Steiff – EAN 661822 – Mrs Tiggy-Winkle – 2005 – Limited Edition

Maker: Steiff, made in Germany 2005
EAN: 661822
Edition: 549 of 1500
Price: £250 (Free Postage In The UK)
Material: Mohair
Size: 22 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.  Mrs Tiggy-Winkles head is jointed, she stands well with her shoes and bottom 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.

Mrs Tiggy-Winkle: A Brief Description

The Steiff 661822 Mrs Tiggy-Winkle is a finely executed limited edition soft toy produced in 2005, inspired by Beatrix Potter’s much-loved literary character. Standing at approximately 22 cm in height, this piece captures the distinctive charm and domestic warmth of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, portrayed here with her characteristic rounded form and gentle expression. The edition was strictly limited to 1,500 pieces worldwide, underscoring its collectable status among Steiff enthusiasts and admirers of classic British children’s literature. Each example is individually identified and accompanied by a certificate, reinforcing its authenticity and provenance.

Materials and Craftsmanship

This figure is crafted from high-quality mohair plush, a hallmark of Steiff’s traditional manufacturing standards. The mohair features subtle brown tipping, lending depth and a naturalistic texture to the character’s hedgehog form. The interior is filled with soft acrylic fibre, ensuring both structural integrity and a pleasing tactile quality. Attention to detail is evident in the carefully shaped body, delicately facial features, and proportionate construction that reflects Steiff’s long-standing expertise in soft toy design. As expected from the brand, the piece also bears the iconic Steiff button-in-ear tag, a recognised symbol of authenticity and craftsmanship.

Presentation and Significance

The Mrs Tiggy-Winkle figure is presented boxed, enhancing its desirability as a collector’s item. The inclusion of the original certificate—attached to the arm—adds an important layer of verification and completeness, particularly valued in the secondary market. This limited edition occupies a meaningful place within Steiff’s literary-inspired series, appealing to collectors of both Steiff products and Beatrix Potter memorabilia. Its restrained production number, combined with the enduring popularity of the character, contributes to its ongoing significance as a decorative and collectible object of early 21st-century craftsmanship.

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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