Steiff – EAN 407246 – Teddy Bear 1926 – 2003 – Limited Edition

Maker: Steiff
Date: 2003
EAN: 407246
Edition: 1321/5000
Price: £135 (Free Postage In The UK)
Material: Mohair
Size: 40cm
Care: Surface Washable
Condition: Fine condition with certificate and very good original Steiff box which is a little creased.

Item and packaging made in Germany, 2003.

Teddy Bear 1926: A Brief Description

The Steiff 407246 Teddy Bear 1926 Replica is a masterfully crafted collector’s item, faithfully recreating a piece from Steiff’s golden era of toymaking. Measuring 40cm in height, this bear embodies the timeless charm and dignified character of its original 1926 predecessor.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The defining feature of this bear is its luxurious brown-tipped mohair coat. This exquisite material—a signature of Steiff’s high-quality craftsmanship—is produced using the finest mohair fibres, with each strand carefully dyed to achieve a delicate, warm blend: the tips are a rich chestnut brown, subtly darkening the otherwise creamy base, giving the bear a beautifully nuanced and vintage appearance. The fur is thick yet soft to the touch, with a slight sheen that enhances its antique allure.

Detailing

The bear’s face is finely detailed with deep-set glass eyes in a warm amber tone, lending a soulful and expressive gaze. The hand-stitched nose is crafted from a contrasting brown thread in the traditional triangular shape, slightly raised to add texture and realism. Below it, the mouth is carefully sewn with fine detail, giving the bear a gently wistful expression reminiscent of early twentieth-century design. A defining characteristic of this replica is its firmly stuffed body, filled with excelsior in keeping with the traditional methods used in the 1920s. This gives the bear a sturdy, tactile presence and a weightiness that collectors value. The bear is also fully five-way jointed, meaning the head, arms, and legs can all rotate, allowing for classic posing and lifelike movement. The paw pads are made of felt, in a slightly contrasting beige hue. These subtle details evoke the refined simplicity of the era, marrying elegance with naturalism.

Limited Edition Features

As a true replica piece, it proudly bears the underscored “Button in Ear” with a replica white ear tag, denoting its status as part of Steiff’s historical collection. This distinguishes it from regular production bears and affirms its authenticity as a limited-edition collector’s item.

Presentation and Significance

The bear is typically presented in a Steiff box, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, affirming its status as an official archival replica. It is not intended as a toy but as a heritage piece, crafted with historical accuracy and aimed at serious collectors and enthusiasts of classic Steiff artistry. In every respect, the Steiff 407246 replica bear is a remarkable homage to an era of enduring teddy bear design—refined, soulful, and steeped in tradition.

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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