WHERE DO IDEAS COME FROM? - Steiff

MAY 2011
The official magazine for Steiff Club members
Steiff Inside
WHERE DO IDEAS
COME FROM?
Culture E-MAIL FROM THE ARCTIC CIRCLE
Favourite BOBBY HUSKY

— U2 —
Who could resist such a bright
smile, such inquisitive eyes,
such a delightful expression?
Pepe is sewn from a grey-white
mohair. His nose is shaved to
reveal a darker backing underneath
– adding to his appeal.
With his cupped ears, you can
tell he’s listening to every word!
(EAN 036880, 38 cm, Limited
Edition of 2,011 pieces)
Dear Steiff friends,
Spring at last! The loveliest time of the year has arrived.
Most of us rightly look forward to getting out into the fresh
air and doing things outside at the weekend, and maybe
eating outside too.
The winter months are good for lovers of skiing though,
and they have another “good side” too: we received lots of
wonderful love stories about Steiff from our Club members
throughout the winter!
During the “Love Stories” competition advertised in our
November issue, we found out that love stories connected with
Steiff are something truly special. Love stories about Steiff
tend to be similar and yet unique at the same time, as every
story is based on a personal experience. And love stories about
Steiff make the judges’ job of finding a winner particularly
hard. Because every story is packed with emotion. Our
warmest thanks to everyone who took part! As we do not have
room to publish the stories in the Club magazine, we have
decided, after consulting with the contributors, to show a
selection of them on our homepage. But there is of course
a winner – as with any other competition. Find out more on
pages 4 and 5.
On pages 12 to 15 of this edition we are looking at how we
come up with ideas for new products. A fascinating and multifaceted
subject! And then there’s the rarities that cannot be
found in any of the “Steiff Sortiment” books. Not possible?
See for yourselves on page 20.
We hope you enjoy our spring issue!
BEST REGARDS
YOURS
INGE ZINNECKER
Steiff Club Manager
— 3 —
CONTENTS
PASSIONS
“Love Stories” contest winners 4
CLUB NEWS
New special items and events around the world 6
STEIFF INSIDE
Where do ideas come from? 12
TRUE VALUES
Created to love 16
PORTRAIT
Tiny Steiff bears mending tiny newborn hearts 18
RARITIES
Not in the “Sortiment”? 20
CLUB MAIL
Questions and answers 24
CULTURE
E-mail from the arctic circle 25
FAVOURITE
Come play with Bobby Husky 26
IMPRINT
PUBLISHER: Margarete Steiff GmbH
Richard-Steiff-Straße 4, 89537 Giengen an der Brenz, Germany
tel.: + 49 (0) 7322 131555
EDITORS: Rick Emerson, Inge Zinnecker
CONCEPT, DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT:
Werbewelt GmbH, www.werbewelt.de
FREQUENCY OF PUBLICATION: four times 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 03/2011 e – EAN 912641

Steiff toys enthusiasts often write to Steiff asking advice,
expressing thanks, or sharing their joy over their new Steiff
animal. The passion of these letters recently inspired a
contest. We posed a question: “How did you fall in love with
Steiff?” And Steiff Club magazine readers responded!
1st prize
(a Steiff item worth € 300):
Martina Picolin, Niederkassel
2nd prize
(a Steiff item worth € 200):
Ulrike Mertens, Düsseldorf
PASSIONS
LOVE STORIES
CONTEST
— Result and winners
A bulk of letters tell stories of affection that has endured and
grown through the decades. (You can read letters in their
entirety at www.steiff.com/Steiff Club/community.) Contest
winners will receive prizes with a total value of € 1,300 as a
group. The names of the winners are:
3rd - 10th prize
(a Steiff item worth € 100 each):
Bärbel Wiegmann-Wetzig, Bohmte
Kwok Win Suen, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Annette Kirchheiner, Soborg, Denmark
Rex Ide, Reinfeld
Sandra Schmidt, Waldböckelheim
Marcia Dewey, Lake Zurich, Illinois
Gudrun Köder-Blankenbach, Pforzheim
Monika Trauernicht, Filsum
PASSIONS
“ THANK YOU!”
to all who wrote to tell their story of love at first sight.

