Steiff – Wittie Owl 4310/4310,00 – 10 cm – Mohair – c.1954-1967

Description

An original vintage Steiff Wittie owl, made in Germany in mohair and corresponding with Steiff’s 10 cm Wittie pattern, produced first as Art. No. 4310 from 1954–1958 and subsequently as Art. No. 4310,00 from 1959–1967.

Wittie is one of Steiff’s most distinctive mid-century bird designs, immediately recognisable by its oversized green-and-black eyes, pale circular facial surrounds, black ear tufts and broad patterned wings. The present example stands approximately 10 cm high, matching the documented small-format Wittie.

The owl is made in brown, ochre and cream mohair, with cream felt feet and felt-backed wings decorated with darker spotted markings. The large eyes are set prominently into the face, giving Wittie the exaggerated expression for which the model is known.

The original Steiff identification is no longer present. On this model, the button and yellow flag were attached to the wing rather than the ear, and their absence prevents a precise distinction between the earlier 4310 production of 1954–1958 and the later 4310,00 version of 1959–1967. The size, materials and construction are consistent with both documented forms.

This example therefore dates securely to the broader 1954–1967 production period, while avoiding an unsupported attribution to either sub-period.

Condition

Good vintage condition. The mohair retains good overall colour and form, with some age-related thinning, flattening and light surface marking. The felt wings and feet show expected wear and minor soiling, particularly at the edges. The large green-and-black eyes remain present and secure. The black ear tufts show some fraying. The original Steiff button, yellow flag and chest tag are absent.

Maker

Margarete Steiff GmbH, Giengen an der Brenz, Germany.

Date

Circa 1954–1967.

Height

Approximately 10 cm.

Material

Mohair with felt wings and feet, inset plastic eyes and textile ear tufts.

Construction

Firmly stuffed standing owl with fixed body, shaped felt-and-mohair wings, felt feet, large inset eyes and applied ear tufts.

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)