Steiff – EAN 662492 – Mr Tod – 2007 – Limited Edition

Maker: Steiff, made in Germany 2007
EAN: 662492
Edition: 985 of 1500
Price: £325 (Free Postage In The UK)
Material: Alpaca
Size: 35 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 creased and has a slight tear on the inside.  There is some wear to the box, but very good condition overall.  Mr Tod is three-way jointed allowing his head and arms to be posed to your liking.  These joints are suitably tight.  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.

Mr Tod: A Brief Description

The Steiff 662492 Mr Tod, issued in 2007 as a limited edition of 1,500 pieces exclusively for the UK and Ireland, is a sophisticated and character-led interpretation of Beatrix Potter’s cunning fox. Mr Tod, known for his sly intelligence and opportunistic nature, is here rendered with a poised, almost gentlemanly presence that tempers his literary reputation while preserving his essential identity. Standing at approximately 35 cm, the figure adopts an upright stance, supported by carefully proportioned limbs adopting a posture that suggests alertness and intent. The addition of a slender walking stick further enhances his anthropomorphic character, reinforcing the Edwardian styling that underpins the design.

Materials and Craftsmanship

This figure is crafted from reddish brown alpaca, a material selected for its fine texture, durability, and natural variation in tone. The alpaca fibre creates a soft yet structured surface, with gentle shading that enhances the contours of the fox’s face and body. The stuffing consists of acrylic fibre, providing a stable and resilient internal form while maintaining a degree of softness appropriate to a high-quality collectible soft sculpture.

The head is particularly well articulated, with a carefully shaped muzzle, neatly defined nose, and subtly smiling expression that conveys both charm and calculation. The eyes are precisely set, contributing to a composed and slightly knowing gaze, while the whiskers add a delicate linear detail that enhances realism. The ears are upright and neatly finished, with tonal variation that complements the overall palette. The limbs are slender yet supportive, allowing the figure to maintain its upright stance, and the paws are finely shaped, with attention given to proportion and balance.

The costume demonstrates a high level of tailoring and design coherence. A muted green coat is worn over a deep red waistcoat, fastened with evenly spaced buttons, beneath which a crisp shirt collar is visible. The coordinating breeches, also in green, are cut to provide volume and structure, while maintaining a clean silhouette. The inclusion of a walking stick introduces an additional narrative element, reinforcing the character’s persona. Each garment is carefully constructed, with precise stitching and thoughtful finishing that reflect Steiff’s established standards of craftsmanship.

Presentation and Significance

As a limited edition exclusive to the UK and Ireland, this Mr Tod holds particular appeal for collectors with an interest in region-specific Steiff releases and figures derived from British literary heritage. The edition size of 1,500 ensures a controlled level of rarity, enhancing its desirability within specialist collections.

Visually, the figure presents a balanced and cohesive palette, combining warm reddish tones with muted greens and deep reds, resulting in a composition that is both distinctive and harmonious. Its height and upright posture give it a strong display presence, making it suitable as a focal point within a cabinet or curated arrangement of related figures. The inclusion of costume and accessory elements elevates the piece beyond a simple character representation, positioning it as a miniature study in textile and form.

Beyond its aesthetic and material qualities, the figure carries interpretative significance as a translation of a complex literary character into a crafted object. It reflects Steiff’s ability to synthesise narrative, material, and form into a cohesive whole, preserving the recognisable traits of Mr Tod while presenting him in a manner that is both refined and enduring. For collectors, it represents a convergence of limited availability, skilled workmanship, and cultural resonance rooted in one of the most enduring traditions of British children’s literature.

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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