CLUB MAGAZINE

CLUB MAGAZINE
The magazine for Steiff Club members – August 2016
EDITORIAL
Dear
Steiff friends,
You may be surprised to see that
for this. Bernhard Wanning,
there is already something a little
managing director of the Steiff
different about this, the second
Schulte Webmanufaktur, is an
issue of the 52-page Club magazine.
expert in anything and everything
This does not mean that there
to do with mohair and alpaca. He
was some dissatisfaction with the
knows the many advantages of
February issue – quite the opposite,
these materials, and he has shared
in fact: many of you wrote to tell us
them with us. And what's best
how much you like the new layout,
of all: for the first time ever, you
and I'd like to thank those of you
can now order natural wool fibre
that did! In line with the new Steiff
jackets that have been specially
market appearance, the changes
made for Steiff through our online
include a new Steiff logo, which
shop. Treat yourself to one of these
will also be seen on the cover page
fabulous, ultra cosy designs. Turn
of the Club magazine from now on.
to pages 24 to 27 to find out more.
Contents will, of course, remain the
same.
In the rest of this issue, you
can find out more about rarities,
This issue offers all of you the
archive finds, recent Steiff events,
opportunity to acquire the exclusive
and much more. And if you share
Margarete Steiff Edition, Teddy
a personal story of your life with
bear Paul. You received advance
your best Steiff friend, you might
notification of the item in May. If
well be a winner. Turn to page 35
you now turn to pages 10 to 12,
to find out how!
you'll find out more about our furry
hero. He can only be ordered with
the enclosed option coupon.
Whenever we hear mention of
Best wishes,
Yours,
mohair or alpaca, we automatically
This brown wool
plush Dicky bear
was made in 25, 32,
and 43 cm from
1935-1941 and
is part of the
rarities described
on page 14.
2
think of the high-quality Steiff
Teddy bears and animals. The
world's leading fashion-makers
have for some time now discovered
these two materials for themselves,
INGE ZINNECKER
and there are several good reasons
Steiff Club Manager
3
14
38
Beyond mohair
Steiff animals
made of wool plush
Secrets from the archives
Discovered for you!
06
Classic
novelties
in autumn
IMPRINT
PUBLISHER: Margarete Steiff GmbH,
Richard-Steiff-Str. 4, 89537 Giengen an der Brenz, Germany
tel.: + 49 (0) 7322 131555, E-Mail: info@steiff-club.de
EDITORS: Inge Zinnecker, Rick Emerson
CONTRIBUTORS: Rebekah Kaufman, Daniel Hentschel, Annette Schlenker
PHOTOS: Steiff GmbH, Fotolia (S. 51)
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION:
Nadine Reinhardt / Hess GmbH - Medien, www.hess-medien.de
PRINT: Wahl Druck GmbH, Aalen
FREQUENCY OF PUBLICATION: twice a year
www.steiff.com
Subject to changes. Reprinting and copying, even in part,
only with the express permission of the publisher.
By submitting manuscripts you consent to their publication in
the Club magazine. We must reserve the right to edit or abridge
letters or articles. Printed colours may deviate from the original.
All rights reserved.
Printed in Germany 07/2016 e - item no. 915345
4
40
Stylish, chic
and cosy - Steiff
winter wear made
of woollen fabrics
Steiff Sommer 2016:
Fun for both families and collectors
24
NEWS
6Classic
novelties
in autumn
New items in a
smaller size
8Margarete
Steiff Edition
An anniversary
bear for the
140th birthday
CONTENTS
RARITIES
14Beyond Mohair
Steiff animals and
Teddy bears made
of wool plush
38Secrets from
the archives (2)
A look at never before
seen treasures
TOPICS
17Experts
Farewell to Dick Frantz
20History
Steiff wooden toys from
1960 through 1975
24Fashion
Stylish and chic
New mohair coats from
Steiff-Schulte
36Portrait
COMMUNITY
32What a party!
The results of the photo
contest "135 years of
Steiff "
35Steiff in your life
New contest
40Venues
Steiff Sommer 2016
48Mail Box
Reader's letters
STANDARDS
30Service
Questions and answers
45Calendar
Club events and other dates
46The Club page
Rewards for recruiting new
members, application form
50The gift of friendship
"Only the best is good enough"
for our friends
Richard Steiff, father
of the Teddy bear
5
NEWS
NEWS
Dog lovers have many reasons to
rejoice - there are so many choices
in the Classic collection for autumn.
Steiff designers have chosen no fewer
than three breeds and produced them
with remarkable precision. You won't
be able to resist the loyal eyes of these
four-legged friends! They're produced
in keeping with your requests for
smaller items. The largest of them is
only 26 cm! Why not adopt one of these
adorable little friends today?
If you wish to call a
Welsh Terrier your own,
then this lovely little
fellow should definitely be
in your collection. Terri is
a dog to fall in love with.
He stands 26 cm high,
Here comes 10-cm
and is made of golden and
Lari Penguin with
black mohair. He is loyal
his lovely airbrushed
and obedient – just like
colouring. Although he is
the real thing.
very happy with his fellow
(Item no. 033735)
penguins in the series of
Arctic and sea animals,
unlike them he is made
of mohair. The perfect
gift – and easy to find a
home for!
(Item no. 040740)
Classic novelties
in autumn
This cute little pug made of white wool plush is called Little Lielou.
Jocko the chimpanzee
She stands 15 cm high, and with her dainty lilac bow looks very stylish.
is, and will always be, an
And you can see how much she enjoys posing for photographs!
essential part of the Steiff
(Item no. 045035)
range. This autumn there
will be a new miniature
version in snuggly plush.
Standing only 10 cm high,
he is a perfect fit in the
current series of Steiff 's
little giants.
(Item no. 040542)
a 1950 design, made of
caramel-coloured mohair,
It looks almost like a
Bully the bulldog is made of soft and snuggly plush. Could
Club annual gift, but isn't
the Steiff collection of
he possibly be competing with Little Lielou the pug? He may be
one. This 10-cm Classic
miniatures.
only 12 cm high, but he's certainly cute enough to cuddle!
Teddy bear is based on
6
and a classic addition to
(Item no. 009167)
(Item no. 031441)
7
NEWS
NEWS
An anniversary bear for
the 140th birthday!
The exclusive Margarete Steiff Edition 2016.
What might have happened if Margarete Steiff had not had her brother and
nephews around her? The world of play would be a much poorer place.
As a family of many talents, they created friends for life. They set a very high
standard of quality and built an international brand that continues to thrive.
The Margarete Steiff Edition is an homage to this family achievement:
joining the bears Franz and Fritz this year is Paul – to mark the 140th birthday
of Paul Steiff in an exclusive limited edition of 140 items.
A wonderfully friendly character, this Paul ...
Teddy bear Paul
proudly wears
the stainless
and creating something innovative – perhaps a
the way he sits, made of that uniquely lovely mohair,
new addition to the Steiff bear collection, or a hood
with shining eyes and bursting with energy! You
ornament for his car? After all, Paul Steiff 's car was
could almost imagine him taking up a sketch pad
the very first one ever in Giengen.
steel "Button in
Ear" and black
woven ear tag
with silver
lettering.
9
NEWS
NEWS
Uniquely Paul
If you look at the bear closely
Ebony nose
But now let's take a closer look
Utensils from the Ore Mountains
band saw and a router on the very
Sitting beside the Paul Teddy
(and read the last Steiff magazine
at the bear! Naturally, Paul is made
hard ebony. At the end, every
is a beech-wood box that has been
carefully), you will know why he
by hand and excelsior-stuffed the
single nose is carefully finished
carved both on the lid and at the
can only be called Paul. Paul Steiff
traditional way. As a Margarete
by hand with sandpaper until it is
front under the grip recess. It is
was the eldest of Margarete's
Steiff Edition bear, it also has lots
absolutely perfect. Once the shape
complemented by the matching
nephews, and was an extremely
of very special features. You'll see
is just right, he applies a thin layer
paddle, which is used to shape
creative individual who started out
the first one when you look into his
of bees' wax and polishes it.
excelsior-stuffed items – and has
The nose is made
making organs. He loved working
face. Paul's gently rounded nose is
typical signs of use. Both items
of ebony and
with wood, and often finished his
made of ebony. Johannes Ableitner,
could have come straight from
Daniel Fitzner is
works by carving his initials in
a great-great-grandnephew of
Paul's workshop. But in fact, we
working on the
them. Later on he studied art and
Margarete Steiff and owner of the
had them hand crafted by the
wooden box.
workmanship.
designed many Steiff animals.
"Möbel & Natur" workshop, makes
Rülke company of the Ore
Johannes Ableitner
From 1902 he looked after the
them in Herbrechtingen near
Mountains region in Germany.
Paul Steiff 's
American market. Once back in
Giengen. He uses a fine-cutting
This company specialises in
initials are en-
Giengen, he assumed responsibility
making furniture for dolls, and
graved by hand.
for production quality. He also
artistic woodworking remains an
needs careful
and detailed
supplies the nose
and his small
company called
worked for a long time on giving
important part of its philosophy
The wooden box
is located
the bears a voice. Finally, in 1908,
to this day.
is stained.
near Giengen.
came success – if you tilted Paul's
"Möbel & Natur"
He is a great-greatgrandnephew of
Margarete Steiff.
bear, it would start to growl ... Paul
Steiff had invented the "tilt me"
See the growl
voice.
