Steiff – EAN 663222 – Timmy Willie – 2009 – Limited Edition

Maker: Steiff, made in Germany 2009
EAN: 663222
Edition: 279 of 1500
Price: £295 (Free Postage In The UK)
Material: Alpaca
Size: 12 cm
Condition: Fine condition.

Condition:

This item is in fine condition with its original Steiff box and certificate (attached to the paw).  There is some wear to the box, but very good condition overall.  Timmy Willie is three way jointed and holds his strawberry leaf umbrella in his paw which can be moved up and down.  His legs are fixed in a standing position to ensure he remains stable when displayed.  His joints are suitably tight enabling Timmy Willie to be posed in different ways.  Please contact us for more details if required.

Timmy Willie: A Brief Description

Steiff’s Timmy Willie (EAN 663222) stands at a petite 12 cm, designed to reflect the modest scale of the character as depicted in Beatrix Potter’s classic illustrations. This specific edition was produced as an exclusive release for the UK and Ireland, adding a layer of regional rarity to the piece. Timmy Willie is portrayed in a standing position, complete with his strawberry umbrella, which is meticulously tailored to his small frame. As a limited edition of only 1,500 pieces, each mouse serves as a high-fidelity recreation of the literary figure, complete with the iconic gold-plated “Button in Ear” and a white-and-red numbered ear tag that denotes its limited status.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The craftsmanship of this piece is centred on the use of high-quality light brown alpaca. Unlike standard synthetic plush, alpaca provides a uniquely soft, dense, and slightly lustrous texture that mimics the fine coat of a field mouse with remarkable realism. The mouse is stuffed with acrylic fibre, ensuring he retains his shape and firm posture over time while remaining lightweight. His delicate features, including his twitching nose and dark, inquisitive eyes, are hand-finished, ensuring that no two mice in the edition are exactly alike. The choice of alpaca, a luxury natural fibre, elevates this from a simple toy to a genuine work of textile art, designed for display rather than play.

Presentation and Significance

As a 2009 regional exclusive, Timmy Willie holds significant provenance within the Steiff Beatrix Potter collection. The limited production run of 1,500 units makes him one of the more elusive characters in the series, particularly for collectors outside of the British Isles. He is presented in a Steiff gift box and accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity, which mirrors the information found on his ear tag. For the collector, this piece represents the intersection of British literary heritage and German manufacturing excellence. His significance lies not only in his scarcity but in the faithful translation of Potter’s 1918 sketches into a three-dimensional, tactile form that honours the character’s humble, rural charm.

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.

(BR)