Steiff Bears

The World Of Steiff

Steiff, the renowned German manufacturer of plush toys, is most famous for its teddy bears and has a storied history that dates back to the late 19th century. The company was founded in 1880 by Margarete Steiff, an inspiring figure whose determination and creativity overcame significant personal challenges. Despite being paralysed in her arms and legs due to polio, Margarete displayed an entrepreneurial spirit that led her to establish a sewing business. Initially, she produced felt garments and household items, but her creation of a small stuffed elephant in 1880 marked the start of something extraordinary.

The felt elephant, originally intended as a pincushion, quickly became popular as a children’s toy. This unexpected success inspired Margarete to expand her range, and by the end of the 19th century, her company was producing an array of soft toys. Steiff’s attention to quality and detail set it apart from competitors, establishing a reputation for excellence that endures to this day.

The turning point for Steiff came in 1902 with the invention of the teddy bear. Richard Steiff, Margarete’s nephew, developed a prototype of a bear with moveable arms and legs, inspired by observing bears at the zoo. This innovation coincided with the global rise in popularity of the teddy bear, a phenomenon partly fuelled by its association with U.S. President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt. The Steiff teddy bear, designated as the model 55PB, became a sensation when it was exhibited at the Leipzig Toy Fair in 1903. Shortly afterwards, an American buyer ordered 3,000 bears, cementing Steiff’s place as a leader in the toy industry.

The iconic “Button in Ear” trademark was introduced in 1904 to protect Steiff products from imitations. This feature, a small metal button inserted into the ear of each toy, remains a hallmark of Steiff craftsmanship. Over the years, the company continued to innovate, producing a wide variety of plush animals and introducing new materials and techniques.

Despite challenges during the two World Wars, including material shortages and the destruction of its factory, Steiff remained resilient. Post-war, the company rebuilt and expanded internationally, becoming a beloved brand worldwide. Its products, known for their exceptional quality and lifelike designs, are cherished by collectors and children alike.

Steiff has also embraced the luxury market, producing limited-edition bears and collaborating with designers to create exclusive pieces. The company continues to operate from its headquarters in Giengen an der Brenz, Germany, honouring Margarete Steiff’s legacy with its commitment to quality, innovation, and the timeless joy of childhood.

Here at Hornseys’, we hold a large stock of both new and vintage Steiff bears and figures with a strong focus on the more scarce limited edition items which are hand-crafted in Germany.

Why Buy from Us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of objects and fine gifts is meticulously curated to ensure that it reflects refined taste and elegance.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every range is thoroughly researched and vetted to ensure that it meets our exacting standards.
• Expert Curation: We select each range with an eye for tastefulness, refinement, condition, and visual appeal.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions to secure and prompt delivery.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, any item may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and items must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:

Visit Hornseys to explore our exceptional collection of fine art, illustration, rare books, gifts and objects. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for art lovers and collectors since 1976.