Paul the Teddy bear will
surprise those who think you can
only hear a growl. He actually has
two growling voices. One of them
makes him give a deep, resonant
growl when he is tilted; the other
shows the growler's internal
workings. "Holz & Töne" of Giengen
has developed a special "tilt-me"
voice for this bear that has never
been seen before. Made of acrylic,
and therefore transparent, it has
a piece of wood at the top and the
bottom with a bear's head. It is the
first "tilt-me" voice that you can see
growling.
10
11
NEWS
NEWS
Special items
Germany
CHIMNEY SWEEP TEDDY BEAR
The special feature
s of the 2016
Margarete Steiff ed
ition
Teddy bear "Paul", ite
m no. 421426
A sketch book
accompanies the bear
and contains reprints
of sketches made by Paul Steiff.
These are a unique part of Steiff
history within themselves. In
»» 50 cm
»» 5-way jointed
»» made of high-qua
lity mohair
»» stuffed with wood
shavings
»» inside growler
»» nose from ebony
»» limited edition: 140
pieces
»» with stainless ste
el "Button in Ear" fea
turing
embossed edition na
me
»» black woven tag,
numbered, silver em
broidery
»» "Margarete Steiff
edition" chest tag
»» Accessories:
- growler showing
its internal working
s
- wooden box ma
de of beech with en
gravings
PS for Paul Steiff an
d the year 1926
- beech paddle wi
th signs of use
- sketch book with
reprints of sketches
made by Paul Steiff
- booklet with inf
ormation on the prod
uc
tion of the bear
and its accessories
- certificate (sign
ed by the Manageme
nt of Margarete
Steiff GmbH).
When it comes to talismans, the chimney sweep is as popular
today as he ever was. Traditionally, chimney sweeps are seen in all
sorts of shapes and sizes at the turn of the year, and we anticipate that
this ever-popular superstition from the Middle Ages will continue long
after our time. Obviously the people at the KaDeWe thought the same,
so they collaborated with the Steiff designers to create this delightful
18-cm Teddy bear made of exclusive mohair. The bear is dressed
in a jacket with gold-coloured buttons, a black felt hat and a cotton
Chimney Sweep
neckerchief. He has a brush made of wire and mohair in his left paw.
Teddy bear,
There are 1,000 of these Chimney Sweep Teddy bears to work their
item no. 674228,
magic – and not only on New Year's Eve, of course.
18 cm,
Make sure one of them is yours!
Limited Edition
of 1,000 pieces.
Germany
HUNTER BEAR
"Ein Jäger aus Kurpfalz…" is the tune inside this
exclusive bear who, like Chimney Sweep Teddy bear, was
issued for the KaDeWe Group. We believe Hunter Bear
will be the same kind of talisman for enthusiastic huntsmen.
The bear is made of high-quality brass- and olive-coloured
mohair. He wears a jacket with real horn buttons and shoes that are
sewn as part of the bear's pattern. His hat is made of wool felt and
Hunter bear,
with the bear that includes
adorned by a leather hat band. The thick white eyebrows and side
item no. 674174,
information about his features,
whiskers in mohair enhance his sturdy appearance. So – as hunters
31 cm,
development, and production.
say in Germany – "Waidmannsheil"!
Limited Edition
addition, a booklet will be supplied
of 1,360 pieces.
B O T H E X C LU S I V E I T E M S A R E AVA I L A B L E O N LY F R O M O N E O F T H E T H R E E
Order information
You can order the Margarete Steiff Edition using the enclosed personalised option form. The closing date
12
K A D E W E G R O U P B R A N C H E S, A N D O N AC C O U N T O R BY C O D F R O M :
O b er p oll i n g er M u n i c h – b y em a i l i n f o @ ob er p oll i n g er.d e / tel e p hon e + 4 9 ( 0 ) 89 29 0 2 5 6 6 8
for orders is 30 September 2016. If more than 140 orders are received, the final recipients will be decided by
K a D eWe B erl i n – b y em a i l i n f o @ ka d ew e.d e / tel e p hon e + 4 9 ( 0 ) 30 2121 245 9
country-specific allocation. Everyone who sends an order will receive notification by the middle of October.
A l s terha us H a m b urg – b y em a i l i n f o @ a l s terha us.d e / tel e p hon e + 4 9 ( 0 ) 40 35 9 0 15 6 5
13
RARITIES
Beyond Mohair
Examining an alternate Steiff material from the past.
Over time, Steiff has used many types of materials to
bring their fine animals and Teddy bears to life. These
have included felt, mohair, velvet, plush, and numerous
others. During the 1930s through the mid-1950s, the
company produced some products in a material that is
very distinctive for the period called "wool plush."
Wool plush fabric has several
manufacturing processes faced
like the company’s standing zebra.
defining characteristics. For the
in relation to limited material
Others were items that were
most part, the material has a
supplies. From the late 1930s
produced in mohair before the
durable, high-quality appearance.
onward, mohair and felt were hard
war but were made in wool plush
15, 20, 25, 30,
Many collectors agree that items
to source for toy manufacturing,
immediately following the war, like
38, and 45 cm
made from wool plush have a
as they were almost entirely
a family of deer and a pair of well
from 1929-1932
distinctively old fashioned, gentle
regulated toward the production
dressed rabbit dolls.
overall.
look to them. Both wool plush and
of military related items. As such,
mohair materials have a cotton
the use of wool plush during this
items were also introduced during
backing. However, the surface of
timeframe suggests that this fabric
this period as well. These included
wool plush is made of much shorter
type was more readily available,
an innovative poodle design
fibres which have a continuous
and probably less expensive than
named Tosi, who was standing,
look and feel to them. Traditional
mohair.
unjointed, and made from black
The wool plush
Teddy baby bear,
produced in
mohair fabrics have distinct,
or white wool plush. She was
longer fibres woven into the
wide range of items in wool plush.
groomed with a "Karakul" trim,
backing, almost like a hooked rug.
These included those that were
meaning that her coat was fluffy
Wool plush tends to have a slightly
also simultaneously produced in
but uniformly the same length all
bumpy touch. Depending on its
traditional mohair, such as the
over her body. Tosi was produced
length, mohair can feel silky or
popular Molly the Puppy, Teddy
from 1950 through 1953. Another
slightly bristle-like to the touch.
Baby, and Dicky bear models. Other
even rarer wool plush poodle from
It is interesting to note
items were exclusively produced
this time frame was the original
that during the time Steiff was
in wool plush. These included a
Snobby. This pattern was only
producing items in wool plush,
darling calf, several dogs including
produced in black or white wool
they were also utilizing other
Peter the Puppy and a Bedlington
plush which was cut in a "French"
lesser-quality fabrics on both new
terrier, and a stretched out, lying
trim - meaning the upper torso
and legacy products throughout
cat holding a woollen ball.
was fluffy while the lower torso and
the line. These materials included
14
Pre-war, Steiff produced a
But entirely new woollen plush
The Steiff catalogues from the
backside were closely cropped. She
using artificial silk plush in the
late 1940s and very early 1950s
also has longer tufts of fur around
place of mohair, and linen in the
also featured a number of wool
her knees, elbows, and the tip of
place of felt. These substitutions
plush items. Some of these were
her tail. The original Snobby was
reflect the challenges Steiff’s
carried over from the early 1940s,
produced in 1952 only. For the most
EXPERTS
Thanks for the memories
Saluting Dick Frantz after nearly a half-century with Steiff.
Many collectors are familiar with Dick Frantz, the company’s beloved
and long time archivist in North America. Dick, who has been with Steiff
for almost five decades, recently announced his retirement from the
company. Dick’s Steiff knowledge is truly remarkable, and his passion
for all things button-in-ear is contagious. He is a true friend and mentor
to the Steiff collecting community. His energy, thoughtfulness, and ideas
will be missed at Steiff events, in the media, and around the product
development table. We spoke with Dick just after his final Steiff event
to hear about his history with the company, as well as to learn about his
plans for the future. Here’s what he had to say.
Steiff: Why do you think Steiff items are so
timeless and collectible?
Steiff’s wool plush zebra, produced in 22 and 28 cm
from 1936-1943 and then again from 1949-1951 overall.
from grey wool
plush. Produced
in 22 and 28 cm
from 1936-1939.
I think it is because of their quality and design. Many
to tour the Giengen factory. It was remarkable to see all
years ago, when Steiff was just starting to get valuable
the hand work that went into bringing a Steiff bear or
in the collector’s market, I was approached by an
animal to life. On this trip, I also met several members
antique dealer who wanted to carry the Steiff line in
of the Steiff family and learned about the heritage
his store. I asked him why, and he said that "quality
and history of the brand. Although I truly liked and
lasts forever, whether it’s a vase, piece of furniture,
admired Steiff products before this trip, seeing how
stuffed animal, or other piece of decorative art." I
the products were made in the factory really made me
plush as a material on their designs
completely agree; Steiff is timeless and collectible for
fall in love with the brand.
from the mid-1950s onward.
its design, attention to detail, and of course, masterful
Wool plush items are extremely
manufacturing.
place in history. Today, it is not
What are the various roles/positions with
Steiff you have held over the years?
popular with collectors because of
their beauty, relative rarity, and
The wool plush cat
brand! In 1971 or 1972, I took my first trip to Germany
part, Steiff no longer featured wool
The Bedlington
terrier was made
Like any other fine piece of art or antique treasure,
In addition to Corgi, Reeves also represented Steiff
in America. At the time, I had never heard of the
When did you start working with Steiff ?
