Steiff Teddy Bears. A short history of Steiff and some Steiff Bears to buy online

Steiff bears and a short history of the company

The trademark "Steiff - Button in Ear" for Steiff bears was developed by Franz Steiff in 1904.

From 1st November 1904, a metal button embossed with an elephant was attached to every Steiff product. "Button in Ear" term was registered as a trademark December 1904 - this was patented May 1905.

In 1908/1909 "Button in Ear" was supplemented by the fabric tag with the product number printed on it.

Steiff Products In the early days.

1879 - THE "ELEFÄNTLE"

Margarete saw a pattern in a magazine for a small elephant made of fabric.

Based on this design, she made a pincushion shaped like a small elephant. The small fabric animals became popular as toys for children.

By 1880 Margarete's brother, Fritz, was successfully selling the felt elephants at the nearby market. Six years later, they had sold over 5,000 elephants. Margarete began to design other fabric animals.

1890 - Margarete's brother Fritz built sister a house with a suitably equipped living area on the first floor and a small shop on the ground floor. The street in which this house is found is called "Margarete-Steiff-Strasse".

The original fabric elephants were now in production alongside monkeys, donkeys, horses, camels, pigs, mice, dogs, cats, rabbits and giraffe.

1902 - Steiff Bears

Richard Margarete's nephew designed the world's first toy bear with jointed arms and legs. Richard found the cuddly and mohair plush that could be dyed.

1903 -Richard takes his new bear to the Leipzig Toy Fair. An American businessman placed an order for 3,000. The bear proved to be very popular in the USA.

From 1906 onwards, it is sold under the name "Teddy bear" - after the US President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt.

This white Steiff Teddy Bear has a very appealing appearance, making it a suitable gift for different occasions. A teddy bear like this one would be a nice present to give or receive.

This 'Big Foot' bear has lots of character and would make a great 'companion' for the person who gives it a happy home. please remember that although teddy bears do not like to 'sit in the sunlight' they do not like to live in the back of cupboards for long periods of time. In return teddy bears will often bring a smile to your face.

One bear on this page is a Steiff First Bear it is the one that is for small babies and children the other bears are really collector's items to treasure and if you wish to keep your Teddy Bear in pristine condition then it might be best if it is kept out of the reach of tiny hands.

Although he is made especially for young babies from one month old this Steiff First Bear has a charm about him and a 'character' that Stieff are very good at capturing.

This little bear would be very happy being a companion for a little boy or girl. He is by nature very reassuring and will be soft to cuddle up to.

A child's first bear often becomes a life time treasure and many adults who will happily part with other toys keep their first teddy bear tucked away somewhere.

Note on suitablity for children.

For the ages the other Steiff Teddy Bears are suitable for please check the manufacturer's advice (many of classic collector's items say 14 years and up.)