Doll & Bear Sale Thursday 24th October
Rarities, Red Bears and Rosebuds!
The name Steiff is synonymous with quality toys and the examples in the Vectis sale from this company from the early years of 1890’s through to present date are testament to this.
There truly is something for everyone – and given Steiff's universal appeal – is certain to be of great interest to collectors, museums, and toy enthusiasts and historians all around the world.
The collection includes one of the finest examples of an early Steiff cat skittle, dating from 1892 – 1904. Steiff began to identify all their pieces with the trademark ‘Knopf im ohr’ (button in ear) from 1904 onwards. It has been part of a set of felt skittles and is accompanied by a red and blue felt ball, these were generally released as a set of eight cat plus one cat kingpin, apart from in the US where they included a tenth skittle. He is in exceptional condition with a tempting pre-sale estimate of £600 - £1200.
Having the wealth of archive material that Steiff has access to, it often launches replicas of its early examples using the original patterns. Lot numbers 5297 and 5443 provide the rare opportunity to purchase not only the replica 1934 Scotty Terrier but the original too! The early example was made in grey frosted mohair from 1930 and then in a solid black. Both are extremely appealing pupsters, so if you can’t stretch to the £80 - £120 estimate for the first edition then perhaps you can get add a later replica estimated at only for £35 - £45.
In addition to the button, Steiff has used white, yellow and red ear tags to help identify its products. Red tags were primarily used from 1926 – 1934 and so to find a Steiff toy still with the red tag attached is exciting. Lot number 5440 Steiff Molly Dog, #3310, dates from the 1927-1930 period. He has blonde mohair, brown and black glass eyes, black vertically stitched nose and is in a seated position with a jointed neck, in generally good order for his age. He has a pre-sale estimate of £140 - £240. Molly dog was a popular line for Steiff and the sale also includes a #3310 (4360/10), 1952-1969 example plus the third option again of a replica Steiff Molly dog 1927 in white and red tipped mohair.
All ready for Halloween is the Steiff vintage Eric the Bat, #1310/00, made from 1960 to 1962, in mohair with synthetic wings this guy may be little at only 4" (10cm), but we are sure he could give you a big scare if needed! He is Lot number 5450 he has a pre-sale estimate of £40 - £60.
There are some Steiff pieces that although were not limited editions were not produced for a long period or in a small run and therefore not often seen on the secondary market. Lot 5408 is a splash of miniature sea creatures / shell fish including Swinny Seahorse, Coloro Seestern Star Fish and Mosy Muschel Oyster Shell in Lot No 5408 and are delightful.
In 2016, one of the worlds most recognised Steiff Teddy bears, Alfonzo, left his home at Teddy bears of Witney and travelled to become the star attraction at a new museum in Denmark.
Alfonzo, has been described as the most romantic bear in the world, made in 1906 by Steiff for Russian Princess Xenia, cousin of Tsar Nicholas II and travelled with his royal mistress when she visited Buckingham Palace in 1914. Xenia’s mother was Princess Marie of Denmark and Greece.
If you need a fix of this wonderful red bear, lots 5425 – 5430 provide the opportunity to add one to your collection.
There is an abundance of other vintage Steiff animals in the sale including three studio (display pieces) – zebra, gazelle and flossy fish.
Miniature vintage teddy ‘soldier’ bears are always in demand, add in the story of the that it, plus pipe cleaner horse companion were the childhood companions of twins David and Guy Campbell born on 18th January 1910; they were bought for them over a number of years by their grandmother. They gave the two boys great joy and many hours of play acting with them. When the boys staged The Battle of Waterloo, the bears would ride on pipe cleaner horses. They made about one hundred "steeds", each with little faces, eyes and ears, blue or pink reins and brown thick pipe cleaner fur. The pair have a pre-sale estimate of £200 - £300.
In every Vectis sale, one of the most popular and strong segments is the Steiff Limited Edition section, this one being no exception. Early pieces from the 1980’s Museum collection right up to modern releases.
Artist bears, are also in abundance including a large offering of ‘Teddystyle’ bruins which are outstanding. Orchestrator of these creations, Janet Clarke has been a designer, maker, teacher, mentor and innovator since the mid 1980’s. Like many bear artists, Janet started with a teddy made from a pattern, sewn as a gift for her sister Jackie. The attention to detail, luxurious finish and excellent tailoring on her dressed teds, meant Janet’s designs were in great demand all over the globe.
There is a rousing dose of medical bears which make a striking parade. Jean Morris of ‘Parkside Bears’ was well known for her use of vintage fabrics, lace, accessories and jewellery. Her nurse bear is reminiscent of a WWI carer, with white apron, armbands and cap, she proudly sports her ‘Red Cross’ and ’15 Years Long Service Award’ medals. She is gently aged, with painted detailing and would be the focal point of any collection.
Having previously worked as a theatre costumer, Jennie Sharman Cox of ‘Mister Bears’, tailoring skills are second to none. The two nurses in the auction have perfectly scaled uniforms of the 1930 – 40’s. Ever popular there are several ‘Bears of Grace’ examples, in sparse mohair with black eyes and leather pads. The dedicated nurse accompanies her soldier charge and is keeping a close eye on him. Military bears are of course another variation to explore. Models do not have to cost a great deal to be part of an effective ensemble. The Gantz Cottage Collectables and Boyds bears in medical attire make a marvellous contribution to the theme.
You might be drawn to manufacturers such as Farnell, Chad Valley or Pedigree, and we have several examples of this underestimated British classic producers in the sale.
There are some prime examples of hard plastic and plastic dolls made by the iconic British producers such as Pedigree, Palitoy and Rosebud. In excellent condition, many accompanied by their original boxes. Pippa also makes an appearance as do beautiful bisque dolls from Armand Marseille, Heubach, Simon & Halbig and Kestner.
All the Doll and Bear Sales at Vectis are room sales, which gives buyers the opportunity to mingle, bond with the bears, inspect the dolls and chat to fellow enthusiasts. If you can’t be there in person you can watch all the action live, bid through the site or via the telephone. Whatever ‘type’ of bear or you prefer we are sure to have something to tempt you.
For more information or to be kept up to date about future bears sales contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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