What got you started?
I have had many. I have always been involved in
the sales and marketing aspects of the company as a
was produced in
terribly unusual that a wool plush
17, 22, and 28 cm
item from the 1930s through 1950s
were in engineering. Early on, I took a job in sales,
I started contributing to the product development
without documentation is discovered.
for a company that distributed hobby items. As part
process by coming up with ideas for new products. It
And why is this? It is possible that
of my work, I was in a store and came across Corgi
was always delightful to see those concepts come to
only a handful of each of these
brand toys. Their engineering and technical details
life! From 1992, I was asked by Steiff North America
designs were produced during these
really called to me, and I absolutely fell in love with
to start focusing on the collector’s marketplace. Part
challenging decades – when delivering
these miniature vehicles. However, the in-store display
of this included doing identification and valuation of
fine products took precedent over
for these items was usually empty! I called Reeves
vintage items, often in the context of live events. I had
documentation in catalogues. Perhaps
International, the company in the US responsible for
the pleasure of writing the Reader’s Service column in
a great wool plush discovery is right
Corgi, and told them about the empty displays. A few
the Steiff Club magazine for many years. It was also
around the corner!
months later, they called me up and offered me a job!
very exciting to be the spokesperson for the company
from 1933-1942
overall.
Snobby poodle,
produced in 17
and 28 cm in 1952
and Tosi poodle,
produced from
1950 to 1953.
16
My educational background and early interests
representative from the Ohio area. Starting in 1980,
17
EXPERTS
EXPERTS
on national TV. Over the years, I appeared on the QVC
activity as well. I enjoyed sitting around the table and
and ShopNBC networks, as well the TV programmes
brainstorming with other enthusiasts about what
Martha Stewart and Antiques In The Attic.
would make the line even greater than the year before.
What was it like being on national television
representing Steiff ?
It was so exciting! Steiff is a smaller brand here
Do you collect Steiff items yourself ?
Yes. Although when I look back, I was a collector
long before I acknowledged myself as one. I initially
in the U.S., so it would have been impossible for us
was drawn to Steiff’s animals, especially the unusual
to afford national advertising. Selling on QVC and
ones. The ones that fascinated me were the oddballs
ShopNBC was one way to get national media without
that only Steiff would attempt to manufacture. Some
the associated costs. My job on these programmes was
collection favourites include the company’s "Man on
to create enthusiasm for the products and explain why
the Moon," lobsters, and bats. I also find the company’s
they were so unique among other toy and collectible
dolls fascinating. The detailing on the early models was
options. Of course, I was always a little nervous about
phenomenal - especially on models like the soldiers
Dick poses with
appearing in front of millions of people, but this
from 1910 onward.
the Frantz Teddy
subsided once the host and I began talking. The hosts
on these sales programmes were very skilled and were
able to balance many show logistics on live television.
My greatest challenge was usually to make sure that
bear, which was
What is the most interesting or rarest thing
named in his
someone has brought you to evaluate?
honour.
Wow, there have been so many. And even today,
the hosts presented the Steiff information accurately.
quite frequently, I am asked to evaluate Steiff items
Once in a while I had to clarify things politely on air;
that I have not encountered in the past. With Steiff,
to take a chance now and then on something that
Moving forward, I will be pursuing a number
for instance, the difference between a limited and
"You can never say never" in terms of what’s out there!
catches their eye, but may not be an obvious fit to
of other hobbies. I have always loved old cars and
non-limited edition. And of course, it was always fun to
Two great finds come to mind here. The first happened
their collection. For example, there are people who
restoring them. Perhaps this has to do with my
have people come up to you after a programme and tell
back in the early 1980’s. A couple found an old bear in
just collect rabbits, or cats, or bears. I would suggest
engineering background. I am part of a golf league,
you that they saw you on TV; some even asked for my
a barn in Pennsylvania, and asked me to take a look at
to those collectors that they have an open mind about
which keeps me very busy and active. I enjoy cooking,
autograph! These shows gave the brand great visibility
it. The bear turned out to be a Steiff rod bear, and this
other categories, and at least check out some of the
attending plays and concerts, and of course, hanging
in the USA at the time for everyone selling Steiff.
was the first one that I had ever handled personally.
company’s other offerings.
out with my family, children, and grandchildren. I am
Another time, a couple asked me to take a look at a
Which work related activities have been your
favourites?
I truly loved dealing directly with customers
bear that was headed for the dumpster, but instead
was sold for $12 at a country auction. This bear turned
out to be a pre-1910 20" centre-seamed bear. I joked
Steiff, and what’s next for you?
I will miss just about everything having to do with
and leading collector’s events. Working big Steiff
with them that they "overpaid" for this bear, as it was
Steiff. It has been an enjoyable and special part of
conventions - the Toledo (Ohio) shows in the past, and
originally priced at $4-5 at the turn of last century!
my life for almost fifty years. But I would have to say
the east coast and Bears N’ Friends on the west coast
- was another favourite responsibility; these were
truly energizing. The early shows featured fantastic
Dick, many thanks for all you have
done for Steiff over the years, and enjoy your
retirement!
that it’s the people that I will miss the most. I enjoyed
more recently the ones put on by Bearly A Memory on
18
certain I can fill my new-found time quite quickly!
What will you miss most about working with
What would be your advice to collectors about
building their collections?
I have always said to buy only what you like, and do
talking and meeting collectors and working with them.
Their enthusiasm really thrilled me. I will also miss
my retail friends and partners, who were a huge part
parties, world-class lectures, great conversations, and
not be concerned with future "value." Most collectors
of my Steiff world. I was with one retailer for 46 years
buyers and sellers from Europe, Australia, and Asia.
do not personally sell their collections, and the joy of
and with several others for at least 40 years. That’s a
And of course, product development was a favourite
Steiff is owning it today. I would also advise people
lot of time, and a lot of memories.
19
HISTORY
HISTORY
Steiff wooden toys
from 1960 to 1975
Little known, but historically significant for Steiff.
Last part of the series.
The increase in cheap Asian imports started to cause difficulties
for Germany's toy industry in the early 1960s. There was also a
significant decrease in the sales figures for some Steiff classics in
wood. In the early to mid-1960s, wooden toys – some of which had
featured in catalogues and children's bedrooms for more than
20 years – were taken out of the programme.
This affected absolute best-sellers such as various
As some of the very delicate mast sections quickly
"Steiff – Ganz neu mit Holz" ("Steiff - all new in wood")
break if not handled with care, it is not easy to find
became one of the biggest showcases of new wooden
a complete and intact box despite the relatively long
toys in the company's history: pull-along animals
The pull-along
production phase.
made of beech with the branded design, lines of
toys Aeroplane,
animals, trains and various building sets appeared
Bear and Ship
period after 1960 was a series of pull-along animals
at a time that could not have been more appropriate.
are extremely
that were introduced in 1968 and only found in the
The political reorganisation of young adults over
popular
catalogue for that year. It consists of eight stylised
these years, and the growing awareness of ecological
collector's items.
Among the most interesting wooden items of the
of 1962, which was
animals which, due to
processes, resulted in a dramatic increase in the
Flower building
"Kubus" toys and horses and carts, the "Multiform"
manufactured until
the short production
demand for toys made of natural (untreated) materials.
box Flora
disc tower, the bell blocks, the "Bimbahn" and
1966. One of the main
time, are extremely
As has so often been the case in the company's long
8463/05 in
"Entkette", all of which had been in the programme
innovations in wooden
and public catalogues state
rare. Today, they
history, this was another area where the company
the biggest
since the 1930s. The early and mid-1960s brought
toys in the 1960s was
the contents of the Sibauka as
are often confused
management identified fashion trends at an early
version with
little in the way of new items. However, 1960 saw the
the motor boat kit
30 items. However, according
with the later series
stage, which enabled them to respond with an eye to
three layers.
arrival of one particular large wooden item, namely a
"Sibauka", which sold
to the original packaging,
of wooden animals
the future. This tremendous success is still evident
wooden box for the storage of Steiff toys, for the first
in large quantities
the box contained 25 pieces.
with the branded
today. Many of the toys launched in 1969 are relatively
Farmhouse
time in the company’s history. This item, which is still
until 1969. Sibauka is
In fact, the quantity stated
design, which were
easy to find on the used market, as in the case of the
building
popular today, was available until 1969. Some other
a particularly popular
on the boxes is sufficient for
far more successful.
series of pull-along animals with 14 different models,
box 8450/05
hedgehog from
large items, such as platform carts and rack wagons,
item on the secondary
making any of the models
It was produced
and two carts. To collectors, only an unused cow from
and pet puzzle
the first series
were improved during this time, or amended versions
market because it is not
shown on the packaging.
in 1969 as part of
this range is considered rare, since the horns – which
8458/04 create
introduced as replacements for existing items. New
only sought by Steiff
This means that the correct
the announcement
were attached separately – easily break. Presumably
wonderful
items in the wooden toys included the "Bausack
collectors, but also by
number of pieces is only 25.
of all kinds of new
because of this susceptibility when it was played with a
playing
7820/07" of 1961, which was only in the programme
people with a passion
wooden toys. A special
lot, it was withdrawn from the programme after only a
scenes when
for three years, and "Bausack Babyblocks 7830,00"
for maritime antiques.
brochure entitled
year. Other pull-along animals and the corresponding
combined.