UK
CLUB NEWS
COUNTRY EXCLUSIVES
“CATHERINE”, THE ROYAL
WEDDING TEDDY BEAR
To mark the marriage of Prince William
and Kate Middleton Steiff have created a
beautiful limited edition bear exclusive for
Peter Jones China. The delicately feminine
Catherine Teddy bear has a gorgeous soft
peach long mohair coat and her foot pad is
decorated with two intertwined golden
hearts. (EAN 663338, 27 cm, Limited Edition
of 1,500 pieces)
For further information, or to order your
Steiff “Catherine” Teddy bear please contact:
Peter Jones China, 22 Little Westgate,
Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF1 1LB,
tel.: + 44 (0) 1924 36 25 10,
www.peterjoneschina.com
— 6 —
USA
“GATSBY”,
THE TRADEMARK BEAR
When we announced to collectors that this series would end last
year, they immediately let us know they wanted more. So we
decided it was only fitting, if we were going to introduce another
bear to the series, that it should be something truly special. Gatsby
fits the bill perfectly. He’s made of a rare cinnamon-coloured
material that Steiff has never used before – a blend of pure silk with
a little bit of mohair added to the mix. The result is something truly
extraordinary. A bear like no other. Even his face is a new design
for Steiff. Around his neck, he wears a genuine leather collar with
an elephant trademark button. Whether you’ve been collecting the
trademark series of bears or not, you’ll want to own this very special
limited edition for its own charming appeal. (EAN 681950,
38 cm, Limited Edition of 1,897 pieces)
USA
“TEDDY POVERMAN”,
THE FAMILY HEIRLOOM BEAR
Our family heirloom series pays tribute to bears with
interesting true stories. They’re reproductions of Teddies
that have led fascinating lives. Teddy Poverman certainly qualifies
on all counts. For decades, he sat at the foot of the staircase
in the Poverman family home in New Haven, Conn.
dressed in festive garb, greeting family members and visitors
as they arrived to celebrate various holidays. To reflect his
celebratory spirit, Teddy Poverman wears an airbrushed, aged
vest embroidered with holiday symbols – a heart, a flag, and
a shamrock – symbolizing just some of the holidays for which
he was dressed through the years. Besides his heart-warming
story, he’s a simply adorable Teddy made of bleached grey
mohair – one you’ll certainly want to add to your collection of
bears. (EAN 681981, 40 cm, Limited Edition of 1,500 pieces)
USA
CLUB NEWS
“HARPO”, THE SMILING BEAR
It’s no wonder Harpo is smiling. That’s because he’s based on a Steiff bear that was used as a photographer’s prop in a
studio for more than 50 years. The original appeared in hundreds of photographs with delighted children. So it’s no surprise
that Harpo wears a big smile. He must have heard the phrase “say cheese!” countless times! He can’t help but grin. Harpo
is a 100% genuine mohair bear of caramel colour with glistening black eyes and a hand-stitched nose. In honour of his past
photographic career, Harpo wears a locket around his neck that you can fill with your favourite photo. With his fascinating
history and undeniable charm, you’ll definitely want to own Harpo, The Smiling Bear. (EAN 681905, 46 cm, Limited
Edition of 1,500 pieces)
— 7 —

Germany
CLUB NEWS
THE TRAM CONDUCTOR
What would life be without nostalgia? Is that not where we discover the secret
that what used to be considered outdated is suddenly back in fashion and sought
after? Nostalgia also means remembering. And that provides a host of good ideas.
So it was with the memory of the much-loved and lauded “Linie 8”, the symbol of
Munich’s transport system. A tram museum and a customer magazine published by
Munich’s transport company with the name “Linie 8” continues to show how the
tram still has a place in our hearts, despite being abolished in 1975. And tram conductors
appear to have left no lesser an impression behind them than the tram
itself. Why else would Oberpollinger be selling a Teddy bear of that name? And
this is what he looks like: The Steiff Tram Conductor Teddy bear is made of highquality
mohair and five-way jointed. He wears a royal blue jacket with silver
studded buttons and a matching cap badge with the number 8. A silver whistle and
change machine and a contemporary tram ticket round off the Teddy bear’s original
outfit. The Tram Conductor Teddy bear has been created in a strictly limited edition
of 1,000 pieces and is available exclusively with reference EAN 657283 from
Oberpollinger department store, at Neuhauser Str. 18, 80331 Munich. The recommended
retail price is: €199.00 You can also order from www.oberpollinger.de,
stefan.marder@oberpollinger.de or call +49(0)89.29025968. (EAN 657283, 30 cm)
— 8 —
Worldwide
THE 1950 TEDDY BEAR
We have already introduced him in
our November 2010 issue. This is
now the second item in our Loyalty
bears series: The “1950 Teddy bear”
has been created in the style of the
Club edition of 2001 and is based on a
popular Teddy bear design of the
1950s. Members who have been loyal
to the Steiff Club for at least 10 years
can buy this 25 cm bear with his
silver-coloured medallion. An order
form has been enclosed with this
Club magazine exclusively for those
members who are eligible. The Teddy
bear will be available from May 2011.
(EAN 421198, 25 cm, Limited Edition
of 3,000 pieces)
“KÄPT’N KNOPF”
GOES ON BOARD!
— Accompany him on 24 July 2011 on the EUROPA
Germany
Has the star of the Steiff Museum in Giengen got itchy
feet? Or is he just keen to set off in search of the 3,000 Teddy
bears that have been missing en route to America since 1903?
Whatever the reason, “Käpt’n Knopf” will be embarking on
MS EUROPA in Travemünde on 24 July 2011, as he sets off
on his first cruise voyage to Spitzbergen. And this won’t be
the only trip organised by Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten whose
direction he will have a say in. The “Steiff Family trips”
programme will have wonderful activities for children for
which Steiff is providing animals for some active holiday fun.
Wouldn’t it be fun to be there? As a Steiff Club member you
have the unique opportunity to spend an Open Day on the
EUROPA on 24 July in Travemünde and enjoy a free tour
(the normal price of a tour is €99). Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten
is offering 50 exclusive tickets for the tour. The programme
will last from 10.30am to around 2.15pm and includes
a reception, a detailed tour of the ship of around
CLUB NEWS
1.5 hours and lunch including drinks on board. If you would
like to come on board with us and “Käpt’n Knopf”, then
drop us a line. We will draw lots for the tickets among our
Club members. (The judges’ decision is final.) No more than
2 participants per application. Please send us a postcard with
sufficient postage with your membership number, your name
and the name of your companion (if any) to: Margarete Steiff
GmbH, Reference: Käpt’n Knopf/Travemünde, Postfach 15 29,
89530 Giengen/Brenz, Germany.
The lucky winners of the draw will receive a registration
form from Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten before the end of
April together with directions on how to get there. You will
have to make your own travel arrangements.
Good luck!
“Käpt’n Knopf” charts
the course on the EUROPA
from July 2011.
Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten is offering
Steiff Family trips. Details at www.hlkf.de
or from your travel agent.

