Steiff – EAN 664229 – Pocket Alfonzo – 2012 – Limited Edition

Maker: Steiff
EAN: 664229
Edition: 139/1908
Price: £275 (Free Postage In The UK)
Material: Mohair
Size: 15cm
Care: Surface Washable
Condition: Fine condition with certificate, original box, ‘The Alfonzo Story’ book signed by Ian Pout and a postcard written and signed by Ian Pout.

Exclusively Made For Teddy Bears of Witney. Made in Germany, 2012.

Pocket Alfonzo: A Brief Description

The Steiff Pocket Alfonzo, EAN 664229, is a finely crafted miniature tribute to one of Steiff’s most storied bears. Measuring a compact 15 centimetres in height, this limited edition piece was released in 2012, paying homage to the original Alfonzo bear — a richly historic Steiff bear made in 1908 and famously gifted to Russian royalty Princess Xenia by her father Grand Duke George Michailovich, a general in the Russian army and a director of the Alexander III Museum.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Pocket Alfonzo is made from the finest red mohair, echoing the striking and unusual colouring of the original bear. The mohair has a soft, even pile with a gentle sheen, giving this tiny bear a vibrant yet dignified appearance. The red hue is deep and warm, with a slightly antique tone that reinforces the heritage feel of the piece.

Detailing

Despite his diminutive size, Pocket Alfonzo is meticulously constructed with five-way jointing, allowing his head, arms, and legs to move independently. Each joint is smoothly engineered, providing a subtle but satisfying range of motion. His compact proportions and firm structure give him a pleasing weight and a sense of quiet sturdiness. His face is expressive and endearing. He has tiny, shiny black glass eyes, giving him a classic, soulful gaze. His snout is short and rounded, with a neatly embroidered black nose and mouth, stitched in fine thread in the traditional style. The bear’s ears are small and rounded, positioned in perfect symmetry atop his head. A distinguishing feature is his charming cream-coloured wool felt paw pads, which contrast gently against his red mohair coat. The pads are smooth and delicately sewn, shaped to match the natural curves of his miniature limbs. These pale accents recall the styling of the original Alfonzo and offer a refined visual balance.

Limited Edition Features

Pocket Alfonzo proudly wears a gold-plated Steiff “Button in Ear”, along with a white ear tag, indicating his status as a limited edition piece, number 139 of 1908. He comes accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, each bear individually numbered to underscore his exclusivity.

Presentation and Significance

Presented in a Steiff box, Pocket Alfonzo is perfectly suited to collectors of historic miniatures, royal memorabilia, or those who cherish finely detailed teddy bears with meaningful provenance. Though small in stature, he carries a rich legacy and bears all the hallmarks of Steiff’s renowned craftsmanship. A delightful nod to teddy bear history, Pocket Alfonzo embodies timeless elegance in miniature form.

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