Bausack 7820,07
of 1961 to 1963.
Building box
Sibauka 7846,00
with one of
the suggested
models.
Elephant and
of pull-along
animals of 1968.
20
Expert info: The literature
21
HISTORY
HISTORY
carts "rustic" and "Sicilian" were produced until
additional house building box 8453/05 with a single
thick paint for heavy use were a huge sales success.
This concludes our excursion into the world of wood
Colourful
1974. The same also applies to the aeroplane 8430/12
house, and pet puzzle 8458/04 with the corresponding
Available in five versions, initially as a car and from
in Steiff 's production. Of course, it is impossible to list
wooden items
and ship Schiff 8435/17, two extremely popular
inhabitants and animals. Steiff introduced one
1975 also as a wheel loader, aeroplane, duck and
every single item in the company's wood production.
in the public
The learning toy
representatives of the pull-along toys. Many of the
particularly interesting item to schools rather than
tortoise, this very sturdy toy was extremely popular,
It would be lovely if our little insight into the world of
catalogue of 1973.
Mengenlehrling
other new items introduced in 1969 were also made in
toy shops: the shape sorter "Mengenlehrling 8997/23".
and is still easy to find today. Wood as a universal
Steiff wooden toys could help to kindle people's interest
8997/23 of 1971
large quantities, such as the flower building box Flora,
This innovative teaching aid was issued by Sellier
material has always been more important in the
in collecting, and if one or the other item were to be
Railway fans
is a little-known
which was available in three sizes, and the farmhouse
Freising publishers, and was supported by the
history of the Steiff company than most collectors
added to collections that did not previously contain any
were also
building set 8450/05, for which there was also an
Lernspiel programme community.
appreciate. Not only were the accessories for felt dolls
items made of wood.
remembered in
Steiff item.
the brochure
"Steiff - Ganz
neu mit Holz":
shown here is
the Groteskbahn
8420/09 and
the Kleinbahn
8420/06.
By the middle of the 1970s, almost all of the new
Rhinoceros
8335/09 and
Expert info: The "Mengenlehrling" was one
items in the brochure "Ganz neu mit Holz" had
item in a whole series of educational teaching
been removed from the programme and only a few
aids that were launched on the market in the
new items appeared, including the snap-together
early 1970s. As well as this wooden learning
animals Bear, Elephant, Dromedary and Rhinoceros
toy, the series also included various laying
of 1972. Only a year before, a snap-together Olympia
made from wood, but so too were an impressive range
games made of paper (such as "Mengenmeister",
dachshund was introduced, one of the few items
of toys and the range of children's sports vehicles, as
Bibaukasten
"Quasselquatsch" and "Kreuz und Quer") and
made of wood. The snap-together building box
well as many additional items and components used
8481/04 with
Elephant 8332/11
from the series
of snap-together
items of 1972.
plastic (e.g. "Denkwürfel"). Steiff supported
8487/05 of 1973 and wooden building box 8485/45 of
in Steiff products. In the earliest days, these also
wooden items
wholeheartedly the concept of learning through
1974/75 with 90 blocks were the last building boxes
included the base sections for cones and the wooden
made of maple
play, which was still very much in its infancy at
to be produced by Steiff. For a short time in 1973 and
hemispheres for the roly-poly animals. Later on came
and mahogany,
the time and only a few years before had been
1974, the company also offered a racing car in three
the rockers for ride-on animals, as well as wooden
another new
completely unimaginable. However, only the
colours. This relatively young car is popular, since
wheels which, from the time of WWI, replaced the iron
item of 1969,
wooden elements of the "Mengenlehrling" were
it is considered a rarity and appeals in particular to
wheels used previously. And finally, kite lovers will
and made in
produced at the Steiff works.
collectors who are also fans of Formula 1. From 1973,
be interested to know that the reels and cord rolls for
baby-appropriate rolling toys with several layers of
kites were also made of wood – for more than 40 years.
two sizes.
22
23
FA S H I O N
FA S H I O N
Stylish, chic and cosy
Introducing high quality mohair coats from Steiff Schulte.
Steiff’s collector’ editions are beloved for not only their
designs, but also for their materials. High quality mohair and alpaca fabrics certainly bring our favourite
button-in-ear friends to life. But these warm and
woollen materials also are ideal for winter coats
for people. Steiff is excited to announce that the
company, in conjunction with Steiff Schulte,
will now be offering winter wear made from
these precious woollen fabrics. We spoke with
Mr Bernhard Wanning, of Steiff Schulte, to
learn more about this fantastic collaboration.
Steiff: What are the properties of mohair and
alpaca that make them good fabrics for coats?
Mr Wanning: Both fabrics are cuddly and soft, yet strong
and durable. They are also much lighter than real fur used on
coats. Mohair is inherently flame retardant, and retains its silky
luster for many years. But most importantly, for both mohair and
alpaca, no animals have to die for their wool; it is simply shorn and woven
Select your
into thread and material.
dream coat from
three different
How warm are coats made
Bernhard
Wanning is
However, we are designing and
only in limited quantities. They will
from mohair or alpaca?
producing lines specifically for both
be produced in low numbers.
Are they best for spring and
men and women.
Managing
autumn temperatures, or can
Director of
they keep someone warm in
Steiff Schulte
freezing winter temperatures?
so for dress or special
Steiff items, or will they
occasions?
product descrip-
used to create these coats?
tions on our web-
The fabrics indeed have many
are available to
be worn and enjoyed for everyday
so you can’t see the material’s
order exclusively
use. However, the coats in the line
fabric backing. Second, the fur
through the Steiff
be manufactured in numbered
- with their unique fabrics and
must be long, so it has real-life
online shop.
editions like Steiff bears and
fantastic tailoring - are extremely
"furry" characteristics. Third, the
animals. However, because both
eye catching. Everyone who wears
materials need to reflect current
be produced broadly for the
and autumn, as well as for frosty
general market?
The coats themselves will not
The collection was designed to
precious materials and highly
one will feel like they are wearing a
fashion trends and preferences.
mohair and alpaca were made
skilled labour is needed to make
unique work of art.
And finally, the fabric must have a
for and worn mostly by women.
these coats, they will be available
Traditionally, coats made from
site, www.steiff.
com. The coats
transitional weather in the spring
24
characteristics of the fabrics
fur surface must be very dense,
GmbH.
for men, women, or both?
find the detailed
special properties. First, the
These coats are appropriate for
Will the coats be made
for everyday wear, or more
editions and numbered, like
Webmanufaktur
temperatures in the winter.
colours. You will
What are some of the
Are these coats designed
Will the coats be limited
styles in two
very soft touch.
25
FA S H I O N
FA S H I O N
Order your
special
Steiff coat
online at
www.steiff.com
Where will these coats
be sold?
The coats will be sold through
specialty exclusive dealers, and we
How will these coats compare
Where will the
coats be manufactured?
Who is designing these
special mohair and alpaca coats?
26
The coats will be made by
will introduce a new collection
in cost to other similar coats
each year at international
made from wool or other natural
fashion fairs. However,
materials?
collectors need to know that
Well, you do have to pay more
we have designed a very
Bernd Heilmann and his team
for exquisite quality and design!
special Steiff edition coat. This
The entire collection is
in Scheßlitz near Bamberg, in
Because of their specialty fabrics,
is available for purchase now
exclusively designed by Bernd
Bavaria, Germany. Each will be
craft production, and "Made in
directly through Margarete Steiff
Heilmann. Mr Heilmann, a well
made lovingly by hand, one at a
Germany" integrity, the prices
GmbH!
known German designer, has many
time. And we are very proud to say
of these mohair and alpaca coats
years of international experience in
that these coats are 100% German,
understandably are higher than
Thank you very much for
creating exclusive and cutting edge
from the materials through to the
those for a standard model wool
your time, and best of luck with
fashion clothing and accessories.
manufacturing!
coat.
this exciting project!
27
The zebra and the
little calf made
of wool plush
were produced in
between 1936 and
1943 (see page 14).
SERVICE
SERVICE
Questions and answers
?
Do you have a question concerning a Steiff item? Find out more here!
?
Dear Steiff Club,
Dear Sirs,
I have a dog, presumably Steiff, but without the
When I was sorting out our carport, I found my
button in the ear. He's about 23 cm in size. Could
old rowing car, and I thought it might be a good
you confirm that he really is a Steiff animal?
idea to send you a few pictures of this great little
And if so, what is his name, how old is he and what
item. Sadly, I can no longer remember exactly when
is his number?
B. H., by email
Your dog is most definitely from the Steiff production.
The model "Cockie" – which is the name of the Steiff
Cocker spaniel – in the black-and-white version was a
new product in 1960. The correct name for fur like this
is "blue roan". Cockie was produced in three sizes for
retailers: standing heights 12 cm, 19 cm and 29 cm.