Are you planning a visit to the Steiff Museum and looking
for other things to do in the locality? Then why not take
a tour of the town of Giengen with a knowledgeable guide?
We have put together a few suggestions for you below. You
can also benefit from attractive hotel rates between April
and October.
THE CITY TOURS
In the steps of Margarete Steiff
Treat yourself to a tour around the home town of Giengen’s
most famous citizen and discover different stages of her life
and work as part of Giengen’s history.
Tour length:
approx. 1 hour 15 min.
Price per group: € 25
Supplement for English-language guide € 10
Supplement at weekends (Sat. & Sun.)
and public holidays € 10
Maximum group size 40 people.
Giengen at night with Councillor Honold
On this tour you will discover the city of Giengen by
torchlight and get to know it from a totally different angle.
Councillor “Friedrich Honold” will guide you around this
former free city in person. He has a lot to tell you, because
MISCELLANEOUS:
Teddybär Total
16 and 17 April 2011
Rheda-Wiedenbrück
www.teddybaertotal.de
Contact tel.: +49(0)203.3052743
20th International Doll and Teddy Bear Festival
3 and 4 June 2011
Frankenhalle Neustadt/Coburg
Organiser: Christine Spies, Cologne
Tel.: +49(0)221.5306353
www.baerreport.de
International “Sea Bears Festival”
23 and 24 July 2011
Inselhalle Lindau
Organiser: Christine Spies, Cologne, see above
CLUB NEWS
WELCOME TO THE
TEDDY BEARS’ HOME TOWN
— 10 —
he actually lived through the fire that burned down the city
in 1634. And that’s not all, far from it! But don’t be too afraid
when he tells his grisly tales from the lives of former citizens
of Giengen.
Tour length (German only):
approx. 1 hour 15 min.
Price per group: € 35 plus € 1.50 per torch
(Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays € 45)
Maximum group size 40 people.
Evening appointments on reservation.
These and other city tours are available for families and small
groups of at least 2 people.
Price per small group based on group tours. For enquiries
and reservations, contact the Giengen Tourist Information
office.
i-Punkt
Marktstraße 9
89537 Giengen an der Brenz,
Germany
Tel.: + 49 (0) 7322.952 - 2920
tourist-info@giengen.de
www.baerenland.de
“The Märklin legend”
until the end of June 2011
An exhibition incorporating one of the largest Märklin
collections, metal model kits, trains from the era
of Germany’s economic miracle and documentations of
the biographies of Caroline Märklin and Margarete
Steiff including a special Steiff exhibition.
Miniaturwelt Oberhausen
Zum Aquarium 2
46047 Oberhausen
Opening times:
Tuesday to Friday: 11.00 – 18.00 hrs.
Saturday: 10.00 – 19.00 hrs.
Sunday: 10.00 – 18.00 hrs.
www.mythos-maerklin.de
(Steiff Club members receive a € 2 discount off the
admission fee when they present their membership card.)
THE LOBINGER PARKHOTEL
INVITES YOU
Special price for Steiff Club members
The Lobinger Parkhotel is a privately run family hotel on the
outskirts of Giengen. Here you will find comfort of a superior
class. A warm welcome and the well-being of guests is the top
priority. For visitors to the Steiff Museum and for guests
travelling by train, there is a free limousine service.
Your benefits as a Steiff Club member:
From April to October you will receive a 20% discount on
the current daily rate. This offer is subject to request and
availability.
Lobinger Parkhotel
Steigstraße 110
D-89537 Giengen / Brenz
tel.: + 49 (0) 7322.953 - 0
fax: + 49 (0) 7322.953- 111
Email: mail@lobinger-hotels.de
www.lobinger-hotels.de
CLUB EVENTS
NEW INTRODUCTIONS
GERMANY:
06/04 Galeria Kaufhof, 50667 Cologne,
tel.: + 49 (0) 221.2230
07/04 Buchhandlung Osiander,
72764 Reutlingen,tel.: + 49 (0) 7121.93660
09/04 Galeria Kaufhof, 30159 Hannover,
tel.: + 49 (0) 511.36010
14/04 Galeria Kaufhof, 93059 Regensburg,
tel.: + 49 (0) 941.46000
15/04 (NI) Karstadt, 45472 Mülheim,
tel.: + 49 (0) 208.49510
29 + 30/04 Karstadt, 28195 Bremen,
tel.: + 49 (0) 421.3071468
02/05 Bärenhöhle, 30161 Hannover,
tel.: + 49 (0) 511.313293
03 - 18/05 (NI) Karl Habermeyer Spielwaren,
86633 Neuburg, tel.: + 49 (0) 8431.8643
05/05 Karstadt, 66111 Saarbrücken,
tel.: + 49 (0) 681.3017552
10/06 Club trip to Giengen, Galeria Kaufhof,
34117 Kassel, tel.: + 49 (0) 561.7896374
08/07 Bear Attack, 24105 Kiel,
tel.: + 49 (0) 431.23955823
24/09 Karstadt, 01069 Dresden,
tel.: + 49 (0) 351.8612868
13/10 Ludwig Hudler, 85368 Moosburg,
tel.: + 49 (0) 8761.325
14 + 15/10 (NI) Karstadt, 80335 Munich,
tel.: + 49 (0) 89.55121480
22/10 Karstadt, 90402 Nuremberg,
tel.: + 49 (0) 911.2131068
05/11 Steiff Galerie, 65183 Wiesbaden,
tel.: + 49 (0) 611.1666999
15/11 Galeria Kaufhof, 80331 Munich,
tel.: + 49 (0) 89.23185711
AUSTRIA:
08/04 Steiff in Wien, 1010 Vienna, Austria,
tel.: + 43 (0) 1.5124896
09/04 Elfis Puppenstube, 1230 Vienna, Austria,
tel.: + 43 (0) 1.8656589
SCANDINAVIA:
22/10 Margaretas Dockskap, Malmö, Sweden,
tel.: + 46 (0) 40.916820
Subject to change. For more information, contact your Club
store. Further dates and addresses of Club stores can be found
at www.steiff.com (News\Events category).

