Steiff – EAN 653445 – Jemima Puddle-Duck – 2006 – Limited Edition

Maker: Steiff, made in Germany 2006
EAN: 653445
Edition: 827 of 1500
Price: £275 (Free Postage In The UK)
Material: Alpaca
Size: 38 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 her wing).  There are some marks on the label, please see photographs.  There is some wear to the box, but very good condition overall.  Jemima Puddle-Duck is non-jointed, she can either sit or stand.  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.

Jemima Puddle-Duck: A Brief Description

The Steiff 653445 Jemima Puddle-Duck, issued in 2006 as a limited edition of 1,500 pieces, represents a refined intersection between classic children’s literature and the long-established German tradition of luxury soft toy manufacture. Jemima Puddle-Duck, originally conceived in the early twentieth century, remains one of the most recognisable characters in the canon of English storytelling, and Steiff’s interpretation pays homage to that heritage while elevating it into a collectible objet d’art. This edition reflects Steiff’s continued commitment to literary collaborations, particularly those rooted in pastoral British narratives, translating a beloved fictional figure into a tactile and enduring form. The strictly limited production run reinforces its status as a collector’s piece, appealing both to enthusiasts of Steiff and admirers of traditional nursery iconography.

Materials and Craftsmanship

This piece is constructed from fine white alpaca, a material prized for its softness, durability, and subtle lustre. The alpaca fibre lends the duck a naturalistic yet gently stylised texture, with a slightly tousled finish that evokes plumage without sacrificing the plush quality expected of a Steiff creation. The filling is composed of acrylic fibre, ensuring structural integrity while maintaining a lightweight and resilient form.

The detailing is notably meticulous: the beak and feet are rendered in a warm golden-yellow textile, carefully shaped to suggest anatomical realism while remaining harmonious with the toy’s overall aesthetic. Jemima’s outfit—a soft pink cape adorned with a paisley motif in muted blues and greens—is trimmed with delicate fringe, introducing both visual depth and a sense of movement. The accompanying bonnet, in a complementary shade of blue, is fashioned with gentle gathers and ties, framing the face and enhancing the character’s recognisable silhouette. Each seam, stitch, and applied element demonstrates a high level of hand-finishing, characteristic of Steiff’s workshop standards, where precision and longevity are paramount. The surface-washable finish also reflects a practical consideration, allowing for careful maintenance without compromising the integrity of the materials.

Presentation and Significance

As a limited edition, this Jemima Puddle-Duck is not merely a decorative soft toy but a collectible artefact, embodying both narrative charm and artisanal excellence. Its scale—approximately 38 cm—offers a pleasing balance between display presence and intimacy, making it suitable for cabinet presentation or curated interior settings. The harmonious palette of soft whites, pastels, and gentle contrasts contributes to its understated elegance, allowing it to sit comfortably within both traditional and contemporary decorative schemes.

Beyond its visual appeal, the piece carries cultural significance through its association with a cherished literary character, encapsulating themes of innocence, rural life, and gentle humour. For collectors, it represents a convergence of brand heritage, limited availability, and faithful character interpretation. For admirers of fine craftsmanship, it stands as a testament to the enduring value of carefully considered materials and skilled handwork in an increasingly mass-produced world.

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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