EX PE RT IN FO :
There is a long tradition
of collars as accessories
for Steiff animals and bea
rs. Around 1900,
for instance, bears on wh
eels wore these symbols
of domestication. In the
1920s and 30s, Steiff
buttons were very popula
r as decorative studs
on collars. Not many col
lectors know that some
of the synthetic collars ma
de after 1969 also
had a Steiff button as a
rivet. It is always worth
removing even such a you
ng collar and checking
to see whether it was sec
ured with a blank stud
or a Steiff button.
my parents gave it to me, but it must be at least
40 years old by now. I wonder if you could tell me
when this toy was in production? I don't want to sell
EX PE RT IN FO
:
Steiff items with
short production
times are
not always auto
matically particu
la
rly sought
after by collecto
rs. Other factors
such as the
number of items
produced during
the period,
the size and, of
course, the age,
ar
e also
important when
establishing the
va
lu
e of a
collector's item.
Most collectors of
hi
storic
Steiff items want
models that can
be kept in
display cabinets.
it; after all, there are always other children in the
family who hopefully will want to continue playing
with it. But still, I would be interested in knowing
whether this toy is of any value.
H. A., by email
The "Ruderrenner" rowing car was a new product
offered from 1975. The brief production period of your
of 1935 and, over the more than 50 years it was in
Ruderrenner would suggest that this model should be
production, was offered in various designs. Your
particularly highly sought after by collectors. On the
version with the yellow steel tube frame is one of the
other hand, it is also too new and too big for most Steiff
cross eyes made of glass, and leather collars. Your
later models. The first Ruderrenner with steel tube
friends to consider it collectable. This means that any
"Cockie" already has the plastic eyes and an imitation
components was made as item 8996/87 in 1972; before
value it may have as a collector's item is not necessarily
leather collar, which tells us that he was made after
then, this child's vehicle was made mainly of wood.
on the high side. Despite the short production time,
you should continue to use it as a toy as you are doing.
Yours is the middle version. This English hunting dog
was sold between 1960 and 1967 as item 1319,06, and
as item number 4276/19 from 1968 until its production
ceased in 1976. The first models had black-and-white
about 1965. In other words, your dog dates back to
The collector's documents state that Ruderrenner
Catalogue
between 1965 and 1976. A more precise date could
8996/87 was in production from 1972 until 1974.
reference:
only be given with a trademark, and in particular a
However, closer observation of the original catalogues
Cockie in the
legible ear tag. Cockie was made in large quantities
of this time tells us that two different models were
throughout his long production time, and is frequently
made during this time with the same item number.
"Ruderrenner"
to be found on the secondary market.
Your particular model is the one that is only seen in
8996/87 in the
catalogue pictures of 1974. An updated version was
version of 1972
novelties catalogue of 1960.
and 1973 without
axle cover on
the front axle,
smooth wheel
rims.
Ruderrenner"
8996/87 in the
version of 1974
with axle cover
and imitation
spoke wheels.
30
31
CONTEST
CONTEST
What a party!
8
the "Picnic party with young chauffeur
7
the "Happy Birthday party" with
6
the "Happy hat party" with a baker and
and vintage car" by Evelyn Tober-Weber
5
the "Photo party with Scrabble players"
4
and the "Margarete and her friends"
by Joachim Frank
The results of the photo contest "135 years of Steiff ".
A warm "thank you" to everyone who took part in our photo
competition "135 years of Steiff ". To mark the occasion of our
135th anniversary, we asked guests to photograph their Steiff
friends in fabulous outfits and festive surroundings. The results
were another little celebration for us!
Although we are well aware
that our Club members are
highly creative, and know they
10
the "Wine cellar party" with excellent wines
9
the "Party on a star with Summer Bear" by
by Annegret Reus
lots of guests by Paula Kay Sumpter
party by Rex Ide.
put their hearts into everything
they do, the sheer variety of the
photos submitted for our photo
competition far exceeded even our
wildest expectations! Whereas
some had set up a delightful
afternoon tea, others opted for
a picnic or a birthday party with
brightly-coloured clown's hats.
There were gifts, or a photo session
with an old camera. And several
times the gatherings raised "Three
cheers". All of which combined to
make it extremely difficult for us
to choose the winning photos from
all the submissions. Still, we think
that in the end we made the right
Manja Stute
cakes by Simone Verhoef-Rutten
choice...
The tenth to fourth
prizes go to:
They all received items from the
Steiff range to the value of € 50.
32
33
CONTEST
CONTEST
3
Steiff in your life...
2
Write your story and win!
In the competition* in the last Steiff magazine,
Undoubtedly they wanted to give Naomi a departure
we sent you off on an imaginary trip with Mady,
gift, but also something to comfort her during her time
our event bear. Your task was to guess which ten
in a strange country.
cities in the world had the highest numbers of
Club members. Today we're going to be talking
about a journey that we all are making – in our
Wanted: your story
own way. This competition is all about the journey
Third prize went to Andrea
friends on their way to a Godzilla
with a smartly dressed family of
Esser for her atmospheric photo of
adventure party. Her prize is a
bears and a dog. Our very special
a birthday party by candlelight. Her
Loyalty Teddy bear.
congratulations go to Club
prize is an Event Teddy bear Mady
2016.
Second prize went to Karina
1
Zschege for her gathering of Steiff
And first prize? The best
through life.
We all know that Naomi in Ecuador is only one
example. Steiff animals are the reasons for countless
The idea behind it was the story about "Piff in
personal stories: unwritten, lived stories. They are
member Nancy Parker – and we
Ecuador" on page 42. It came about quite by chance.
about children who cuddle their bears even more
are delighted to be sending her
Someone showed our editor a travel photo album.
tightly when they hear a spooky sound. They are about
photo – everyone agreed – showed
this year's Club Edition Teddy
It contained pictures of the destination of Ecuador, but
children of all ages who tell their Steiff animals things
an enchanting birthday party
bear "Maple"!
many of the photos were of Piff, the Steiff mouse. The
that no one else must know. They are about people
mouse was given to owner Naomi by three girlfriends
who want their favourite Steiff friend to share their
just before she set off to spend several months in that
wedding, a trip, an exam, their everyday life with
country. What made the three friends choose Piff ?
them. These are things that you, our Club members,
can relate to!
Today's competition: We want to hear the story of
you and your best Steiff friend for life. This does not
mean we want to know your personal secrets. But we
would like to know which Steiff animal is your Steiff
animal for life – where it has been with you, and when
you would always want to have it with you.
Write us a few lines and send them to us, with
between one and three photos, before 31 October 2016.
Each of the 10 winners will receive a Steiff animal of
their choice worth up to €100 each.
We look forward to hearing from you!!
(Address: Steiff Club, Margarete Steiff GmbH,
P. O. Box 15 29, 89530 Giengen.
E-Mail: Stories@steiff-club.de)
* Answer to the last competition "Mady on tour":
Correct: The 34,439 km journey took us from New York via Vienna, London and Tokyo to Hamburg, followed
by Nuremberg, Munich, Frankfurt and Cologne. The return trip to Giengen included Stuttgart, which is home to
the highest number of Steiff Club members. Congratulations to Dorothee Rompf and Karlheinz Otten – you will
receive an Event Teddy bear Mady. Ms Piotrowski, you can look forward to a night in Giengen, including a
visit to the museum and birthplace of Margarete Steiff !
34
35
PORTR AIT
PORTR AIT
Meet Richard Steiff
Second in a series of profiles of Margarete Steiff ’s nephews.
Since the company was founded in 1880,
Steiff has always been a family business.
Margarete Steiff herself had no children.
But her brother Fritz Steiff had nine –
each of whom would contribute to the growth
of the company for the next half century.
In addition to being Steiff ’s
creative genius and a key leader
in the toy industry, Richard also
invented a series of innovative
kites, including a model that could
be used to take aerial photographs,
a firearm that could shoot around
corners, a suit that didn’t require
Richard Steiff, born in 1877
in Giengen, was Fritz’s second
oldest son. Richard’s contributions
Richard Steiff,
the inventor
of the Teddy
bear. Picture of
around 1920.
few years later, when he would join
a tie, tire valves, and many other
his aunt’s company.
innovations.
Richard Steiff is rightfully
Besides product design
to Steiff were enormous, and his
acknowledged as the inventor
and development, Richard was
influence is still a guiding force
of the Teddy bear – perhaps the
responsible for many important
behind the company’s designs and
most beloved childhood toy of
strategic decisions for the company.
innovations today.
all – in 1902. As the company’s
He is credited with the design and
lead creative executive, he was
planning of the factory expansion
person who thrived on new ideas.
determined to make Steiff ’s
in 1902. His vision for an all-glass,
A designer at heart, he went to
playthings as dynamic and
handicapped accessible, and
the School of Arts and Crafts in
interactive as possible. He
intelligently constructed factory
Stuttgart. While there, he spent
concentrated on designing
seems modern – even more than a
countless hours at the local zoo,
jointing systems that would make
century later.
observing and sketching bears
movement a reality. In 1907, Steiff
and animals and their natural
produced and sold close to a million
the United States as a key place
movements. These sketches would
fully articulated Teddy bears based
for company expansion. Over
prove to be instrumental to the
on his design! This core system is
the years, he made many trips
design of many Steiff items just a
still in production today.
to the major cities across North
Richard Steiff was a creative
Richard was very interested in
Richard Steiff
and his wife
Else, née
Dehlinger, both
pictures of
around 1905.
