Steiff – EAN 662126 – Tom Kitten – 2005 – Limited Edition

Maker: Steiff, made in Germany 2005
EAN: 662126
Edition: 382 of 1500
Price: £275 (Free Postage In The UK)
Material: Mohair
Size: 25 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 and certificate, but very good condition overall.  Tom Kitten is three-way 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.

Tom Kitten: A Brief Description

The Steiff 602126 Tom Kitten, issued in 2005 as a limited edition of 1,500 pieces, is a finely interpreted character figure derived from the classic Beatrix Potter narrative. Standing approximately 25 cm in height, this piece presents Tom Kitten in a composed, upright stance, dressed in his recognisable nursery attire. The figure captures the gentle, slightly formalised character of Tom, with a calm expression and balanced proportions that reflect both the literary origin and Steiff’s distinctive approach to character modelling. The inclusion of a wide-brimmed straw-style hat and tailored clothing enhances the sense of narrative authenticity, making it both a decorative and storytelling piece.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Tom Kitten is crafted from high-quality mohair, selected for its durability, soft texture, and subtle sheen, which together lend depth and richness to the figure’s surface. The filling is acrylic fibre, ensuring structural consistency while maintaining a pleasing softness. The facial features are carefully detailed, with precisely set eyes, a neatly stitched nose, and subtle shaping around the muzzle to achieve a gentle, lifelike expression. Particular attention is given to the clothing: the pale blue one-piece garment is neatly tailored with fine stitching, button detailing, and a crisp white collar, all executed at miniature scale with accuracy and care. The woven hat is proportioned to sit naturally, adding both texture and visual balance. The overall construction reflects disciplined hand-finishing and a high level of quality control consistent with Steiff’s established standards.

Presentation and Significance

The piece is presented in its original box, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity that confirms its limited-edition status and production number. The packaging, designed with reference to the literary heritage of the character, enhances its appeal as a collector’s item and supports its long-term provenance. As part of Steiff’s series of Beatrix Potter-inspired figures, Tom Kitten holds particular significance for collectors of literary memorabilia and heritage soft toys. Its controlled edition size, combined with strong craftsmanship and recognisable subject matter, ensures its continued desirability, representing a successful fusion of storytelling tradition and refined toy-making expertise.

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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