The exclusive Club editions 2016 A century in the air Happy
Transcription
The exclusive Club editions 2016 A century in the air Happy
The magazine for Steiff Club members – Issue Four 2015 Club news CooperatIons Contest The exclusive Club editions 2016 A century in the air Happy birthday to us! Little starlet Teddy bear Item no. 021312, Limited Edition of 1,350 pieces. 2 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 2 14.10.15 09:03 EDITORIAL Dear Steiff friends, 2015 is drawing to a close, and by the time you read these lines it will not be long until Christmas. Which means it‘s high time to start thinking about gifts for friends and family. And, of course, about what you yourself would like, or how you would like to treat yourself to mark the festive season. I‘d like to remind those of you who have been a member of the Steiff Club for at least five years of our Loyalty Teddy bear. There is more about him on page 12. This Teddy bear has been purchased around 500 times so far, and he is only going to be available until the end of the year. So the fact that he is a limited edition is as interesting as the individual design. You are sure to find the right gifts among the new ideas for autumn/winter that we told you about in August. „Maple“, our Club edition 2016 (page 5), completes the series of bears dedicated to trees and nature. The autumn leaves of the maple tree were the inspiration behind this new creation. The maple leaf is on the Canadian flag, although that was nothing to do with why we chose this tree – and even less so the fact that according to legend, the maple protects against witches and other adversities (although we are sure it can‘t hurt!) I hope you enjoy your reading, browsing and hunting for gifts! Imprint PUBLISHER: Margarete Steiff GmbH Richard-Steiff-Straße 4, 89537 Giengen an der Brenz, Germany tel.: + 49 (0) 7322 131555 EDITORS: Inge Zinnecker, Rick Emerson CONTRIBUTORS: Rebekah Kaufman DESIGN AND PRINT: Hess GmbH - Medien, www.hess-medien.de FREQUENCY OF PUBLICATION: four times a year www.steiff.com Subject to changes. Reprinting and copying, even in part, only with the express permission of the publisher. By submitting manuscripts you consent to their publication in the Club magazine. We must reserve the right to edit or abridge letters or articles. Printed colours may deviate from the original. All rights reserved. Printed in Germany 10/2015 e – Item No. 914966 With best wishes, Yours, INGE ZINNECKER Steiff Club Manager CO N T E N T S CLUB NEWS Exclusively for you4 COOPER AT IONS NEWS Special items COOPER AT IONS CULT URE A destination like no other13 6 CONT EST Happy birthday to us 16 A century in the air 10 PASSIONS A special collector... 17 E-Mail from...the heart 12 CLUB MAIL Readers’ service 21 3 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 3 14.10.15 09:03 CLU B N E W S Exclusively for you Presenting the special Club novelities for 2016. Is there any season more poetic than autumn? The changing colours of the leaves have inspired artists, writers, and musicians for centuries. This was also our designer’s inspiration for the 2016 Club bear called “Maple” – the third in our series of tree-themed bears. (Previous editions included Chestnut and Cherry.) It’s a crisp autumn day, and Maple has gone for a stroll. Beautiful leaves are gently falling all around her. But which one should she choose for her collection? At last she finds the perfect specimen – the one she’ll keep forever. Likewise, we’re sure you’ll want to keep Maple with you always. but with a shorter pile. She features brass coloured felt paw pads, a black hand-stitched nose, and a satin ribbon which allows her to be used as a pendant. She’s our gift to every new or renewing member of the Steiff Club in 2016. Maple, Mady, and our annual gift Teddy all have one thing in common (besides their undeniable appeal): they’re made exclusively for members of the Steiff Club! Adopt them all and make 2016 a year to remember! Maple is sewn from a unique blond mohair that has been lightly tipped for extra depth and added dimension. Her paw pads are brass coloured wool felt. Her nose and mouth are hand-stitched. Around her neck, Maple wears a woollen collar with a checked pattern, finished with a green satin bow. A highly detailed maple leaf is attached to her right paw. The leaf has been lovingly airbrushed and its veins are intricately stitched on both sides for added realism. From left to right: The 2016 Club gift, the Event Teddy bear “Mady” and “Maple”, the Club edition. Maple wouldn’t think of going anywhere without her best friend Mady, our event bear for 2016. (But remember: Mady is reserved exclusively for members who attend Club events!) Her coat is a very special ratinee mohair which is sparsely woven and tightly curled. Hand stitched facial details give her a warm, inviting expression. Her sweet face is framed by a handmade bow sewn from the same checked material used for Maple’s collar. Together, Maple and Mady are a perfect match! Of course, no Club year would be complete without our annual gift, and we’re especially pleased with our selection for 2016. This tiny, handmade Teddy is sewn from a blond tipped mohair – just like Maple, 4 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 4 14.10.15 09:04 CLU B N E W S .... 