Steiff – EAN 662393 – Samuel Whiskers – 2006 – Limited Edition

Maker: Steiff, made in Germany 2006
EAN: 662393
Edition: 422 of 1500
Price: £225 (Free Postage In The UK)
Material: Alpaca
Size: 28 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 his paw).  The label is slightly bent, please see photographs.  There is some wear to the box, but very good condition overall.  Samuel Whiskers is fully jointed, but due to the size of his legs in proportion to his body he can only sit.  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.

Samuel Whiskers: A Brief Description

The Steiff (EAN 662393) Samuel Whiskers is a finely characterised representation of Beatrix Potter’s scheming rat, presented here with a softened, collector-oriented sensibility that balances narrative authenticity with aesthetic appeal. Standing at approximately 28 cm, the figure conveys a distinct personality through its upright seated posture, gently inclined head, and subtly alert expression. The design captures the essence of Samuel Whiskers’ opportunistic nature while rendering him approachable and visually engaging. His attire—comprising a tailored jacket, waistcoat, and breeches—further reinforces his anthropomorphic identity, situating the character within the familiar Edwardian-inspired world associated with Potter’s illustrations.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The figure is crafted from rich brown alpaca, chosen for its fine pile, durability, and understated sheen. This material lends depth and warmth to the surface, with a slightly varied texture that evokes natural fur while maintaining a refined finish. The stuffing consists of acrylic fibre, providing structural consistency and resilience, ensuring that the figure retains its intended form over time without compromising its tactile softness.

Particular attention has been given to the modelling of the head and facial features. The elongated snout, delicately stitched nose, and fine whiskers contribute to a lifelike yet stylised expression, while the rounded ears—lined and neatly finished—add dimension and balance. The limbs are proportioned to allow a stable seated pose, with carefully shaped paws and a long, tapering tail that enhances the overall silhouette.

The costume is executed with notable precision. The olive-green jacket is neatly tailored, sitting cleanly over a cream waistcoat fastened with small buttons, beneath which a crisp scarf is visible. The mustard-yellow breeches introduce a subtle contrast, enriching the palette without overwhelming the figure. Accompanying accessories, such as the removable dark shoes, are crafted to complement the outfit and underscore the narrative detail. Each textile element is thoughtfully constructed, with clean stitching and careful finishing that reflect Steiff’s established standards of craftsmanship.

Presentation and Significance

As a limited edition of 1,500 pieces, produced exclusively for the UK and Ireland, this Samuel Whiskers holds particular significance for collectors with an interest in regional releases and literary collaborations. Its exclusivity enhances both its rarity and its cultural resonance, aligning it closely with the British heritage of Beatrix Potter’s work.

Visually, the piece offers a harmonious balance between character depiction and decorative refinement. The muted, earthy tones of the alpaca and costume allow it to integrate seamlessly into curated collections, whether displayed alongside other Steiff literary figures or as an individual focal point. Its scale and seated posture make it especially suitable for cabinet display, where the detailing of both material and tailoring can be fully appreciated.

Beyond its aesthetic qualities, the figure embodies a broader significance as a meeting point between storytelling and traditional toy-making. It translates a nuanced literary character into a tangible, enduring form, demonstrating Steiff’s ability to preserve narrative identity while elevating it through material quality and artisanal skill. For collectors, it represents not only a limited and region-specific edition, but also a considered interpretation of a classic character rendered with both technical proficiency and cultural sensitivity.

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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