STEIFF INSIDE
WHERE DO
IDEAS
COME FROM?
— After 130 years and 20,000 items produced,
how are new products created?
For many Steiff enthusiasts, there is nothing more exciting than taking that first look at a new Steiff catalogue,
filled with the promise of a whole new range of delightful products. Whether it’s the catalogue that comes out in late
Winter/early Spring or the catalogue, celebrating the wonders of Autumn and Christmas – all collectors are assured of
finding a multitude of new, special treasures to add to their Steiff “wish list”! But how exactly do these product lines come
about? How does Steiff constantly design and manufacture a steady stream of creative, new, and innovative products for
their collectors all over the world? Let’s take a closer look at the company’s product development process, which combines
a bit of art as well as science.
Formal product development meetings for the classic lines
take place at least three times per year at the company’s
headquarters in Giengen, Germany. Steiff employees from
Germany, the UK, and the USA – who are also avid
collectors – attend the meeting and are each responsible for
bringing along many new ideas for discussion.
The room that the meetings take place in is especially set up
to encourage creative thinking. The walls are covered in
whiteboards, sketchpads, and bullet boards on which ideas
can be noted, explored, and discussed. In the centre of the
large conference table are piles of interesting mohair, plush,
and other material samples; photographs or hand sketches
of interesting items for possible creation or replication; books,
magazines, and auction catalogues; items from the archives
for inspiration. The line between work and play becomes a
bit blurred as the discussions begin. Each participant brings
many new ideas to the table. These are shared through
presentations, verbal explanations, and demonstrations. For
example, someone may introduce a new product idea by
showing a little known vintage product, a particular type of
mohair, and an interesting accessory (like a piece of clothing
— 12 —
or medallion), and illustrating how they would all work
together to create a new item for the line. Other times, the
team may be doing things like searching through old Teddy
bear auction catalogues to find just the right “vintage”
expression for a new bear in the line. The walls quickly fill
with lists of items worthy of further consideration.
As the meeting progresses, these lists narrow down as ideas
are fully explored. Factors such as cost to produce, ease
of production, and materials required are all taken into
consideration for each idea. Of course, the intangible but
important “collectability” and “appeal” factors are taken into
account as well. Finally, the new product candidates on the
roster are compared against each other; this is especially
critical if two similar product ideas are being considered.
This also insures that the line is as strong, interesting,
and attractive as possible. Only then, after a final vote
of consensus, does the “final” list of new products for
development and production emerge. The timeline from idea
to production varies from a few months to a few years,
depending on the complexity, materials required, and
manufacturing considerations of the item.
STEIFF INSIDE
Sometimes Steiff’s basic materials provide the inspiration for a bear or animal.
— 13 —