5 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 5 14.10.15 09:04 NEWS Special items Germany Carolus magnus, Christmas bear the Hutschenreuther The Hutschenreuther Christmas bell has been a collectors’ theme for many years. So it made sense to combine the bell with a Steiff Teddy bear. This vintage style Teddy bear with the cheeky expression is made of the finest mohair in antique olive. He stands 28 cm tall, is five ways jointed, and has a music box that plays “Jingle Bells” to go with the bell. The pattern is completely new, and is based on an idea by Ms. Eleonore Gödert of the German Doll and Bear Museum in St. Goar. celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2014, and is available exclusively from the SammlerKontor. SammlerKontor OHG Am Joseph 21 D-61273 Wehrheim Tel.: +49 (0) 6081 928 5497 Fax: +49 (0) 6081 928 5492 [email protected] www.sammlerkontor.de (Item no. 674082, 28 cm, Limited Edition of 1,500 pieces) The bell was designed exclusively by Ole Winter, who also paints the traditional Christmas bells, and produced by Hutschenreuther in a strictly limited edition. It depicts several Steiff Teddy bears and the logos of Steiff and the “SammlerKontor”. It is the perfect match for this unusual Teddy bear. He is named after Carolus Magnus Hutschenreuther, the founder of the eponymous porcelain company that Germany M o u n ta i n e e r T e d d y bear “The mountains are close enough to touch in the metropolis with a heart!” (Item no. 674150, 25 cm, Limited Edition of 1,500 pieces) As if by magic, our mountaineer is drawn to the nearby mountains for climbing and hiking. After all, his favourite spot is virtually right outside the door. With his equipment consisting of a pickaxe made of real tin, his hat with a blue-and-white cord and his climbing rope, he is well equipped to conquer lots of peaks! And as a memento of lovely trips, he is holding a hand-felted edelweiss in his paw. Mountaineer Teddy bear is available exclusively from Galeria Kaufhof GmbH, Kaufinger Str. 2, D-80331 Munich. Contact: Ms. Spitzenberger Tel: +49 (0) 89/23 18 51 6 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 6 14.10.15 09:04 NEWS 50th anniversary IDEFIX - DOGMATIX Asterix® Obelix® / ©2015 Les Editions Albert René / Goscinny - Uderzo Europe Obelix’s clever little dog was first seen in 1965 in “Tour de France”. This means that Dogmatix (“Idefix” in the original French version) is celebrating his 50th birthday in 2015! The name Idefix was the result of a competition that was held at the time by “Pilote” magazine.The authors chose it from various suggestions that included other names such as “Patracourcix” and “Papeurdurix”. From the volume “Asterix and Cleopatra” onwards, Dogmatix and his infallible sixth sense played an important role in the adventures of Asterix and Obelix. Artist and author Albert Uderzo, who incidentally never made a secret of his preference for the little dog, made sure he featured regularly in the adventures of Asterix and Obelix. Sweden nK elmar Nordiska Kompaniet celebrate 100 years on Hamngatan in Stockholm with exclusive Steiff Teddy bear. Nordiska Kompaniet, the luxury department store on Hamngatan, Stockholm, opened in 1915. Ever since, many iconic personalities have visited and exclusive launches have taken place here. NK is known to always be one step ahead of the game. The NK building by architect Ferdinand Boberg, with an exterior designed to radiate solidity and dignity and an interior of a fairy-tale castle, has become a landmark in the city. NK was the first place in Sweden to install escalators, and has always been ground breaking and trend leading. To mark the occasion of his 50th birthday, the cute little dog is appearing for the first time as a Steiff limited edition of 1,965 pieces. So 50th anniversary IDEFIX – DOGMATIX is the start of a series of the three probably best-known characters from the global success that is the Asterix comic series. Asterix and Obelix will follow in 2016 and 2017. Dogmatix stands 17 cm tall and is made of exclusive white mohair. Thanks to his turning head and movable ears, Asterix fans all over the world will be able to relive the unforgettable performances of Dogmatix. Available to order exclusively from European retailers (with the exceptions of Germany, UK and Ireland). (Item no. 674167, 17 cm, Limited Edition of 1,965 pieces) When Josef Sachs founded Nordiska Kompaniet in 1902 he had a clear vision. The great department store NK was to be a commercial and cultural theatre - a contemporary stage. Grand words maybe, but they still permeate through every aspect of NK. To commemorate this special anniversary, Steiff has created an exclusive Elmar Teddy bear which is exclusively available at NK for SEK 895,00. NK Elmar proudly wears a black bow on which the signature NK logo is printed in white. In addition, the famous logo stitched in black threads is embroidered on his right foot pad. By the way, this is the first time ever Steiff has produced an exclusive Teddy bear for a Swedish company. To order NK Elmar (item no 674181, 32 cm) please contact: [email protected] Tel.: +46 (0) 87628299 NK Lek & Baby, Anna Gotthard, NK 197, SE - 11177 Stockholm 7 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 7 14.10.15 09:05 NEWS Special items UK A rt i e for teddy bears of witney Since opening in 1985, Teddy Bears of Witney have offered bear lovers the finest and most collectable Teddy bears in the world from their shop in the Cotswolds, near Oxford. A sixteenth century Costwold