Steiff – EAN 682681 – The Wizard Of Oz Scarecrow Teddy Bear – 31 cm – Mohair – Limited Edition 544/1939 – 2014

Description

A superb and highly distinctive Steiff interpretation of the Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz, produced in 2014 as a limited edition of 1,939 pieces worldwide, the edition number deliberately chosen to commemorate the year of release of MGM’s landmark 1939 film.

This is Steiff EAN 682681, one of the most characterful pieces in the company’s Wizard of Oz series and a model with obvious crossover appeal to collectors of Steiff, film memorabilia and classic children’s literature and cinema.

The bear is made from antique caramel-coloured mohair, selected and finished to give an intentionally aged, rustic appearance appropriate to the Scarecrow character. The face is particularly expressive, with black eyes and a hand-embroidered brown nose and mouth, while the deliberately irregular surface of the mohair adds considerably to the theatrical quality of the design.

The original costume is exceptionally well conceived. The bear wears a brown felt hat edged with green cord, an olive-green smock with broad fringed collar and matching fringed cuffs, rope ties at the neck and waist, and brown trousers. The frayed textile detailing is intentional and forms an integral part of the original Steiff design, successfully evoking the patched and homespun appearance associated with the Scarecrow.

This example is number 544 of 1,939 and retains its original Steiff identification, including the white ear label and gold-plated Button in Ear.

Of particular importance, the bear remains accompanied by its original Steiff presentation box, numbered certificate and original paperwork, making this a notably complete example. The retention of these elements is increasingly important within the modern Steiff market, particularly for character editions where complete provenance and presentation materially enhance collector appeal.

The 1939 MGM production of The Wizard of Oz remains one of the most recognised films in the history of cinema, and the Scarecrow, famously associated with Ray Bolger’s performance, is one of its central and most enduring characters. Steiff’s decision to produce the edition in 1,939 examples gives this bear a direct commemorative connection with the film’s original release year.

A particularly strong example of a retired Steiff character bear, combining limited production, excellent presentation, complete original accessories and one of the most recognisable characters in twentieth-century popular culture.

Condition

Excellent collectible condition.

The antique caramel mohair retains the deliberately timeworn and textured appearance intended by Steiff. The bear remains structurally sound and displays extremely well.

The original Scarecrow costume is complete, including brown felt hat, green smock, rope ties and brown trousers, with the deliberately frayed textile edges remaining consistent with the original design.

Original Steiff white ear label and gold-plated Button in Ear are present.

Accompanied by the original Steiff presentation box, numbered certificate and original documentation. The box shows only minor signs of handling and storage consistent with age.

Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of our condition report.

Maker: Margarete Steiff GmbH, Germany
Date: 2014
Height: Approximately 31 cm / 12¼ inches
Material: Antique caramel-coloured mohair with felt and textile costume
Construction: Five-way jointed mohair collector’s bear, jointed at the neck, shoulders and hips, with embroidered facial features, Steiff Button in Ear and original limited-edition identification.

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.

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