Steiff – EAN 402180 – Peter Rabbit Replica 1904/05 – 2002 – Limited Edition

Maker: Steiff, made in Germany 2002
EAN: 402180
Edition: 1820 of 3000
Price: £275 (Free Postage In The UK)
Material: Alpaca
Size: 12 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.  There is some wear to the box and certificate, but very good condition overall.  Peter Rabbit is non-jointed.  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.

Peter Rabbit: A Brief Description

The Steiff 402180 Peter Rabbit Replica 1904/05, issued in 2002 as a limited edition of 3,000 pieces, is a carefully researched reproduction of one of the earliest licensed character toys. Standing approximately 22 cm tall, this figure faithfully captures the form and spirit of the original early twentieth-century design, with its upright stance, elongated ears, and distinctive dressed presentation. The rabbit wears a deep blue jacket trimmed with gold-toned detailing and finished with small buttons, complemented by bright red slippers, creating a striking yet historically grounded appearance. The expression is gentle and composed, reflecting the understated charm associated with classic nursery characters.

Materials and Craftsmanship

This replica is crafted from wool plush, selected to mirror the texture and character of early Steiff materials, giving the surface a soft yet slightly dense finish consistent with period construction. The filling is excelsior (wood wool), a traditional material that provides a firm, structured feel and contributes to the authentic weight and handling of the piece. The facial features are entirely hand-finished, with a neatly stitched nose and mouth that demonstrate precise needlework and careful attention to proportion. The red felt slippers, fitted with leather soles, are particularly noteworthy, both for their material quality and for the accuracy with which they reflect early design conventions. The tailored jacket is well-fitted and symmetrically constructed, with clean edging, underscoring the disciplined craftsmanship associated with Steiff’s heritage reproductions.

Presentation and Significance

The piece is presented in a purpose-designed box, styled to evoke archival packaging, and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity confirming its limited-edition status and production details. This level of presentation enhances both its collectability and its historical resonance, as the packaging forms part of the overall interpretive experience. As a replica of a seminal early character figure, this Peter Rabbit holds particular significance within Steiff’s portfolio, bridging the gap between historical toy-making practices and modern collectible standards. Its combination of traditional materials, faithful design, and controlled edition size ensures its continued appeal among collectors interested in both Steiff’s legacy and the broader history of character merchandising.

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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