Steiff – EAN 662478 – Tommy Brock – 2008 – Limited Edition

Maker: Steiff, made in Germany 2008
EAN: 662478
Edition: 710 of 1500
Price: £325 (Free Postage In The UK)
Material: Alpaca
Size: 33 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 and has a slight mark on it.  There is some minor wear to the box, but is in very good indeed condition overall.  Tommy Brock is three-way jointed allowing his head and arms to be posed to your liking.  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.

Tommy Brock: A Brief Description

The Steiff 662478 Tommy Brock, issued in 2008 as a limited edition of 1,500 pieces exclusively for the UK and Ireland, presents a richly characterised interpretation of Beatrix Potter’s memorable badger. Tommy Brock, known within the literary canon for his imposing presence and opportunistic temperament, is here rendered with a measured balance of authenticity and refinement. Standing at approximately 33 cm, the figure has a confident, upright stance, with a broad, solid form that conveys both weight and personality. The distinctive facial markings—bold black and white striping—immediately identify the character, while the carefully composed attire situates him firmly within the Edwardian pastoral world associated with Potter’s illustrations.

Materials and Craftsmanship

This figure is crafted from light russet alpaca, selected for its soft handle, durability, and gentle sheen. The alpaca fibre provides a nuanced surface texture, with subtle tonal variation that enhances the naturalistic qualities of the badger’s form. The stuffing is composed of acrylic fibre, offering a stable internal structure while maintaining a pleasing softness and resilience, ensuring the figure retains its shape over time.

The head is particularly well executed, with precise delineation of the characteristic badger markings. The contrast between the creamy white and deep black alpaca is cleanly defined, demonstrating careful material selection and placement. The eyes are discreetly set, contributing to a composed and slightly guarded expression, while the snout and nose are neatly shaped to provide definition without exaggeration. The limbs are proportioned to support the upright stance, with compact paws and sturdy feet that give the figure a grounded presence.

The costume is a notable feature, executed with a high degree of tailoring. A dark jacket sits over a deep red waistcoat, fastened with small, well-aligned buttons, and complemented by a softly patterned neckerchief that introduces a lighter, decorative element. The mustard-toned breeches add warmth and contrast, balancing the darker upper garments. The shoes, solid and neatly formed, complete the ensemble and reinforce the character’s anthropomorphic presentation. Each garment is carefully constructed, with clean seams and thoughtful finishing, reflecting Steiff’s established standards of craftsmanship.

Presentation and Significance

As a limited edition exclusive to the UK and Ireland, this Tommy Brock holds particular appeal for collectors interested in region-specific Steiff releases and literary figures rooted in British cultural heritage. The edition size of 1,500 enhances its collectable value, positioning it as a considered acquisition rather than a mass-produced item.

In terms of presentation, the figure offers strong visual presence due to its scale and confident posture. The interplay of earthy tones—russet, deep red, and mustard—combined with the striking monochrome facial patterning, creates a balanced yet distinctive palette. This allows the piece to function effectively both as a focal point and as part of a broader curated display of Steiff or literary-themed figures.

Beyond its aesthetic qualities, the piece carries interpretative significance. It encapsulates a complex literary character within a disciplined framework of traditional toy-making, translating narrative identity into a tangible, enduring form. The combination of material quality, precise construction, and cultural resonance underscores Steiff’s continued authority in the field of high-end collectible soft toys, making this edition a compelling example of craftsmanship aligned with storytelling heritage.

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:

Established in 1976, Hornseys’ is a family business based in Ripon. We buy and sell rare and signed books, artwork, maps, furnishings, bruins, ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ and many other carefully curated items. We exhibit regularly at London book-fairs. We sell to leading dealers and clients throughout the world. Authenticity is guaranteed on all our products. Postage is free in the UK and we also offer fully-insured and tracked worldwide shipping.

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