Steiff – EAN 354304 – Squirrel Nutkin – 2004 – Limited Edition

Maker: Steiff, made in Germany 2004
EAN: 354304
Edition: 474 of 1500
Price: £225 (Free Postage In The UK)
Material: Mohair
Size: 15 cm
Condition: Fine condition.

Condition:

From the Beatrix Potter Collection of Thomas and Greta Schuster. This item is in fine condition with its original Steiff box and certificate (attached to the arm).  There is some wear to the box, but very good condition overall.  Squirrel Nutkin is non-jointed, but stands well with his tail to balance.  Please contact us for more details if required.

Thomas and Greta Schuster: A Brief Account

Thomas and Greta Schuster were influential British antiquarian book dealers and collectors whose expertise helped shape the global market for rare children’s literature. Based primarily in London and later in Devon, they were widely regarded as pre-eminent authorities on the works of Lewis Carroll and Beatrix Potter.

Thomas E. Schuster (1937–2013)

Born in 1937, Thomas Schuster established himself as a distinguished international dealer in antiquarian books, maps, and decorative prints. During the 1980s and 1990s, he operated the Schuster Gallery on Maddox Street in Mayfair, London. The gallery became a central hub for serious collectors of botanical prints and Victorian illustrations.

Thomas was known for his discerning eye and meticulous approach to provenance. His professional reputation was built on his ability to source items of exceptional rarity, such as early hand-coloured engravings and first-issue literary masterpieces. Beyond his commercial success, he was a passionate archivist who viewed books not merely as commodities but as vital pieces of cultural history.

Greta Anne Schuster (1942–2025)

Greta was Thomas’s wife and essential partner in both life and business. Following their move to Devon, she took an increasingly active role in managing their private archives. Greta possessed a deep academic interest in the “Golden Age” of British illustration.

After Thomas’s death in 2013, Greta became the primary steward of their joint legacy. She was instrumental in documenting their vast holdings, ensuring that the collections remained intact for study until they were eventually released to the public market. Her dedication ensured that the Schusters’ names remained synonymous with the highest standards of bibliographical scholarship.

The Schuster Collections

Together, the couple assembled what many experts consider the most comprehensive private collections of their kind:

• The Lewis Carroll Archive: Amassed over three decades, this collection comprised more than 3,000 items, including the rare 1865 “suppressed” edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and various pieces of Victorian “Alice” memorabilia.
• The Beatrix Potter Archive: This collection was noted for its depth, featuring Potter’s privately printed editions, original watercolours, and rare ephemera that traced the author’s transition from a natural history illustrator to a world-renowned storyteller.

Professional Impact

The Schusters were respected members of the antiquarian trade, frequently consulted by museums and libraries for their specialized knowledge. Their approach combined commercial acumen with a genuine desire to preserve the physical history of English literature. Greta Schuster passed away in late 2025, marking the end of an era for a partnership that spent over forty years at the forefront of the British rare book world.

Squirrel Nutkin: A Brief Description

The Steiff 354304 Squirrel Nutkin, issued in 2004 as a limited edition of 1,500 pieces, is a finely observed miniature interpretation of one of Beatrix Potter’s most spirited and irreverent characters. At approximately 15 cm in height, this compact figure captures Nutkin’s lively, inquisitive nature through its upright stance and animated pose. The arched back and raised forepaws suggest alertness and movement, while the inclusion of a small nut accessory reinforces the character’s identity and narrative context. Despite its modest scale, the figure conveys a strong sense of personality, balancing naturalistic animal form with subtle anthropomorphic charm.

Materials and Craftsmanship

This piece is crafted from reddish brown mohair, a traditional material in high-quality soft toy manufacture, valued for its durability, fine texture, and gentle lustre. The mohair pile is carefully trimmed and shaped to create a convincing impression of fur, with slight tonal variations that enhance depth and realism. The underside, rendered in a lighter contrasting shade, provides visual balance and reflects the natural colouring of a squirrel’s coat. The figure is filled with acrylic fibre, ensuring a lightweight yet stable structure that maintains its sculpted form over time.

The craftsmanship is particularly evident in the detailing of the head and limbs. The ears are neatly defined, while the eyes are precisely set to create a bright, attentive expression. Fine whiskers extend from the snout, adding a delicate linear element that enhances the sense of realism. The forepaws are carefully positioned to hold the nut, demonstrating thoughtful design and control in construction. The tail, full and prominently curved, is a defining feature, with the mohair worked to create volume and texture, contributing significantly to the overall silhouette. Each seam is discreetly executed, and the proportions are carefully balanced, reflecting Steiff’s established standards of precision and hand-finishing.

Presentation and Significance

As a limited edition, Squirrel Nutkin holds clear appeal for collectors of both Steiff figures and Beatrix Potter characters. The relatively small edition size of 1,500 enhances its collectable status, while its compact scale makes it particularly versatile for display. It can be effectively incorporated into cabinet arrangements or grouped with other literary figures, where its lively form and warm colouring provide contrast and visual interest.

The palette of rich reddish browns, combined with the soft sheen of mohair, gives the piece a natural warmth that complements both traditional and contemporary settings. Its diminutive size does not diminish its presence; rather, it invites closer inspection, rewarding attention with finely resolved detail.

In a broader context, the figure represents a thoughtful translation of a well-known literary character into a crafted object, preserving the essence of Nutkin’s mischievous energy while adhering to the disciplined aesthetics of traditional toy-making. It exemplifies Steiff’s ability to work at a smaller scale without sacrificing quality or character, offering collectors a piece that is both technically accomplished and culturally resonant.

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.

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