stone building provides the most perfect and natural home for all Teddy bears. th In 2015 Teddy Bears of Witney celebrate their 30 anniversary and we at Steiff felt very honoured to be a part of their celebrations with the delightfully enchanting Artie. Artie is a splendid 48 cm bear, modelled on a circa 1907 original Steiff bear in the Witney museum. This special bear was owned by Arthur Cooper, who was born in 1906, and ‘christened’ Artie, an abbreviation of his young owner’s name. UK E va - L i l y - T h e H a r r o d s T e d d y B e a r 2015 2015 marks a significant year for our Harrods bear. In 26 years, Eva-Lily is Harrods’ first ever little girl. She is also the first musical bear we have had for many years. The music box is back due to extremely popular demand! EvaLily has a wind up mechanism in her back and plays the lovely ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ tune. Eva-Lily has been traditionally hand crafted with fully jointed limbs and has the famous Harrods insignia embroidered in gold threads on her left paw pad. She has her own wonderful and unique charm. Her stunning long blond mohair coat has been skilfully made from the luxurious wool of the Angora goat. She has deep brown eyes and a delicate hand stitched nose. She has carded flat feet so can sit or stand up, and she stands at 35 cm tall. Made of wavy, old gold mohair with felt paws, Artie retains the features of that bear – a finely moulded head with black button eyes, long arms with curved wrists, big feet with narrow ankles and a back hump. Artie wears a gold ochre ribbon bow, embroidered with “Teddy Bears of Witney 30 years”. This can easily be removed if preferred. To order please contact Teddy Bears of Witney: 99 High Street, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 6HY, Tel: +44 (0) 1993 706616 or 702616, Fax: +44 (0)1993 702344, email: Alfonzo@ witneybears.co.uk (Item no. 664366, Limited Edition of 1,000 pieces, RRP £295, postage free during 2015) Eva-Lily wears a unique chest tag this year. It’s newly designed for 2015 but its distinctive shape is a nod to yester-year and the first bears in the Harrods collection. Each bear is individually numbered and comes with a Steiff gift box and unique certificate. With arms outstretched for a warm Christmas hug, Eva-Lily is waiting to be taken home for a place under the Christmas tree. To order call the Harrods store on +44 (0)20 7730 1234, ext 3138 or ext 2540. Also available online at www.harrods.com. (Item no. 664908, 35 cm, Limited Edition of 1,500 pieces) HOW TO REACH THE STEIFF CLUB IN THE UK: Leyla Maniera, Margarete Steiff UK, Astra House, The Common, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8RZ, tel.: +44 (0) 1483 266643, fax: +44 (0) 1483 266650, e-mail: [email protected] 8 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 8 14.10.15 09:05 NEWS UK london bus suItCase for harrod s With his wonderful cuddly body and mischievous smile, Fynn has been one of the most popular Steiff children’s characters for many years. He’s had a fabulous update this year as he becomes Harrods first-ever exclusive soft plush children’s toy. This means that, of course, he has been given the famous Harrods insignia in gold threads on his left paw, but also this Fynn bear is travelling in style! Fynn comes complete with his own little suitcase decorated to resemble a no. 74 big red London double decker bus. Travelling in the London bus suitcase are lots of teddy characters, many of them with their bags full of shopping from Harrods. Exclusively available at Harrods. To order call the store on +44 (0)20 7730 1234, ext 3138 or ext 2540. Also available online at www.harrods.com. (Item no. 664854, 23 cm, RRP £49.99) USA ClarenCe teddy “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” The U.S. holiday television tradition comes vibrantly to life with our Clarence Teddy bear. Meticulously hand crafted from the finest mohair, Clarence has earned his wings with a Swarovski® ornament around his neck. The long-running, and ever-popular series of bears with Swarovski® draws to a dramatic close with this, our final piece of Swarovski-inspired collectibles. (Item no. 682995, 29 cm, Limited Edition of 1,500 pieces) USA o tannenbaum teddy bear Our series of bears inspired by traditional Christmas carols continues with “O Tannenbaum”, a musical Teddy that’s certain to bring joy to your holiday season. “O Tannenbaum” is a German Christmas folk song with lyrics written in 1824 by Leipzig composer Ernst Anschütz. Wind up the Teddy bear, and he plays a few bars of the cherished carol. This gorgeous bear wears a red ribbon trimmed with gold around his neck and his foot paw pads have been intricately embroidered. Put a song in your heart this holiday season with the “O Tannenbaum” Teddy from Steiff. (Item no. 682926, 29 cm, Limited Edition of 1,500 pieces) HOW TO REACH THE STEIFF CLUB IN NORTH AMERICA: Steiff North America, Carolyn Smith, Club Administrator tel.: +1 401 312-0080, e-mail: [email protected] 9 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 9 14.10.15 09:05 CO O P E R AT I O N S A century in the air Aerospace giant Boeing turns to Steiff to help celebrate their centenary. When companies want to commemorate a special milestone in their history, many ask Steiff to develop custom products for their employees and fans. Boeing is just the latest in a long line of corporations that have come to