Steiff – EAN 662010 – The Steiff 50th Anniversary Paddington Bear – 25 cm – Mohair – Number 551 – 2008

Description

A particularly appealing and complete example of The Steiff 50th Anniversary Paddington Bear, EAN 662010, created exclusively for the Danbury Mint in 2008 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Paddington Bear.

Michael Bond introduced Paddington to the world in A Bear Called Paddington, first published in 1958. The character became one of the most enduring creations in British children’s literature, instantly recognisable through his duffle coat, hat and luggage label bearing the words ‘Please look after this bear. Thank you.’ Steiff’s anniversary edition combines those familiar details with the traditional materials and construction of a Steiff collector’s bear.

Paddington is made from caramel-coloured mohair, with dark eyes and a hand-embroidered black nose and mouth. He wears a beautifully tailored blue duffle coat with red lining, wooden toggle fastenings and patch pockets, together with his characteristic black hat. The soles of his feet have contrasting felt pads decorated with dark paw markings.

Around his neck is the original 50th Anniversary medallion decorated with the anniversary Paddington design. His famous handwritten-style luggage label is also present.

This example is individually numbered 00551 and retains its original Steiff identification and manufacturer’s labels. It is accompanied by a Steiff box, Danbury Mint certificate of authenticity and Steiff Paddington booklet, making this a particularly complete example of the issue.

Produced during Paddington’s Golden Anniversary year, this is an attractive meeting of two important names in teddy-bear history: Michael Bond’s Paddington Bear and Margarete Steiff GmbH. Its relatively compact 25 cm size, traditional mohair construction and carefully reproduced costume make it considerably more substantial as a collector’s piece than the many plush Paddington toys produced over the decades.

Condition

Excellent collectible condition.

The caramel mohair remains full and attractive, with the embroidered facial features, felt paw pads and original clothing all very well preserved. The blue duffle coat, black hat, anniversary medallion and luggage label are present.

Original Steiff labels and identification remain attached.

Complete with its original box, certificate of authenticity and Steiff Paddington booklet. The box has some minor signs of storage and handling, including remnants of an old label to one side, as visible in the photographs.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form an integral part of our condition report.

Maker: Margarete Steiff GmbH, Germany, exclusively for the Danbury Mint
Date: 2008
Height: Approximately 25 cm / 10 inches
Material: Caramel mohair with felt and textile costume
Construction: Five-way jointed mohair collector’s bear, jointed at the neck, shoulders and hips, with embroidered facial features, felt paw pads and original Steiff identification

Why Buy from Hornseys?

Every item offered by Hornseys is handled, inspected and catalogued in-house before being offered for sale. We take particular care to identify manufacturers, edition details, materials, accessories and condition accurately, using the object itself and its surviving original documentation wherever possible.

Hornseys has been established in Ripon, North Yorkshire, since 1976, and our stock encompasses fine art, illustration, rare books, collectables, toys and unusual decorative objects.

We provide free UK delivery, carefully packed tracked shipping and a 14-day unconditional return guarantee, provided the item is returned in the same condition in which it was supplied.

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