Steiff – EAN 034497 – Teddy Bear – Mad Hatter – Limited Edition – 2014

Maker: Steiff
Date: 2014
EAN: 034497
Edition: No. 1337/1500
Price: £650 (Free Postage In The UK)
Material: 48% Mohair 52% Cotton
Filling: 100% Polyester
Size: 30cm
Care: Surface Washable
Condition: Fine condition in original box.

Item and all certificates made in Germany. Bear in fine condition. Certificates in fine condition. Box has very slightly shelf-wear.  In fine condition overall.

Teddy Bear – Madder Hatter: A Brief Description

The Steiff Mad Hatter Teddy Bear (EAN 034497) is a distinguished limited edition piece, meticulously crafted to embody the whimsical character from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Released in 2014, this bear was limited to 1,500 pieces worldwide, making it a coveted item among collectors.

Design and Craftsmanship

• Material: The bear is made from premium beige mohair, offering a soft and luxurious texture.
• Size: Standing at 30 cm (12 inches) tall, it is fully jointed, allowing for versatile posing.
• Facial Features: It features a hand-stitched nose and mouth, complemented by expressive safety eyes, capturing the classic Steiff aesthetic.

Attire

• Coat: The Mad Hatter is dressed in a khaki green frock coat with detailed cuffs and cufflinks, reflecting Victorian fashion.
• Waistcoat: Beneath the coat, he wears a vibrant checked waistcoat in shades of green, red, and white, adding a touch of eccentricity.
• Bow Tie: A red spotted bow tie adorns his neck, enhancing his whimsical appearance.
• Top Hat: Completing the ensemble is his signature top hat, featuring a red silk band and the iconic price tag, staying true to the character’s portrayal in the novel.

Special Features

• Button in Ear: As a hallmark of Steiff’s authenticity, the bear has a gold-plated “Button in Ear” with a special elephant motif, commemorating the 110th anniversary of this trademark in 2014.
• Packaging: Each bear comes in a Steiff box and includes a numbered certificate of authenticity, underscoring its limited edition status.

The Steiff Mad Hatter Teddy Bear exemplifies the brand’s dedication to quality and attention to detail, making it a cherished addition for collectors and enthusiasts of literary classics alike.

The Mad Hatter in ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ by Lewis Carroll: A Brief Description

The Mad Hatter is one of the most eccentric and memorable characters in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. He appears in the whimsical setting of the Mad Tea Party, where his quirky personality, nonsensical dialogue, and peculiar behaviour captivate both Alice and readers.

Physical Description

The Mad Hatter’s physical appearance is never described in great detail by Carroll, but he is traditionally depicted as a middle-aged man with exaggerated features and a distinctive style. His most iconic feature is his oversized top hat, which is adorned with a price tag that reads “10/6,” signifying its cost—ten shillings and sixpence. This odd detail adds to the Hatter’s sense of absurdity and has become a hallmark of his character.

He is often dressed in Victorian attire, with a slightly dishevelled appearance that mirrors his chaotic personality. Illustrations by John Tenniel, the original illustrator of Carroll’s works, depict him with wiry hair, a bow tie, and a frock coat, further enhancing his peculiar and whimsical aura.

Personality and Behaviour

The Mad Hatter is defined by his nonsensical logic and unpredictable behaviour. He delights in wordplay, riddles, and illogical reasoning, often to the confusion and frustration of Alice. During the tea party, for instance, he poses the famous riddle, “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” but never provides a definitive answer, leaving it open to interpretation.

He frequently interrupts conversations with irrelevant remarks, displays abrupt changes in mood, and engages in whimsical rituals, such as moving seats around the table to mark the passage of “time.” His interactions with Alice and the other tea party guests, including the March Hare and the Dormouse, are chaotic and surreal, embodying the absurdity of Wonderland itself.

Role in the Story

The Mad Hatter plays a pivotal role in showcasing the nonsensical nature of Wonderland. Through his conversation with Alice, he introduces the concept of “time” as a character rather than a concept, explaining that he has fallen out of favour with Time, which is why it is always six o’clock for him. This perpetual tea time serves as a metaphor for the suspension of logic and order in Wonderland.

His interactions with Alice highlight her struggles to navigate a world that defies her sense of logic and reason. The tea party scene, in particular, underscores the absurdity and humour of Carroll’s writing, while also reflecting the broader themes of curiosity and exploration.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The Mad Hatter can be interpreted as a symbol of creative chaos and unorthodox thinking. His defiance of conventional logic and structure reflects the playful and unpredictable spirit of Wonderland. Some literary analyses have also drawn connections between the Hatter’s erratic behaviour and the effects of mercury poisoning, which was common among hatmakers in the 19th century, though Carroll himself never explicitly stated this.

Legacy

The Mad Hatter has become one of the most iconic characters in literary history, transcending the pages of Carroll’s book to appear in numerous adaptations and cultural references. He embodies the essence of Wonderland’s eccentricity, and his distinctive personality and appearance have made him a favourite character in film, theatre, and art.

In summary, the Mad Hatter is a quintessential figure of whimsical madness, a character whose blend of charm, absurdity, and mystery continues to enchant audiences and symbolise the boundless creativity of Carroll’s Wonderland.

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