Steiff – Chamois Buck – 17 cm – Mohair – c.1960s-1970s

Description

An original vintage Steiff Chamois Buck, or Gemse, made in Germany in long-haired mohair and dating from approximately the 1960s to the early 1970s.

This is the larger 17 cm catalogue size, corresponding with Steiff’s documented Chamois Buck pattern produced as Art. No. 6317,00 during 1961–1963 and 1966–1967, and subsequently as Art. No. 1600/17 from 1968 to 1973. The model is described in the Steiff reference literature as a standing chamois in brown and black long-haired mohair with characteristic markings (ref. Steiff Sortiment 1947-2003).

The animal is particularly distinctive for its elongated standing form, slender legs, pale muzzle, green glass-style eyes, black curved horns and dark tail. The coat combines shorter plush to the legs and face with longer, shaggier mohair across the body and neck, creating the naturalistic texture associated with this model.

The original Steiff button remains in the ear, providing clear maker attribution. The original paper flag and chest tag are no longer present.

The present example measures approximately 17 cm from nose to rump and 15 cm from the top of the head to the feet, broadly consistent with the nominal 17 cm catalogue size, which relates to Steiff’s model classification rather than a single modern measurement convention.

A characterful surviving example of one of Steiff’s post-war woodland and mountain animals, and substantially less commonly encountered than the company’s bears, dogs and rabbits.

Condition

Good vintage condition. The mohair retains an attractive, naturally aged appearance, with some thinning and rubbing, particularly around the face, neck and body, entirely consistent with age and use. The green eyes, black horns, felt ears and dark tail remain present. There is light surface marking and general age-related wear, but the figure retains good form and stands securely. The original Steiff button remains in one ear; the paper ear flag and chest tag are absent.

Maker

Margarete Steiff GmbH, Germany.

Date

Circa 1961–1973.

Height

Approximately 15 cm high; approximately 17 cm from nose to rump. Steiff catalogue size: 17 cm.

Material

Long-haired mohair with felt ears, glass-style eyes and textile tail.

Construction

Firmly stuffed standing animal with four fixed legs, shaped muzzle, inset eyes, felt ears, curved fabric-covered horns and applied tail. Original Steiff ear button present.

Why Buy from Hornseys?

Every item offered by Hornseys is handled, inspected and catalogued in-house before being offered for sale. We take particular care to identify manufacturers, edition details, materials, accessories and condition accurately, using the object itself and its surviving original documentation wherever possible.

Hornseys has been established in Ripon, North Yorkshire, since 1976, and our stock encompasses fine art, illustration, rare books, collectables, toys and unusual decorative objects.

We provide free UK delivery, carefully packed tracked shipping and a 14-day unconditional return guarantee, provided the item is returned in the same condition in which it was supplied.

(BR)