Steiff – EAN 661648 – Hunca Munca – 2004 – Limited Edition

Maker: Steiff, made in Germany 2004
EAN: 661648
Edition: 835 of 1500
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, but very good condition overall.  Hunca Munca 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.

Hunca Munca: A Brief Description

The Steiff 661648 Hunca Munca, introduced in 2004 as a limited edition of 1,500 pieces, is a finely conceived character study inspired by the much-loved literary mouse. Measuring approximately 12 cm in height, this piece captures a domestic scene with quiet charm: the mouse is depicted standing upright, dressed in a modest floral garment and apron, and holding a broom as if engaged in household duties. The posture is gentle yet purposeful, conveying a sense of narrative authenticity and everyday activity. Its compact scale and expressive detailing make it an appealing example of Steiff’s character-led limited editions.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Hunca Munca is crafted from high-quality alpaca, a material valued for its soft handle and refined finish, lending the figure a delicate and slightly matte appearance. The filling consists of acrylic fibre, ensuring a stable structure while maintaining a pleasing softness. The mouse’s features are carefully rendered, with subtle shaping to the muzzle, neatly applied whiskers, and small, dark eyes that provide a lifelike focal point. Particular attention has been given to the costume: the floral fabric dress, lace-trimmed apron, and neatly tied ribbon at the back demonstrate precision in textile work at miniature scale. The broom accessory, complete with a wooden handle and bristled base, adds dimensional interest and reinforces the narrative theme. Overall, the piece reflects disciplined hand-finishing and a high standard of assembly.

Presentation and Significance

The figure is presented in its original box and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, confirming its status as part of a strictly limited production run. Such completeness is essential for collectors, ensuring provenance and supporting long-term desirability. Issued during a period when Steiff was producing a series of literary-inspired character pieces, Hunca Munca holds particular appeal for those interested in narrative collectibles. Its combination of fine materials, careful craftsmanship, and recognisable subject matter contributes to its enduring relevance within Steiff’s catalogue, representing both the brand’s heritage techniques and its ability to translate storytelling into finely made objects.

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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