STEIFF INSIDE
A magazine clipping, a swatch of mohair, a rough sketch — ideas can come from anywhere.
— 14 —
To get the insider’s perspective on product development at
Steiff, we interviewed members of the product development
team, some of whom have been with the company for decades.
THE EDITORS:
First of all, thank you all for taking the time to share your
thoughts on the product development process with
collectors! Can you tell us, how many ideas are presented
at a meeting? How long does it take for the team to
assemble them? How do you keep track of all of them?
THE TEAM:
As many as 200 ideas could be presented at a meeting. We
all assemble ideas for months at a time between meetings.
We keep track of the ideas in different ways. Sometimes,
they are just clippings or print-outs from the internet. Other
times, they will be in a PowerPoint presentation. Occasionally,
someone will bring in an actual item as inspiration or
an idea from a club member or collector. And, of course,
there are always the archives at our disposal. We frequently
summon pieces from the archives for consideration, especially
for replicas.
What do you think was the most unusual idea that was
ever brought to the table? What was the team’s reaction
to it? Was it produced?
There are always some unusual ideas. This is quite normal
for the meeting. We can’t think of any single one that stands
out. But the first rule of brainstorming is, “There are no bad
ideas.” So everything gets considered. Each idea is considered
equally. Sometimes there are items that we would like
to reproduce that prove to be too expensive, such as a
STEIFF INSIDE
“There are no LIMITS
to where IDEAS can come from ...”
— 15 —
replica of a pull toy that was a mother duck with several
baby ducklings trailing behind. The retail price would
simply have been too much for the market to bear. It was
disappointing not to be able to bring that piece to market.
Where or when was the most unusual place that a new
project idea came to you? Was the idea ever produced in
some form?
Ideas can come from anywhere. Fashion, magazines, the
news, collectors, fairs, artist exhibitions – really anywhere.
Just as there are no limits on brainstorming, there are no
limits to where ideas can come from. One of the Margarete
Steiff editions was inspired by the fabric of a Chanel suit,
and that was produced.
What product that you presented that has actually been
produced are you most proud of? Why?
We are proud of all our products. As a group, the product
development team tries to only approve production of items
that we think our collectors will like and will be successful.
How does it feel to see the new line, knowing that you
have seen it from the seed of an idea to completion?
It is still exciting to see items produced, even though most
of us have worked with the company for many years. It is
very rewarding to watch the seed of a concept blossom into
an item that is included in the line.
And it is a pleasure to enjoy the fruits of the team’s
labours!

CREATED TO LOVE
— Eavesdropping on a springtime conversation
Warmth and sunshine draw, from deep in the forest, an
unlikely pair — a rabbit and a bear. Presenting, Valentin
and April! Fresher than springtime, they make their debut!
We came upon the duo relaxing in a clearing, April with her
books, Valentin with apples to share. Before asking for their
photograph, we stayed back to eavesdrop. Are you ready to
swoon?
Spring is in the air!
“Oh, Valentin,” April said, looking up from her book, “can
you believe our good fortune? We’re part of the family of
Steiff toys!” “Too true, my friend!” Valentin said, straightening
his tie, tugging the points of his vest. “I thought I’d be
hopping toadstool to toadstool the rest of my life.”
“I thought I’d be sleeping through winters,” said April. “Now
I have much more time to read!” “Yes, a lovely lifestyle.”
Valentin chuckled, brimming with pride. “Look at me.
Mother Nature herself could not outfit me more beautifully.”
TRUE VALUES
— 16 —
“You are a dapper fellow,” April agreed. “I love my pretty
print dress.” She stood up, twirled once, then stroked her
arms. “And my new mohair is beyond my wildest dreams.”
“Ah, yes!” Valentin said. “Luxurious alpaca! I’ll never be cold
again. They got the airbrushing just right, if I do say so
myself.” April returned to the picnic bench. Sitting down, she
sighed. “Oh, Valentin. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but in
spite of everything, I’m still full of longing.”
“Soon we’ll be chosen!”
Valentin gazed at her kindly. “I’m quite sure I understand,”
he said. “We were created for the same ultimate destiny.”
April noticed the soft look in his eyes. He understood indeed.
“To love, to be cherished!” she said. “To be life-long companions
of faithful Steiff collectors! That is what I long for!”
Valentin reached across the table and handed April his pink
satin rose. “Don’t lose heart,” he said. “It’s only a matter of
time. Soon we’ll be chosen. Spring is in the air!”
TRUE VALUES
A bear and a rabbit are an unlikely pair, but they’ve become firm friends in the forest nonetheless.
— 17 —