us to create special commemorative items. Below, Boeing shares the details of their important anniversary and the role Steiff will play in their global celebrations. Steiff: Tell us a very brief history of Boeing - when and where it was founded, its finest moments, and the size, scope, and global footprint of the company today. In addition to the limited mohair editions, a special 100th anniversary plush toy bear will be produced by Steiff. Boeing: Founded July 15, 1916, Boeing defined the purpose of the airplane, harnessed it to defend freedom and invented passenger air travel. The Boeing Company took the airplane from being a rich-man’s toy to being the foundation of the global transportation system. Today Boeing is a leader in aerospace with over 165,000 employees worldwide who continue to connect, protect and innovate. Whether the challenge is pursuing hypersonic or unmanned flight, ever safer, more comfortable and more efficient air travel for passengers, reducing our dependence on fossil fuel, discovering some new capability not yet imagined, or solving a thorny engineering problem, the men and women of Boeing are determined to carry forward the company’s legacy of innovation into the next 100 years. Boeing will celebrate its centennial in 2016. Please tell us about the various ways the company will mark that milestone within the Boeing community, the aerospace industry, and the world in general. Boeing will commemorate its 100th anniversary with many events, for both the general public and our employees. We have a full year ahead with a variety of elements – educational, historical and inspirational – that will help celebrate the launch of our second century. One of our most exciting activities is a groundbreaking exhibition developed in collaboration with NASA and the National Air & Space Museum. The exhibit is educational and fun for all ages and is educationally aimed primarily at 7 – 14 year olds. It will make its worldwide debut in Washington, D.C. at Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum on August 1 and will tour the U.S. in the next two years. Another will premiere in Europe and a third will premiere in Dubai. When did the company start planning for its 100th year anniversary? Does the company have a special team or unit of employees responsible for this year-long celebration? Planning began in earnest in 2010 and last year a companywide team was formed to plan and execute the year-long celebration at locations around the globe. Is Boeing creating a special logo, tagline, or mascot to mark this centennial celebration? Yes, we have created a simple “100” mark in the company’s exclusive Stratotype font for the Boeing centennial in 2016. The centennial mark will help to unify the activities and events celebrating this milestone in aviation and aerospace history. 10 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 10 14.10.15 09:06 CO O P E R AT I O N S Available to order from your favorite Authorized Steiff Club Retailer or www.steiffusa.com As part of this celebration, Boeing has given the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum a very generous gift of $30 million dollars. Tell us why the company made this donation, and how it will help the mission of the museum and Boeing moving forward. Boeing is committed to enhancing education and developing a future workforce by helping students, helping educators, helping parents embrace 21st-century skills and inspire innovation, a vision shared by the Smithsonian. Boeing is also partnering with other companies to produce a series of 100th anniversary gifts and special editions. Who are some of these other companies, and how were they selected? The limited mohair collectible versions of the Boeing centennial bear come with a mail bag filled with detailed miniature letters and packages. To celebrate its 100-year legacy, Boeing has partnered with several other renowned companies with outstanding histories to create a collection of aerospace-inspired luxury merchandise. These include the Bremont Watch Company, Groupe Logo for eyewear and SchottNY for leather jackets. An intricately detailed These and other commemorative items will be available through the Boeing Store. flight suit and mail bag make the Boeing 100and 1,500-piece editions extra special. Boeing is working with Steiff to create some remarkable Teddy bear limited editions to mark the company’s centennial. How did the idea to work with Steiff come about? The idea came from a Boeing employee whose wife is an avid collector of Steiff bears. After researching Steiff’s involvement with other companies and its unparalleled history with commemorative events, we felt this would be a great collectible item. Tell us about these centennial bears. How many will be produced? What do they look like? What was the process to come up with their design and accessories? There will be three versions of bears. The most exclusive will be a large mohair bear limited to 100 pieces. The next bear is a smaller mohair version limited to 1,500 pieces. There is also a soft plush edition which will be produced as a toy. The mohair bear’s flight suit, helmet, eyeglasses and mailbag were developed based upon an iconic photograph of Bill Boeing. His image is included on the product hang tag. Are these Boeing Steiff bears gifts for employees, visitors, executives, or other V IPs? If so, will they also be available for purchase by the general public and Steiff collectors? All three versions will be available to all through the Boeing Store. The smaller mohair and plush versions will also be available through selected Steiff retailers. 