America. In 1923, he decided to
company management, emerging
had a keen interest in auto racing.
move permanently to the United
opportunities, consumer trends,
Sadly, he passed away on 30 March
States, settling in Michigan.
and product design.
1939 at age 62 from a heart attack
Despite his distance from his birth
36
Richard never stopped
– moments after buying a cigar
home, Richard remained quite
dreaming and inventing
from his favourite tobacconist – in
active in the family business. He
throughout his entire life. His
Jackson, Michigan.
wrote weekly letters to his brothers
adult hobbies included bowling,
in Germany, giving direction on
drawing, and fine firearms. He also
37
DISCOV ER IES
Secrets from the archives
A look at never-before-seen treasures from the vaults at Steiff, part 2.
This armadillo was
made in 1960 but
was never put into
serial production.
The last issue of the Steiff Club magazine marked
the start of introducing treasures from the Steiff
archives that are awaiting to be discovered.
The items shown here exist in prototype only –
they were not put into serial production.
Each of the three items below
is about the size of a man’s
hand. They are all flat, unjointed,
unstuffed, and made from
elaborately airbrushed trevira
velvet, a popular fabric used in
many Steiff designs in the 1970s
This rolled-up armadillo was
The handsome artificial silk
and 1980s. It is not clear why
created in 1960. He displays many
plush tiger cub was made in 1939,
these prototypes were produced
of the design characteristics of the
when many of the company’s items
or their function, if any. Possible
time including black and white
were being manufactured in this
intended usages could have been
google eyes, a dralon belly, and
then more readily available fabric.
as a potholder, wallet, pen or
elaborate airbrushing. Collectors
His relatively simple body shape
pencil case, decorative item, or
might also recognize his distinctive
and pattern truly come to life with
companion for a larger item. Each
felt claws, which were seen on a
extensive and careful airbrushing
was made in the 1980s.
few other unusual designs of the
and shading. He also sports very
time, including the company’s
deep greenish-blue and black glass
beloved Zooby Zoo bear from 1964
pupil eyes, which were used on the
through 1966.
company’s felines from the 1920s
through the 1950s.
39
VENUES
'Sommer' of Love
Thousands gather in Giengen for annual Steiff festival.
The extra-large
heroes of the
Steiff museum,
Knopf and
Frieda, are
For many collectors, attending Steiff ’s annual "Steiff
Sommer" festival is a dream come true! And the 2016
event, held from 1 through 3 July, certainly lived up to
its world-famous reputation for fun, friendship, food,
and fabulous finds. "There’s so much to love at this event,
I wouldn’t miss it for the world," said one collector.
Spielzeugauktion provided free
always popular.
verbal identification and valuation
services on older Steiff treasures
Isn't he
that collectors brought along with
gorgeous?
them or discovered at the event.
People interested
Other highlights of the 2016
in old Steiff
event included another sold-out
pieces could find
Teddy bear making workshop,
treasures, too.
carnival rides, a shopping area
This year, thousands of people
made their way to Giengen for this
annual affair, with some travelling
Photo
opportunity
with Steiff
friends at the
Club stand.
great background for numerous -
featuring the delightful items
and humorous - photo moments.
produced by Giengen-area
There were so many wonderful
craftspeople, sneak-peaks at
from as far as Australia, Japan,
opportunities for visitors to add
upcoming Steiff limited editions,
and Taiwan to take part in the
new items to their collections
autograph opportunities with
festivities. And why do people
throughout the celebration.
members of the Steiff family,
make this journey, sometimes
Shoppers lined up hours before
an auction fundraiser for the
year after year? Many collectors
the official Steiff sales tent opened
neonatology unit of the Ulm area
attend for the opportunity to meet
each morning to guarantee that
hospital, a hot air balloon show,
new friends from all over the
they’d be first in line to claim
and a dramatic fireworks display.
world, as well as reconnect with
special bargains and rare finds.
According to one visitor, "This is
old ones. Others feel the need to
Many specialist Steiff dealers
my fifth visit to Steiff Sommer. Yes,
see firsthand the birthplace of the
from the United Kingdom, United
my pocketbook is a little emptier
Teddy bear, while some love the
States, the Netherlands, Germany,
now, but to balance that out, my
shopping and thrill of the hunt
and France, offered both recently
heart is overflowing with love for
- especially in the seconds and
produced and vintage items. The
all things Steiff."
overstocks sales tent. Whatever
auction company Ladenburger
The mascot
meeting, and
the reason for making the trip to
hours of other
Giengen, all visitors seem to leave
entertainment
with smiles, a new button-in-ear
on the sound
friend or two, and a renewed love
stage, attracted
for their favourite brand.
many visitors.
Fun for kids and adults at
every age and stage is always a
major goal at each Steiff Sommer.
The festival featured continuous
family-friendly entertainment on
its sound stage, including dancers,
singers, bands, gymnastic troupes,
and other local and regional
performers. A "photo bus" was a
40
41
VENUES
VENUES
Impressions from Ecuador
En route to a home away from home.
Autumn 2014. When Piff, a little velvety-grey fellow
by Steiff, was taken off the shelf in a toy shop in Ulm,
he never imagined what was going to happen to him
next. Three young ladies chose him as the companion
for their friend Naomi.
Piff in Ecuador.
I was surprised at how many
coast at Las Playas, the capital
talented students we had recently
hospital stay. She opened the door
Quito, and also the Mitad del
been teaching. It was one of those
to a man who had come to remove
Mundo where in 1736 the first
magical times where you just want
an electrical connection because
European determined the exact
to close your eyes and hold tightly
the bill hadn't been paid, and who
position of the Equator (but got
onto the moment so you can call
told her his life story: of working
his figures wrong by 240 m). And
up this priceless image whenever
on a banana plantation and laying
she sat Piff at the gateway to the
you're troubled."
she went to spend a year in
Guasmo, the hundreds of dogs, the
railway tracks on the side to earn
gold mining town of Zaruma – the
Guayaquil, Ecuador's biggest city,
warm weather ... And although I
some extra money; of the many
mine actually runs under the entire
Ecuador with intensity. She made
more precisely in Guasmo, its
spent three years learning Spanish
women whose hearts he had won,
town.
lots of close friends, and eventually
Piff and Naomi
poorest district, to teach music as
at school, I can hardly understand a
and of his children, three of whom
The music school concerts
returned home. In February 2016,
outside the gold
part of a volunteer project. As well
word. People keep telling me not to
died as babies; of the corruption, of
were also something special. "On
just four months after landing
mining town of
as Piff, she also took with her a
worry, but that's not so easy when
muggings, and of having spent 25
Wednesday morning, we started
back in Germany, she returned
Zaruma (left)
suitcase and her violin.
you are in a foreign country with
years in Guasmo.
cleaning the venue. Then we
to Guayaquil for a further eight
and the "Mitad
constructed a stage using metal
weeks. With her: a suitcase,
del Mundo" –
exploring Ecuador – the rainforest
bars and wooden planks, and
her violin – and Piff. Naomi's
the "Middle of
and Chimborazo mountain, whose
the concert could begin. It was
blog: http://naomiinecuador.
the World"
peak is nearer the sun than that
a tremendous success, and even
musikerohnegrenzen.de
monument.
Naomi's blog tells us of her
to Naomi and
of Mount Everest. She visited the
raise the money for a neighbour's
mosquito net. The little streets of
After completing her "Abitur",
Guasmo – home
Bingo being played on the streets to
mixed feelings when she arrived.
"As I lie on my bed, I can see
the corrugated roof through the
foreign people, and trying to give
your first music lesson."
Every day brought new
impressions. Naomi experienced
Naomi spent her spare time
Naomi experienced life in
The project: Guayaquil is a hot
and humid city with a population
of 3 million. Huts with corrugated
roofs are packed together in
Guasmo on the outskirts of the city.
There are fruit trees, tiny roads,
hundreds of thousands of people,
and few leisure activities. "Musiker
ohne Grenzen" ("Musicians
Without Frontiers") started a
music school there in 2005.
Today, it is one of the few
functioning options, and is
regarded as an important
alternative to the streets, to gangs
and drugs. Music lessons, bands
and ensembles offer youngsters
and adults a perspective.
42
43
VENUES
CA L EN DA R
Great ideas
Events
A lot of commitment and enthusiasm at our Club events in Spring.
Club events and other dates.
Spielzeug-Paradies Wagner oHG, Bochum
Other dates
01/09
Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH, Dortmund
Tel.: +49 (0)231 54 390
02/09
Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH, Zeil 90, Frankfurt
Tel.: +49 (0)69 92 90 50
enchanting decorative idea for the "Picnic" event on 19 March, to which managing
02/09
Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH, Braunschweig
Tel.: +49 (0)531 4 73 19 68
director Tobias Wagner and his team welcomed around 50 Club members.
