Steiff Wicked Witch of the West Teddy Bear – The Wizard of Oz – EAN 682407 – Limited Edition 809/1939 – 2013

Description

A highly distinctive Steiff Wicked Witch of the West Teddy Bear, EAN 682407, produced in 2013 as a special North American and UK exclusive celebrating The Wizard of Oz. This example is number 809 of a limited edition of 1,939 pieces, the edition size deliberately referencing 1939, the year in which MGM’s celebrated film was originally released.

The bear measures approximately 28 cm high and is made from fine green mohair, an immediately recognisable reference to the screen appearance of the Wicked Witch of the West. The face is traditionally constructed with black eyes and a hand-stitched nose and mouth, while the paws are finished with contrasting felt pads. The head, arms and legs are fully jointed in the traditional Steiff manner.

Much of the appeal of this edition lies in the elaborate character costume. The bear wears a black witch’s outfit complete with pointed hat and trailing ribbon detail and is accompanied by her broomstick. A commemorative 75th Anniversary medallion provides an additional direct link with The Wizard of Oz. The original Steiff button and ear tag remain present.

Importantly, this example retains its original presentation box and numbered certificate, significantly enhancing its completeness and desirability to collectors.

First released in 1939, The Wizard of Oz became one of the most enduring films in cinema history, with the Wicked Witch of the West becoming one of its most instantly recognisable characters. Steiff’s interpretation is particularly successful because it combines that cinematic imagery with the firm’s traditional mohair teddy-bear construction rather than simply producing a conventional character doll.

As a result, EAN 682407 has particularly broad collecting appeal. It belongs naturally within a specialist Steiff collection but is equally relevant to collectors of The Wizard of Oz, classic Hollywood memorabilia and limited-edition character bears. The relatively modest edition of 1,939 pieces and restriction to the North American and UK markets add further interest.

Condition

Excellent condition overall.

The green mohair remains clean, bright and well presented, with the facial features, felt paw pads and jointing all appearing very well preserved. The black costume remains attractive and complete, including the pointed witch’s hat, ribbon detail, broomstick and commemorative medallion.

The Steiff button and ear tag are present, together with the original swing tag, numbered certificate and presentation box.

The box displays only light storage and handling wear consistent with age. Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.

Maker: Margarete Steiff GmbH, Giengen an der Brenz, Germany.

Model / EAN: 682407

Character: The Wicked Witch of the West – The Wizard of Oz

Date: 2013

Edition: Limited Edition of 1,939: Number 809

Market: North American and UK Exclusive

Height: Approximately 28 cm

Material: Green mohair plush with felt paw pads, black eyes, hand-stitched nose and mouth, polyester filling and textile costume, together with pointed witch’s hat, ribbon detail, broomstick and commemorative medallion.

Construction: Traditional fully jointed Steiff teddy bear with moveable head, arms and legs. Finished with the manufacturer’s characteristic button and ear tag and supplied with its original numbered certificate and presentation box.

Collector’s Note: This is one of the more imaginative modern Steiff character editions associated with classic cinema. The combination of traditional mohair construction, highly recognisable Wizard of Oz subject matter, limited production and surviving box and certificate makes it substantially more appealing than an incomplete or unboxed example.

Why Buy from Hornseys?

Every item offered by Hornseys is handled, inspected and catalogued in-house before being offered for sale. We take particular care to identify manufacturers, edition details, materials, accessories and condition accurately, using the object itself and its surviving original documentation wherever possible.

Hornseys has been established in Ripon, North Yorkshire, since 1976, and our stock encompasses fine art, illustration, rare books, collectables, toys and unusual decorative objects.

We provide free UK delivery, carefully packed tracked shipping and a 14-day unconditional return guarantee, provided the item is returned in the same condition in which it was supplied.

(BR)