11 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 11 14.10.15 09:06 CU LT U R E E-Mail from...the heart Let your heart speak through our Club loyalty bear. “Thanks for everything.” “Happy birthday, Anja!” “10 years of friendship.” “Will you marry me?” I’m the Teddy bear that lets your heart speak out. I was born to honour loyal Steiff Club members – the ones who’ve been with us for at least five years. If that’s you, then I’m pleased to meet you! Together, we can express whatever your heart desires. Let’s celebrate an anniversary. Commemorate a birth. Ask a question. Send a message. Or mark an important date. Let my heart be your chalkboard. Together, we’ll tell your story. I’d make a perfect gift for an old friend (or for yourself). I’m sharply dressed in a cream-coloured mohair coat and wear a smart red ribbon around my neck. I’m 25 centimetres tall. The “Steiff Club” logo is embroidered on my paw pad. But it’s my grey felt heart that really makes me special. Personalize it with your very own sentiment – but only if you’ve been a Steiff Club member for five years or more! So what are you waiting for? Contact your favourite Steiff retailer and tell them what your heart says. Or download the order form from www.steiff.com. My friends in Giengen will take care of all the rest. In about six weeks or less, your customized, one-of-a-kind Loyalty Teddy bear will be handmade just for you. Imagine how happy, honoured, flattered, thrilled, delighted, or surprised I’ll make your recipient. I’m sure to bring a smile to their face and put joy in their heart – and yours! But remember the last order date for me is 31st December 2015! Sincerely yours, Your Steiff Club Loyalty Teddy bear 12 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 12 14.10.15 09:06 CO O P E R AT I O N S A destination like no other Celebrating the legacy of Steiff at F.A.O. Schwarz. F.A.O. Schwarz was a toy store unlike any other. For many people in America, it was a dream destination - a place where they went as kids to view the finest toys in the world, and then visited later in life with their children and grandchildren so they too could share the magic. And it was not uncommon that visitors from all over the world would put F.A.O. Schwarz on their “must see” list of places when traveling to the United States. Many Steiff collectors were introduced to the button in ear brand through F.A.O Schwarz via a store visit, one of their extravagantly illustrated catalogues, or a special gift from a parent or grandparent. So it really made international news, especially within the Steiff collecting community, when Toys R Us, the company that owns the F.A.O. Schwarz brand, decided to close the last remaining F.A.O. Schwarz store in New York in July, 2015 because of dramatically rising rents at their famous Fifth Avenue location. One of the factors that made F.A.O. Schwarz so successful throughout its century and a half of doing business was its distinctive and proprietary merchandise assortment, which included Steiff from early on. The company’s buyers, which included the Schwarz brothers at the turn of last century, truly differentiated their stores by offering hard to find, unique, and often exclusive products. These were items only available through the store’s retail locations or print catalogues. These products were distinctive and special, and helped to give the stores an extra aura of excitement and energy. To celebrate the F.A.O. Schwarz legacy, let’s take a look at some of the most special Steiff exclusives produced for the store over time. It’s important to note that even though the very first Steiff bears made their F.A.O. Schwarz debut in 1906, it wasn’t until the early 1950’s that Steiff started producing store exclusives for its long-time American retail partner. The design themes of these exclusives basically fell within four time phases, with a little overlap between each. First period, from the early 1950’s to the early 1960’s: The F.A.O. Christmas catalogues for 1951 featured a Steiff rocking horse that sold for $325 - that’s more period than $3,000 in today’s currency! This was a of great creativity at Steiff. As such, the early F.A.O. Schwarz exclusives produced during that era truly reflect this innovation. These items were truly outstanding, original, and were meticulously manufactured with great attention to even the smallest detail. These for the most part were not “theme and variation” products based on standard line Steiff items but unique patterns specifically created for Schwarz, and included both puppets and animal toys. These treasures often included design features made from unconventional materials; all had charming and playful personalities. Special items introduced during this time period included a 25 cm standing mohair Texas Longhorn steer with leather or rubber horns; a 29 cm bright red mohair fox; a fully jointed grey alpaca poodle with a lifelike leather nose; a 45 cm silk lined walrus pyjama bag; a 20 cm play pony fully accessorized with a blanket, reins, and tiny riding saddle; a 55 cm open mouthed begging fox; and an irresistible series of standing, sitting, and lying Dalmatians. 