05/09
Mayersche Buchhandlung KG , Aachen
Tel.: +49 (0)241 47 77 0
10/09
SammlerKontor OHG, Wehrheim
Tel.: +49 (0)6081 9 28 54 97
15/09
Tegtmeiers Spielzeugwelt KG, Löhne (NI)
Tel.: +49 (0)5732 37 57
15/09
Heinrich Roskothen, Duisburg
Tel.: +49 (0)203 2 02 80
16/09
Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH, Bremen (NI)
Tel.: +49 (0)421 3 07 15 25 05 94
16/09
Galeria Kaufhof GmbH, Düsseldorf (Königsallee)
Tel.: +49 (0)211 13 91 236
17/09
Galeria Kaufhof GmbH, Hannover
Tel.: +49 (0)511 3 60 14 37
22/09
Galeria Kaufhof GmbH, Siegburg
Tel.: +49 (0)2241 99 30
23/09
Ernst Stackmann GmbH & Co. KG, Buxtehude (NI)
Tel.: +49 (0)4161 50 66 73
24/09
Spielwaren Kurtz GmbH, Stuttgart
Tel.: +49 (0)711 23 85 20
26/09
Johann-Peter Mahnke, Hannover (NI)
Tel.: +49 (0)511 31 32 93
30/09
Wilhelm Witthoff OHG, Gütersloh
Tel.: +49 (0)5241 9 23 00
30/09
Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH, München (NI)
01/10
Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH, München (NI)
Tel.: +49 (0)89 55 12 14 80
06/10
Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH, Augsburg (NI)
Tel.: +49 (0)821 31 53 568
07/10
Spielwaren Lütgenau, Dortmund
Tel.: +49 (0)231 54 90 524
13/10
Spielwaren Reindl, Fürstenfeldbruck
Tel.: +49 (0)8141 52 55 344
21/10
Karstadt Warenhaus GmbH, Nürnberg (NI)
Tel.: +49 (0)911 2 13 11 68
presentation of new products. Around 60 guests came, and enjoyed a breakfast buffet
22/10
Steiff Shop, Köln
Tel.: +49 (0)221 25 89 91 00
served by Bistro Knopf. And again there was a surprise cake: The Höllische Schnitz-
24/10
TeeWelt Ronnefeldt, Traunstein
Tel.: +49 (0)861 70 69 6593
und Backwerkstatt bakery had created a "cake version" of the Steiff Museum,
27/10
Steiff Shop, Düsseldorf
Tel.: +49 (0)211 8 68 17 58
27/10
Galeria Kaufhof GmbH, München
Tel.: +49 (0)89 23 18 53 77
28/10
Steiff Shop, Nürnberg
Tel.: +49 (0)911 23 55 074
28/10
Galeria Kaufhof GmbH, Bonn
Tel.: +49 (0)228 51 60
29/10
Carl Schäffer Geschenke, Osnabrück (NI)
Tel.: +49 (0)541 3 31 31 32
03/11
Galeria Kaufhof GmbH, Regensburg (NI)
Tel.: +49 (0)941 4 60 07 80
04/11
Silvias Bärenstube, Kerpen
Tel.: +49 (0)2237 92 17 01
09/11
Galeria Kaufhof GmbH, Mönchengladbach
Tel.: +49 (0)2161 27 80
everyone involved with organising these events, and the guests for taking
11/11
Mukk GmbH, Münster
Tel.: +49 (0)251 97 95 950
part!
11/11
Steiff Shop, Hamburg
Tel.: +49 (0)40 32 52 62 64
12/11
Steiff Shop, Berlin
Tel.: +49 (0)30 88 62 50 06
17/11
Steiff Shop, Wiesbaden
Tel.: +49 (0)611 16 66 999
18/11
Eckhard Schulz e. K., Hagen (NI)
Tel.: +49 (0)2331 1 45 04
24/11
Galeria Kaufhof GmbH, Mannheim
Tel.: +49 (0)621 38 04 50
Our Club store Spielzeug-Paradies Wagner oHG in Bochum came up with an
Because the event took place shortly before Easter, it included a little Easter surprise.
Member of staff Ms. Jerch had dressed up as a "60s girl" (see photo). And the spot
beside the red-and-white Goggomobil was extremely popular with people wanting
a souvenir photo.
Kaufhof Kö, Düsseldorf
In February, department head Bernd Scherwinski and Club speaker Bettina
Meyer welcomed around 85 Club members to the Club event at the Galeria Kaufhof
on the "Kö" in Düsseldorf. The fan community was welcomed with an elaborate
"picnic cake", which proved extremely popular and soon disappeared.
Club breakfast at the Steiff Museum
On 23 April, the Steiff Museum invited its Club members to a Club breakfast and
including the ambience. According to the guests, it didn't only look great...!
Numerous other events were staged by our Club stores with tremendous
commitment and imagination. We would like to take this opportunity to thank
Everyone who regularly attends our events will know that this year instead
of the events with our Club stores in Germany, we had planned a number of
regional events in autumn. The aim was to offer Club members something new
with a different kind of event. Over the course of the changeover process we
learnt, in numerous talks and in our contacts with Club stores and members,
Austria / Switzerland
Saturday, 1 and Sunday, 2 October 2016
Teddy bear workshop
in Chicago, IL
Contact:
Steiff USA Carolyn Smith
Steiff Club Manager
email: carolyn@steiffusa.com
until 8 January 2017
Exhibition "Button in Ear - A trip
into the world of Steiff "
Deutsches Schuhmuseum Hauenstein
Turnstraße 5
76846 Hauenstein
Tel. +49 (0)63 92 - 92 33 34 - 0
Fax +49 (0)63 92 - 92 33 34 - 2
email: info@museum-hauenstein.de
open daily from 9.30 to 17.00 hrs.
Thursday, 1 to Sunday, 4 December 2016
Giengen Steiff Advent Market
outside the Steiff museum
Opening times:
Thursday: 15.00 - 20.00 hrs.
Friday & Saturday: 11.00 - 20.00 hrs.
Sunday: 11.00 - 18.00 hrs.
(NI = New introductions)
Subject to change. Please contact the Club stores
for further information. You will find further dates
at www.steiff.com
Netherlands / Luxembourg / Sweden
that dispensing with an event at Club stores near their homes would be a great
09/09
Kober/Steiff in Wien
Tel.: +43 (0) 1.533601874
24/09
Berelijn, Dordrecht
Tel.: +31 (0) 78.6318028
loss for our members. We respect this, and so we are planning to continue
10/09
Puppenstube, Wien
Tel.: +43 (0) 1.8656589
01/10
Hesemans, Breda
Tel.: +31 (0) 76.5212310
23/11
Steiff Galerie/Pegasus, Zürich
Tel.: +41 (0) 44.2124642
13/10
De Neie Spillbuttek, Luxemburg
Tel.: +352 (0) 314183
22/10
Margarethas Dockskap, Kosta
Tel.: +46 (0) 709287769
the store events in the customary form.
44
Germany
45
T H E C L U B PA G E
T H E C L U B PA G E
Application form
Give a gift membership,
recruit a new member or
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 recruit a new member
renew your membership very easily.
As a Club member, you probably already know the benefits that
membership brings to you. But perhaps you've forgotten some of the
details, or would like to recruit a new member to share in the fun.
If so, we would welcome them warmly!
T H E C L U B B E N E FI T S
»» Exclusive Club editions
»» Annual high-quality gift
»» Invitation to Club events
»» The Steiff Club magazine free to your door
»» Current product information
»» Free entrance to the Steiff museum
The Steiff Club membership card
This membership card allows you to enjoy privileges such as free entry
to the Steiff museum in Giengen. The card also means you can benefit
from special offers at various Steiff events.
Our current gifts if you recruit a new member:
for a 1-year membership:
Flaps baby penguin, 20 cm, item no. 057090,
Manni mammoth, 18 cm, item no. 082412,
Koko monkey, 25 cm, 280122
Online offers
In the Club selection at www.steiff.com, you will find the Steiff
swap meet, downloads and much more.
46
First name, surname Please complete in clearly legible block capitals!
OO one year (50 EUR /60 CHF / 42 GBP)
OO two years (90 EUR /100 CHF / 75 GBP)
OO three years (130 EUR /150 CHF / 105 GBP)
Address
Country
Telephone no.
e-mail:
for a 2-year membership:
Hippi frog, 28 cm, item no. 282225,
Mini Teddy bear heart, 10 cm, item no. 028915,
Piccy blue tit, 10 cm, item no. 033360
Date of birth
Your Club store (if known)
O by direct debit (until cancelled, throughout Europe in Euros only)
account holder bank
IBAN
BIC
First name, surname
O by bank transfer to the following account:
Address
Deutsche Bank AG, Heidenheim, account no: 202 753 002, bank code 613 700 86,
IBAN: DE 21 6137 0086 0202 7530 02, Swift Code (BIC): DEUT DESS 613
Telephone no.
e-mail:
Date of birth
Membership number (only when you win a new member)
Please send the first mailing to: O the recipient of the gift membership O me personally
(A gift certificate can be downloaded from www.steiff.com/Club)
My preferred gift: (when you recruit a new member)
Item no.
or a 75 EUR voucher for the Steiff online shop
(Germany, France, Austria and UK only)
OO one year: 100 EUR
OO two years: 180 EUR
OO three years: 250 EUR
O with the enclosed cheque
Country
for a 3-year membership:
Petsy Teddy bear, 28 cm, item no. 012402
Hoppi dangling rabbit, 35 cm, item no. 122620,
Urs, brown bear, 45 cm, item no. 070037
non-European countries (exluding the USA):
Details gift giving person or member who is recommending: O Ms O Mrs O Mr
Postcode, town
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
gift with the first shipment of the Steiff Club early in February.