PORTRAIT
TINY STEIFF BEARS
MENDING
TINY NEWBORN
HEARTS
— An interview with Dr. Gisela Veling-Warnke
“... I am still VERY FOND of this LITTLE BEAR,
which reminds me of a WONDERFUL TIME in my life.”
— 18 —
Steiff: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us
today. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Dr. Veling-Warnke: Certainly. For the past three years, I have
lived outside of Boston, Massachusetts with my family, which
includes three teenagers! Before that, we lived in Liverpool,
England. I am originally from Germany and a physician by
training. My specialty is pediatric neurology. I went to
medical school at the University of Saarbrücken, and did my
training at The Children’s Hospital of Homburg, which is
affiliated with the University.
Did you have Steiff animals as a child?
In my home growing up, like in many German households,
it was a tradition that a baby’s first toy animal would be a
Teddy bear. So my brothers and sisters all had their first bears.
My mother was very fond of Steiff, and purchased them for
her children as playthings, not really as items to keep “for
good” on a shelf. My little childhood Steiff collection
included a turtle, a little dressed cat, and many of the sweet,
tiny woollen bird miniatures. I also was very lucky in being
one of the younger children in the house, as I got all of my
older siblings “preloved” Steiff toys as well!
We understand that you have used Steiff Teddy bears in
your medical practice.
Yes, we used them in the premature baby unit. As part of
my medical education and training, the young doctors were
moved from unit to unit so they could experience and practice
many types of patient care. One day, I was assigned to
the premature baby unit, where tiny babies – sometimes
weighing 800 grams or less – receive specialized medical care.
They were each placed individually in clear plastic incubators,
which were basically boxes where they could be very carefully
monitored and cared for in their extremely delicate state.
One of the first things I noticed was that the nurses had put
a small 9 cm “Bendy” style Steiff Teddy bear face down on
top of each incubator, so the Teddy would be “watching over”
the premature baby.
Why do you think the nurses did that?
For many reasons. In some cases, the babies were not much
bigger than the bendy Teddies, so the size made perfect sense.
PORTRAIT
— 19 —
The Teddy bears “watched” over the babies much like a
guardian angel would, and in that sense made the mothers
feel better about their baby’s situation. The nurses also told
me that this was their way of showing how much they cared
about the premature babies, as they personally purchased the
Teddy bears from their own funds. And remember, in
Germany, a Teddy bear is the very first gift that people give
a newborn. So it also was a way of communicating hope, that
the baby would grow and get well and leave with their Steiff
Teddy bear – their first and most precious “Friend for Life.”
Most of the babies I treated in this premature hospital unit
are now in their early 20’s. I often think about them and
wonder if they still have their incubator Teddy bear. Knowing
people’s relationship to Steiff, I would think that they really
would!
“The Teddy bears ‘WATCHED’
over THE BABIES much
like a GUARDIAN ANGEL
would ...”
Do you have one of the Steiff Bendy Teddy bears
as a souvenir of your training in Homburg?
Yes. I think the year was 1989. I had met my future husband
at the hospital where I was treating the premature babies,
as he is also a physician. After work I took him to the local
department store to find and buy a Steiff Bendy bear for
myself. When we got there, there was only a little brown
one left. It wasn’t really the colour I wanted, but apparently
the nurses had purchased a large number from this store
already for the incubators! So I bought him. I have since
learned that this style of bear was discontinued in 1990, so
I am glad that I purchased him new when I had the opportunity
to do so.
Today, more than 20 years later, I am still very fond of this
little bear, which reminds me of a wonderful time in my life.
I keep it on my night table in my bedroom and he always
makes me smile.
We appreciate you sharing this wonderful story with us!
And clearly “only the best for children” includes the very
smallest among us!

RARITIES
NOT IN THE
“SORTIMENT”?
— A look at a few pieces, especially puppets,
which aren’t in the Steiff “bible.”
It is safe to say that for most Steiff fans, there is nothing
more exciting than finding a very special treasure to add
to a growing collection. For vintage items, many collectors
regularly consult the “Steiff Sortiment” Books, by Günther
Pfeiffer, to help identify, date, and value these older finds.
These reference guides are considered the “gold standard”
record of Steiff’s product line from 1892 onward, and
are based on items catalogued from the extensive archive
collection. Although these books contain thousands of
items through to 2003, it would be impossible to capture
every single item ever produced by Steiff.
Let’s take a look at a few seldom seen vintage Steiff rarities
that do not appear in the Pfeiffer reference books, what
makes them so special – and then meet a charter Steiff
Club member who specializes in finding and identifying
uncatalogued vintage puppets and other collectibles!
The first treasure up for discussion just might put you to
sleep! Here we have an uncatalogued Steiff tiger pyjama
bag. The tiger is about 40 cm long. He is in Steiff’s “lying”
position, meaning he is curled up with his legs to the side.
He has piercing green and black eyes, a pink embroidered
nose, and tufts of longer mohair around his jowls. Tiger is
head jointed and made from short mohair which has been
hand airbrushed and stenciled to give his coat a most
authentic look. Right down the middle of his belly is a long
zipper that extends from practically his neck to his tail;
this hides his internal silk-lined bag designed to hold the
sleepwear of a toddler! From a development standpoint, this
uncatalogued rarity is probably a modification of Steiff’s
— 20 —
standard line lying tiger cub, which was produced from 1953
through to 1978 in 17, 28, 43, and 60 cm.
Hand puppets have been a mainstay in the Steiff line since
1911, although Steiff had registered the designs for a
puppet bear, cat, and dog in a German patent office since
1909. So many hand puppets have been produced over the
years that it is possible to have a collection of just these
beloved hand-friends!
Take a look at two really unusual Steiff hand puppets on
the following page, both which were produced from the late
1960’s or early 1970’s. Chances are, you’ve never seen
either of these characters before!
The first is a 33 cm, rather feminine looking Steiff clown
puppet called “Clownie”. Clownie has a plastic head and a
shock of bright red hair. She has a very sweet, childlike face,
flesh coloured felt hands, and a blue felt dress with a white
collar and red pom-poms down the front. Clownie was
produced for FAO Schwarz and appeared in their 1962
catalogue, but not in the Steiff Sortiment books. FAO
Schwarz described her as…“Clown Hand Puppet, colourfully
hand painted moulded rubber face, with wild shock of red
hair and blue felt clown suit with red pom-pom buttons
and… collar”; she was listed at $8.95, a large sum at the time.
It is possible that she was designed as a companion for Steiff’s
better known boy “Clownie”, who sported blue felt patched
trousers, a white calico shirt, white gloved hands, and black
felt shoes and hat. Boy Clownie was produced from 1956 to
1975 in 14, 19, and 43 cm and also as a hand puppet.
RARITIES
Piercing green glass eyes make this uncatalogued pyjama bag quite striking.
— 21 —

