you some Mirabelle, it is nice to see you! It looks like you gingerbread for a train ticket.” Mirabelle have a letter today from Maxine the mouse.” immediately agreed, and handed some cookies Minutes later, Mirabelle sat at her kitchen table over to him. She got her ticket, boarded the and carefully opened the letter. It read, “Dear train, and continued on her journey. She did Mirabelle, I hope you remember me. My name is notice that her travel bag was getting lighter. Maxine. We went to school together many years Half an hour later, the train arrived in Maxine’s ago. I was organizing my attic and came across town and Mirabelle left the station to get a taxi. some of my childhood things and thought of you. She asked the driver if he would take gingerbread Can we meet again? I live a few towns away from cookies as payment for the short ride. “I usually you and would love to see you. Please visit me next drive for money, not cookies!” he said, “But I Thursday. Best, Maxine.” Mirabelle was delighted suppose I can make an exception this one time.” with the invitation and started planning her visit. Soon they arrived at their destination and “Now, this is the fun I had wished for!” she thought. Mirabelle rang Maxine’s doorbell. Maxine opened Mirabelle had many decisions to make about the door and welcomed Mirabelle with open her upcoming trip. After much consideration, she arms. The years melted away. After an hour of decided to wear her favorite blue dress. She also conversation, Maxine asked Mirabelle if she’d discovered that she could take a bus, and then like some tea. Then Mirabelle remembered the a train, and then a taxi to get to Maxine’s. And, gingerbread cookies she had baked for Maxine. for a house gift, she decided to make a batch of She looked into her travel case and with horror – gingerbread cookies. there was only one cookie left, and that was not a When the big day arrived, Mirabelle waited very generous house gift at all! patiently at the bus stop. When it arrived, the After Maxine returned with the tea service, driver asked where she was going to. She explained Mirabelle presented her with one remaining cookie. that she needed to get to the train station. So She explained that she had started out with plenty the driver said, “That will be one euro in fare.” of treats, but had to pay for her travel in cookies. Mirabelle froze. She forgot to bring money! What Mirabelle was very embarrassed. But Maxine would she do? So she looked at the driver and laughed and said, “That is perfectly ok, old friend! shyly said, “May I pay you in gingerbread?” The I am on a diet, and shouldn’t have any sweets at all. bus driver was surprised but said, “It depends But I would be delighted to split the last cookie with on how tasty the cookies are!” So she handed you with our tea.” Maxine then reached over and him one of Maxine’s cookies. “That’s the best gave Mirabelle a big hug. gingerbread I’ve ever had! That will cover your It was at that moment that Mirabelle truly under- fare as far as I am concerned!” he said. stood what it was like to have a friend for life.
50 Pixi mouse, item no. 021497, is 9 cm in size and comes in a piece of cheese made of felt. Margarete SteiffGmbH, Richard-Steiff-Straße4,89537 GiengenanderBrenz www.steiff.com
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