13 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 13 14.10.15 09:06 CO O P E R AT I O N S Second period, from the mid 1960’s through the late 1970’s: During this timespan, many of the Steiff F.A.O. Schwarz exclusives were produced “in house.” This means that Steiff shipped standard line merchandise to F.A.O. Schwarz, and once these items arrived they were dressed, detailed, or accessorized by the skilled F.A.O. staff in America. In some cases the animals were costumed; in other cases they were assembled in groupings or placed in little playhouses or kennels. F.A.O. Schwarz celebrated its 150th anniversary with a Steiff edition that included a tin drum imprinted with a special logo. Above right: On every visit to the F.A.O. store on Fifth Avenue in New York, visitors were greeted by employees dressed as toy soldiers - a longstanding tradition at the store. Highlights of Steiff exclusives introduced during this second time period included families of animals including dogs, cats, and ponies, among others - in cushioned wicker baskets; a 26 cm Steiff “Original Teddy Bear” dressed as a Scotsman; several series of dressed Teddy bear families; and a Jocko chimp dressed as a football player. But perhaps the best-known and beloved F.A.O. Schwarz Steiff exclusives from this era are a series of 8 cm Steiff Pieps mice. These petite treasures were dressed as a queen, a ballerina, bride, groom, princess, clown, Hawaiian dancer, Señorita, ball queen, Little Red Riding Hood, or a Miss America Mouse, among others. Schwarz employees lovingly made the outfits by hand from lengths of lace, ribbons, and silky materials. The company also offered exclusive, fully furnished plywood “city” and “country” style mouse houses for these dressed Pieps as well. Third period, from the late 1980’s through the early 2000’s: Steiff was not terribly active producing F.A.O. Schwarz exclusives in the early 1980’s, but things ramped up again starting in the late 1980’s with the introduction - for the first time - of numbered, limited edition exclusives for the company. Until that point, F.A.O. Schwarz Steiff Right: Talented F.A.O. employees would take Steiff Pieps mice and dress them in a variety of fancy costumes. This F.A.O exclusive pony from the 1960’s included an intricately detailed, handmade saddle. exclusives were simply exclusive to the chain, but not produced in a predetermined quantity with certificates and paperwork. And the mid-1990’s ushered in yet another first for the Steiff and F.A.O. Schwarz partnership - in the form of licensing agreements with popular brands and characters of the time. 14 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 14 14.10.15 09:06 CO O P E R AT I O N S The Augustus Bear of 1997. From pyjama bags to this clown hand puppet, F.A.O. Schwarz exclusives were often unusual and distinctive. The photo on the left shows two standing Dally dogs from the 1950’s. Highlights of Steiff exclusives from this third period included a series of very feminine, jeweled-colored, feather-winged Teddy bears as well as an 18 cm mohair Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer; a 33 cm Curious George; a 17 cm Olivia the Pig in her red evening gown; and a 12 cm version of Polar the Titanic bear, among others. One of the most interesting exclusive limited editions from this era was a collaboration between two long time F.A.O. Schwarz suppliers - an exclusive 48 cm black mohair King Kong from Steiff partnered with a delicate Fay Wray doll by Madame Alexander. This boxed set ran into some licensing issues so only 200 pieces were eventually made available for sale. Fourth Period, mid-2000’s through 2015: Steiff began its partnership with F.A.O. Schwarz with traditional style Teddy bears. So it is no surprise that until most recently, very classic looking bears were the focus of the F.A.O. Schwarz and Steiff exclusive relationship. Over the past decade, Steiff created a series of limited edition, exclusive bears for F.A.O. Schwarz. In addition to their distinctive good looks, these highly sought after examples were often holding or wearing a special F.A.O. Schwarz branded ribbon or accessory to further set them apart from their standard line brothers. The best examples of these most recent F.A.O. Schwarz Steiff exclusive items include the 25 cm mohair Christopher Teddy holding a felt sailboat from 2010 and the company’s 2012 Anniversary bear. Another F.A.O. Schwarz exclusive, produced in 31 and 60 cm in honour of the store’s 150th year in business, is a traditional fully jointed mohair bear wearing a red ribbon and carrying a toy drum; both accessories are branded with the F.A.O. Schwarz 150th anniversary logo. And although the beloved Fifth Avenue location of F.A.O. is now history, Toys R Us says the store will be back, but in a new location. And that is certainly good news for Steiff collectors everywhere. 15 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 15 14.10.15 09:06 CO N T E S T Happy birthday to us! Enter our special photo contest. This year marks the 135th anniversary of Margarete Steiff GmbH – and we’re inviting you to celebrate along with us. Simply take a photo of your favourite Steiff (or group of Steiffs) all decked out in party attire in a festive setting, and you could be a winner! The more creative your Steiff 135th birthday party photography looks, the better your chances of winning. So bake a cake, wear party hats, and play games. It’s our birthday, but you get the gifts! 