RARITIES
“Shockheaded Peter” was based on the children’s book “Der Struwwelpeter”. Tuxedo Fox puppet was made as an FAO Schwarz exclusive.
— 22 —
The second hand puppet is a felt “Shockheaded Peter”, a
character from a classic European children’s book called
“Der Struwwelpeter”. Peter is 28 cm and has a hollow body,
legs, and arms. His head is trivera velvet with blue pupil
eyes, a tiny felt mouth, and a shock of long blond hair.
Peter’s shoes are black, his trousers are green, and his coat
is red; all are made from felt. His button and ear tag,
attached to the lower right hand side of his jacket, date him
to the late 1960’s or early 1970’s. The design of his head is
somewhat similar to that of a series of Steiff soft stuffed play
dolls from the mid 1970’s, so it is possible that he is a
modification of this standard line design.
Speaking of rare, uncatalogued Steiff puppets, collector
Karin Houben from the The Netherlands is well known for
her wonderful online “museum” of vintage puppets and other
items. Karin has been a member of the Steiff Club since 1992
and has been collecting Steiff for about 22 years; she is an
expert on uncatalogued Steiff rarities.
See http://members.home.nl/ubbe/page5c.htm.
This Bully puppet is based on a
very unique Bully dog design.
What makes this large lion
puppet distinctive is its velvet
front.
This ultra-rare Dolly monkey
puppet has a white head and a
brown body.
Female Clownie was probably
made as a companion piece to the
more well-known male Clownie.
RARITIES
— 23 —
Steiff: Karin, tell us about your collection.
Karin: Early on, I started collecting replica bears and 1950’s
puppets, but my taste changed over time. Now my favourites
are the pre-1940’s Steiff animals, especially the dressed doll
animals, puppets, purses, among others.
Sometimes these rarities and novelties are not in the Steiff
Sortiment books. How do you go about researching them?
I try to find them in one of the many other American, British,
or German Steiff price guides, encyclopedias, and reference
books. The Steiff Sortiment is a wonderful book, but it
doesn’t show everything Steiff ever produced. I enjoy
reading the publications from credible, industry leading
authors including Mullins, Pearson, Ayers, Hockenberry,
Sieverling, Koskinen, Cieslik, and Mandel.
Can you give an example of how you identified one of
your rare puppets?
With puppets it is easy, because you can compare them to
the animals Steiff made. For example, consider my Bully
puppet, which I did not find in any of my reference books,
including Pfeiffer’s. Steiff made this Bully dog as tail-turnshead
dog in sitting position, and this is pictured in the
Sortiment Books. Since my puppet has exactly the same
head, striped mohair at the back, and “ff” style button, I can
tell it must have been made by Steiff in the 1931 – 1933 time
frame. It is incredibly exciting to find such a rare piece!
Tell us about some of the other items in your collection
that are not referenced in the Sortiment books.
Some of my favourites include a Tuxedo Fox puppet, which
was made as an FAO Schwarz exclusive in the 1960’s (at
the same time as the girl Clownie mentioned above). It is
not pictured in the Sortiment, but it does appear in one of
Dee Hockenberry’s books. I also have soft animal dolls in
the form of Teddy bears and rabbits; these do not appear in
the Sortiment. In terms of rare and unusual puppets, I have
a Trolly dog puppet (his design is similar to the better known
Molly design), a dolly monkey whose head is a different
colour mohair than his body, and a large lion puppet that
has a velvet front. This jungle king has a raised script button
and readable yellow tag #328; he measures 28 cm in length.
The standard 1950’s Leo puppets are shorter and have tag #317.
As a long time collector, what are some of the most
memorable, non-catalogued items you have ever seen?
A very hard question! Perhaps it would be the dressed fox doll
with fur coat from the recent Christies auction. Others might
include the record-cleaner Bully dog, a tiny Puss ’n boots, and
of course some puppets which never went into production. These
would include a pig, a Bonzo, a police officer monkey, and a
Mimocculo monkey puppet. All of these are just incredibly
awesome pieces!!!