I wish to pay my membership subscription for
Postcode, town
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
as special highlights.
Details new member: O Ms O Mrs O Mr
Duration of membership: The personal membership year begins on 1st February,
1st May, 1st August, or 1st November depending on in which quarter the application
is received and lasts for one year. Membership is automatically renewed for a further
year, unless cancelled within the period specified in the renewal notice the Steiff Club
sends to every member. Gift memberships are not renewed automatically. At the end
of the personal membership year, the membership can be renewed by the person who
placed the order or the member themselves.
Right of withdrawal: You have two weeks in which you may cancel the membership
application in writing. Please write to the following address in good time: Steiff Club,
Margarete Steiff GmbH, Postfach 15 60, 89530 Giengen an der Brenz, Germany
Notes on data protection: By providing your signature below, you confirm that you
give your consent to your data given above being collected, processed, and utilised
by Margarete Steiff GmbH, the Steiff Club, and your Steiff Club store. The data will
be collected, processed and utilised confidentially and in accordance with the data
protection regulations of Margarete Steiff GmbH, the German Data Protection Act,
and further statutory regulations. Any passing on of data to third parties will take place
exclusively for the purpose of the contractual relationship, e.g. for handling payment
transactions, sending Club information, and invitations to Club events. If you have any
further questions, comments, or require information about your data, please contact
Margarete Steiff GmbH, Postfach 1560, 89530 Giengen an der Brenz, Germany.
Name
Date
Delivered free of charge to your door while supplies last. The gift will be sent approximately 4 to 6 weeks after
receipt of the new member’s subscription. You will receive a notification by mail or e-mail giving you the voucher
code for 75 €. Cash payment is not possible. Recourse to courts of law is likewise excluded.
You have several possibilities to answer: Cut out or copy the form and send it
by mail to the Steiff Club, Margarete Steiff GmbH, Postfach 1560, 89530 Giengen
or fax it to: 49 (0)7322 131-476.
The easiest way is per online application at: www.steiff.com/Club
This application is valid until 10th December 2016.
Place/DateSignature of person who is recommending and new member
Signature
47
M A IL BOX
M A IL BOX
Reader's letters
Dear Steiff Club,
I found an old Teddy bear at
and latex dolls dust free, out of the
are tied firmly at the nape of the
with polyester fibre, while
an antique shop near my office.
sun and direct light, and away from
neck once they have been pulled
certain replicas are still filled
you" again for the lovely Steiff animals that were
I am not sure if it is indeed a
heat sources.
through the head. This indeed can
with traditional wood shavings
my prize for winning in the reader survey. I gave
Steiff bear or not. What is the
be difficult if you don’t have the
(excelsior). In the vast majority of
the "Schlenker" horses, the unicorn and the
best way to figure this out?
correct tools at hand. You may want
cases (with a few exceptions), items
to ask a professional restorer to
with a black and white ear tag are
help with this task.
excelsior stuffed. Still not sure?
First of all, I would like to say a huge "thank
Teddy bear key ring to my two grandchildren who
There are a few ways to do
My childhood Steiff bear lost
live near Lucerne in Switzerland. Naturally, they
this. You may choose to take
an eye and I am trying to replace
absolutely love them – and even took their new
photos of it and share these on
it. I am having trouble doing this
companions on a skiing holiday with them! I am
Facebook pages that attract Steiff
repair myself. Do you have any
sending you two photos of Amanda (5) and Danilo
collectors. You can take the bear
suggestions?
(2½), cuddling their friends. Perhaps this would
to an auction house or a museum
be a good opportunity for a report in the next Club
that specializes in antique toys for
stitch eyes firmly into the faces of
magazine? I'll wait and see!
their opinion and appraisal. There
its collectible animals and bears.
U. H., Bretten
are also services online that offer
Each eye is inserted with a special
modern Steiff animals and Teddy
We're only too happy to show these happy
identification and valuations. Many
needle, and the sewing threads
bears for children are stuffed
children! You quite clearly spread the joy with
toy and Teddy bear fairs feature
your prize. Thank you so much for sending
specialists that can help with this
us these pictures!
as well. Of course, you can also
I am particularly interested in very early
stuffing was used for my Steiff
distinctive "crunchy" sound when
gentle pressure is applied.
Teddy bear?
For safety and hygiene, most
It is quite easy
Club magazine for expert review.
to identify the
(See page 30.) Good luck!
wood wool
stuffing. When
several books. Where is the best place to see
person?
the story. Wood shavings have a
How can I tell what kind of
submit a photograph to the Steiff
Steiff dolls and playthings and have studied
examples of the company’s earliest items in
Steiff uses very long needles to
A simple squeeze can usually tell
gentle pressure
I have a few Steiff dolls from
is applied to the
the 1950s, including a Mecki
animals you can
and Micki hedgehog couple. The
hear a "crunchy"
there are two good places. The first is the Steiff
material on their faces is dried
sound.
Museum, located right
and cracked. Is there anything
on the company’s campus. This museum features
I can do to fix or reverse this
In Giengen, where Steiff is headquartered,
an ever-changing display of Steiff treasures in the format of a giant glass
window timeline. You can also see historically important playthings and
damage?
The materials used in the early
artifacts at the Margarete Steiff birth house, which is located a short walk
production of many of Steiff ’s
from the Giengen factory. The displays here include dolls and numerous
1950s-era dolls unfortunately
toys, including examples of the company’s earliest felt elephants.
tended to dry out and harden or
The museum operates on a regular schedule, while the birthplace
crack over time. There is nothing
is usually open only during special occasions or by appointment.
anyone can do to fix dolls with
For hours, visit www.steiff.com.
these condition issues. The best
approach is to stabilize the dolls
and make sure the damage does not
worsen. Keep these early rubber
48
49
FAV O U R I T E
The gift of friendship
"Only the best is good enough" for our friends.
Lukas was nervous. It was his first day at a new
school. His family moved over the summer, so he had
to say goodbye to his old friends and teachers. He did
of no friends at all, a kind one appeared from nowhere!
Lukas said yes, and thanked the girl. He opened
not know anyone in his new town or class. Reluctantly,
up the umbrella and walked under it, while the girl
he grabbed his backpack and his lunchbox, and walked
walked by his side. Her name was Heidi. Soon Lukas
out the door.
and Heidi arrived at Lukas’ home. Lukas handed her
His new school was a short walk from his home.
the umbrella. Lukas asked Heidi where she lived,
On his way there, he approached a few children he did
and she told him that she had to take a train to get
not recognize. He gathered up his courage and said
to her home on the outskirts of town. Then Lukas
hi to them. They all said hi back, then walked away.
remembered the banana in his lunch kit. He said,
Lukas was puzzled. "Why weren’t they more friendly?
"Would you like a snack for the ride?" Heidi said yes,
Perhaps they were new, too?"
she was hungry, and took the fruit for the rest of her
At last he arrived at school and went to his
classroom. He said hello to his teacher, who showed
him to his desk. As school began, each student was
journey. So Lukas said goodbye and thank you to Heidi,
and realized the day was not as bad as he first thought.
The next day at school, Lukas saw Heidi in the
asked to introduce themselves and say what they did
classroom, and asked if he could sit next to her. She
over the summer. When it was Lukas’ turn, he said, "I
said yes. Heidi then started to introduce Lukas to the
spent the summer helping my family move to this new
children to the right and left of them. She told them
town because my Dad got a new job here. I am hoping
that he was nice, and that they should be friends as
to make friends soon."
well. And with that introduction, Lukas started making
Before long, it was time for recess. Lukas went
outside with the rest of his class. Some children were
friends with many of his new classmates.
Lukas and Heidi grew to be great friends. They did
playing on the monkey bars while others were playing
many fun things together after school. Heidi loved
football. Lukas asked if he could join in the game. He
monkeys, so the two spent many hours after school
was told no, as the teams were already formed, and
watching them at the local zoo.
there was no room for another player. Sadly, he went to
the swings and played by himself.
Soon after recess came lunchtime. Lukas had a knot
Early in the spring it was Heidi’s birthday. Lukas
was invited to her party and wanted to bring a very
special gift. He knew there’s no other gift as special
in his stomach and wasn’t hungry. And no one at the
as a Steiff. In the store, he spotted Steiff ’s Najumo
lunch table talked to him. He forced himself to eat his
monkey holding a banana - just like the one they
sandwich, but just didn’t feel like the banana his Mom
exchanged on that rainy first day of school! He knew
had packed in his lunch. So he put it back in his lunch
she would love it, and bought the toy for her.
kit to bring home.
Finally, the end of day bell rang. Lukas grabbed
The day of the party finally arrived. He wrapped
Najumo and wrote a special note to Heidi, thanking her
his things and ran towards the door. As he headed
for her friendship and for making him feel welcome
out of the school, it started pouring rain. "Could
at school. As she opened the gift, her eyes lit up in
this day get any worse?" he thought to himself. Then
excitement. Heidi said, "Thank you! What a perfect
something unexpected happened. A girl from his class
gift to honour our ‘friends for life’ friendship – a Steiff
approached him. She was wearing a yellow rain coat.
monkey with a banana.
She said, "I have an umbrella, would you like to borrow
50
it? " Lukas could not believe his ears. After a long day
915345
Margarete Steiff GmbH, Richard-Steiff-Straße 4, 89537 Giengen an der Brenz