1st Prize: Club edition 2016 “Maple” 2nd Prize: Loyalty Teddy bear 135 Year Birthday Party Contest Submit one to three photographs (printed or digital) to enter. Photographs must be received by 31st January 2016. 3rd Prize: Event Teddy Bear 2016 “Mady” Enter via email at: [email protected] Mail your entry to: Steiff Club, Margarete Steiff GmbH, P.O. Box 1560, 89530 Giengen. 4th to 10th Prizes: One item from the Steiff product range worth 50,- EUR each 16 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 16 14.10.15 09:07 PA S S I O N S A special collector, a special find Patrick Berloth discovers a wonderful and historic treasure in Giengen. Steiff friends come from near and far, and many meet for the first time at Steiff‘s Sommer Festival. Please meet Steiff super-collector Patrick Berloth, who attended 2015’s annual gathering in Giengen with his family. Steiff: Please tell us a little about yourself. Patrick: My name is Patrick Berloth. I am 48 years old and live in The Netherlands. Professionally, I am a mortgage specialist in the financial world. Tell us how long you have been collecting Steiff, and what got you started on collecting. I have been a collector for 33 years. My parents have always collected antique bisque dolls, and when I was a boy we visited toy events and auctions across Europe as a family. I found my first Steiff in 1982 in Belgium in an antique store. It was a Raudi dog, and I loved it at first sight! Later that day, my mother told me she worked in a toy store in the early 1960’s, before I was born. At the time, she bought a dozen different Steiff animals, which she still had. She gave me these animals once we arrived home. This started my collection and passion for Steiff. Does anyone else in your immediate or extended family also collect Steiff? Yes, my mother still buys Steiff occasionally, and my 10year old daughter Maxine-Valerie is a big Steiff collector already. Her collection is growing faster than mine! Tell us about your collection; what do you like to collect the most? How do you decide whether to purchase an item or not for your collection? My collection is like an old Steiff catalogue. You will find Teddy bears, dolls, monkeys, rabbits, cats, dogs, woolen miniatures, and many other examples. For the most part, my collection dates from 1905 through the early 1980’s. I buy my Steiff based on two principles – “the mind and the heart.“ First the mind; any potential acquisition must add something special and new to my collection. I do select on period, button, tag, material, size, and type of animal. And secondly the heart; I only buy a Steiff item when it touches my heart and when it really makes me smile. What are your top favourite three things in your collection? Oh, that’s a difficult question because they are all my favourites. Otherwise I would not have added them to my 17 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 17 14.10.15 09:07 PA S S I O N S Two of Patrick’s favourite items in his collection are the elephant and lion hanging toys. collection! But if you force me to choose, it would be my elephant and lion hanging toys; my wool plush monkey and Teddy bear; and my 40 cm white 1906 Teddy bear. I chose the elephant and the lion because of their rarity, and the wool plush items for their unusual material. And the white 40 cm Ted is my favourite because of her appearance. She really is a character, I call her “Lucky.“ When you can own such a Steiff Teddy bear...you are a lucky person. What is your dream item, the one thing you would truly love to own for your collection, but have not found it yet? That would have to be an old yellow Teddy Clown with a red ear tag, and of course, in mint and all original condition, like the one in the Steiff Museum in Giengen. Patrick, you found something totally amazing and unusual in the sales tent at Steiff ‘s 2015 Sommer Festival - an item with a most unusual function and history. Please tell us about this very special find. This is a cardboard Steiff box specially made for Steiff homeworkers. It measures 30 x 44 x 53 cm and is made of very thick cardboard and fixed with heavy staples. It is decorated with the Steiff bear logo and Steiff written underneath on several sides. Tell us when and where the box was used, and for what purpose. The box probably dates from 1950 onwards and was in use until the early 1970’s. These boxes were used as a way of transportation between the Steiff factory and the homes of the homeworkers living in Giengen and the surrounding villages. They were filled with the necessary materials and picked up at the Steiff factory by a homeworker to make the Steiff toys at their homes. And when the homeworkers were done, they put their production in the box, brought it back to the Steiff factory, and were paid for their work. How did you feel when you purchased this box for your collection? I wanted one of these for years but I could never find one. And there it was, of all places, in Giengen. I was delighted to find this unique and important piece of vintage Steiff history in the town where it was used for decades. Once I got it home, I placed it in my living room as a table with lovely old Steiff animals displayed on it. 18 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 18 14.10.15 09:07 PA S S I O N S Tell us about the handwriting on the box: why it is there, what some of it says, and what it means. A 40 