A SERVICE JUST FOR
STEIFF CLUB MEMBERS
—Do you have a question about something in your collection? Learn more here!
Do you have a new or vintage Steiff treasure that you would like to learn
more about? The Steiff Club is here to help! Just send along a brief
description of the item, its article number (from the back of the ear tag),
a clear, high-resolution photo, your name and your home town to the
following address:
Margarete Steiff GmbH, Attention: “Club-Post”, PO Box 1560, 89537
Giengen an der Brenz, Germany, Or e-mail to carolyn@steiffusa.com,
or info@steiff.de
QUESTION: Since I was a child I have
always been fascinated with puppets. I now
am a teacher and use them frequently in my
year one classroom. They can be used in so
many ways to teach children. I have collected
a number of different characters and recently
acquired this Steiff devil puppet. I thought it
was very unique and although it won’t be used
in my classroom I was interested to find out as
much about it as possible. K.S.; Internet
CLUB MAIL
ANSWER: Steiff has long understood the creativity and play value of
puppets. The first ones were produced as early as 1911. These early
puppets were of animals. In later years other characters were added such
as Mickey Mouse and Felix the Cat. In the 1950s to 1990s dozens of new
character puppets were added such as children, king, queen, and of course
Santa Claus. There was enough variety to satisfy any child’s imagination.
There were three versions of the devil puppet. The first, in 1973 was a bit
frightening and was later changed to a less intimidating version. Yours is
the third version produced from 1984 till 1997.
QUESTION: Recently I found this Steiff
doll at a house sale. It has a floppy hat, cape,
and a wooden stick in his hand. He has a
rubber head and velvet body. There is a tag
on his cape that has the number 7690/20.
What can you tell me of my latest find?
A.B.; email
ANSWER: This character is the eight inch
tall Steiff shepherd from 1978 till 1981. It was
available individually or in a boxed set with
a dog and a sheep. The head was made of
PVC and the body made of velvet. There were
earlier pieces of this same design but the heads
were made of rubber or vinyl and the clothes
of felt. This earlier version was made from
1958 till 1974.
— 24 —
QUESTION: I have been a Steiff collector
for many years and have had a special
interest in pandas. I have about a dozen
in my collection. The smallest has a white
ear tag and a chest tag that says Hobby
Center Toys 1988 on it. I was curious if
there was anything special about this
piece? F. H.; Indianapolis, IN
ANSWER: The # 0218/14 Panda was commissioned
by a long time Steiff retailer in
Toledo, OH; Hobby Center Toys. For many
years they held a special Steiff event in
Toledo called “Festival of Steiff”. It was a
gala event and attended by collectors from
all over the world. Each year they would
commission Steiff to do a Special Limited
Edition piece for this event. In 1988, the
Chinese had arranged for the US to have a
traveling Panda Exhibition. One of the
selected zoos to get this prestigious honour
was the Toledo Zoo. The Exhibition was in
Toledo during the Festival and so the Panda
was selected for the Festival of Steiff’s
Limited Edition piece. Only 1,000 were
made. It was the 14 cm Teddy pattern of that
period created as a Panda.
I am your friend Arco, a new Steiff limited edition for 2011.
My real cousins are known as Ursus maritimus, or sea bears.
They live in the Arctic Circle within five countries: Russia,
Greenland, Canada, Norway and the United States (Alaska).
An adult male polar bear can weigh up to 1,200 pounds while
a female bear’s weight can reach 650. Naturally, I am much
smaller – a better size to cuddle with – though I am a proud
55 cm tall myself!
CULTURE
— 25 —
Standing an impressive
55 cm tall is Arco, the polar
bear, the successor to last
year’s successful grizzly on
all fours. (EAN 036347,
Limited Edition of 1,000
pieces)
E-MAIL FROM THE
ARCTIC CIRCLE
— Greetings from the far, far north!
I am made of white alpaca with a touch of airbrushing here
and there as accents. I have an open, inviting face and love
to be hugged. While my counterparts in the wilderness can
be quite ferocious, I am very friendly and completely
approachable. I am always looking for new friends. Will you
be mine? I’d love to spend long hours cuddling or watching
over your nursery or collection. I may come from a cold
climate, but I am planning on melting your heart!

BOBBY HUSKY
Bobby Husky can be posed in a wide
variety of positions. His five-way jointing
makes him full of charm. (EAN 036866,
32 cm, Limited Edition of 2,000 pieces)
FAVOURITE
FAVOURITE
“COME PLAY”
— With Bobby Husky!
Mischief dances in the eyes of Bobby Husky. He imagines no harm; he just can’t get his playful expression. Unlike a
wolf, he’s not a pack animal. He’s a born leader and will resort to mischief if he doesn’t get the attention — and affection
— he craves.
That’s why Bobby is Steiff’s 2011 Masterpiece Edition. He’s not the first Husky Steiff has produced. The original Husky
appeared in 1909. But he is the first Husky selected for this esteemed collection. Like all other Masterpiece Editions,
Bobby was handcrafted by only the most experienced Steiff artisans. Rest assured, no other Masterpiece Edition wears
the gold-plated Button-in-Ear more proudly than Bobby.
Under his lush grey and white alpaca, and behind his meticulously airbrushed realism, Bobby is all heart. He’s irresistibly
loving and gentle, and surprisingly playful. His five-jointed body renders him ready to leap snowdrifts, just as his sturdy,
dog-sledding husky ancestors once did. Though he comes from a lineage of hard workers, Bobby is happiest when free
to be social. Even his head is attached with built-in flexibility so that, ears pricked, he can be ever alert for friends.
To Bobby, heaven is a treasured companion. Secure he is loved, his need to stir up mischief vanishes. His eyes shine with
a new light, and he’s endearingly cheery — content just to be tickled behind his ears.

www.steiff.com
Margarete Steiff GmbH, Richard-Steiff-Straße 4, 89537 Giengen an der Brenz 912641