cm Steiff Teddy holds a special place in Patrick’s heart. There are some interesting messages on the box. They are handwritten in crayon and are only on the cover. It probably was a company rule to mention the content on the cover. There are so many numbers and names on it, but many of them are unreadable. But two things are legible. In big letters it says “Ballmertshofen”, which is a small village roughly 10 km north-east of Giengen. Probably a homeworker lived in this village and worked for Steiff. The name of the homeworker stands above the name of the village but is not fully readable anymore. And another note on the box also excites me. It says “Bitte öffnen – Please open” and is double underlined in orange crayon. Imagine .... what could have been so important that you must mention it on the box? We probably will never know, but isn’t that more special and dreamy than knowing? Why is this special object very important to the history of the Steiff company? The special box used by Steiff homeworkers was discoverd in the sales tent during Steiff Sommer. It gives us a glance in the Steiff history. We know that a lot of our beloved Steiff animals were made in the Steiff factory in Giengen, but it also shows us that many were (partly) made in Giengen’s homes, and in other little Swabian villages like Ballmertshofen, probably at a kitchen table. And that tells us something about the unique skills of these homeworkers. I think that this box is an important item in the creative history of Steiff and deserves a place in the Steiff Museum. 19 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 19 14.10.15 09:08 Frederic Teddy bear, Item no. 021275, Limited Edition of 1,350 pieces. 20 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 20 14.10.15 09:08 CLU B M A I L Readers’ service Do you have a question concerning a Steiff item? Find out more here! Question: I found this sitting Steiff dog in a chest in my Grandmother’s attic. Her material is a little different than other Steiff items I have seen. What can you tell me about her? PF, Basel Answer: What you have found is an early postwar version of Steiff’s Bazi Dachshund. She is sitting, head jointed, and made from tan silk plush. She has light copper airbrushing highlights on her body and head. She has three black claws on each paw. Her face is detailed with black and brown pupil eyes and a hand embroidered nose and mouth. Bazi was produced in this sitting pattern in 14 and 17 cm from 1948-1949 overall. Her material, artificial silk plush, was used on several popular Steiff patterns in the late 1940’s as a substitute material for mohair plush, which had limited availability in Germany until the early 1950’s. Bazi was later produced in several styles in mohair through the mid-1970’s. Question: I thought Steiff’s 1950’s era poodles were named Snobby, but I found this one in an antique store and her name tag identifies her as Tosi. Can you tell me more about her? MK, Bonn Answer: This black beauty is indeed Steiff’s Tosi. She is standing, unjointed, and made from wool plush. She came in black or white; this example is black. Her face is detailed with a black glass button nose and soulful, almond shaped white, brown, and black eyes. She wears a red leather collar. Her coat is in what is referred to as a “Karakul” trim, meaning that it is fluffy but uniformly the same length all over her body. Tosi was produced in 4, 17, 22, and 28 cm from 1950 through 1953. Because of the timeframe in which she was made, this pattern left the factory with a red-imprinted chest tag and a US Zone tag in her leg seam. Question: As we were helping my inlaws clean out their storage unit, I came across this odd shaped Steiff dog which plays music when you squeeze her body. Her ear tag number is 9325. No one in the family recalls anything about it. Can you help? EO, Chicago Answer: This dog is known as Musik-Bazi or Music Bazi. Bazi is 25 cm tall, unjointed, and standing. Her body is a simple cylinder and her arms are floppy. Her head is based on the Bazi dachshund design, introduced in 1950. Bazi wears a blue cotton blouse, red cotton skirt, and had a sweet floral corsage when she left the factory in Giengen more than 60 years ago. She has an internal Swiss music box which plays when her torso is pressed and released. Bazi was made in 1950 and 1951 only. It is interesting to note that her ID number translates to... 9=mechanical, 3=mohair, 25=25 cm. Steiff also made versions of this dressed music box product based on their popular Teddy Baby and Kitty cat designs of the period. 21 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 21 14.10.15 09:08 PA S S I O N S Back to his roots after an eventful life Club member Lizzi Weimert tells us how she gave “Bärli Sebastian” a new home. More than 80 years ago, a little Teddy bear from Giengen was looking forward to his future with hope and expectation. Sitting in a toyshop in Leipzig, he waited to be taken to a loving home, because the best thing that can happen to a Teddy bear is to love and be loved in return. His patience was rewarded when he was taken home by a Bärli before his pharmacist and his wife, who were eagerly awaiting the restoration... birth of their first child. When their daughter Christiane was born on 27 February 1930 at Inselstrasse 2 in the city, they placed the Teddy bear beside her to accompany her on her journey through life. And the little bear, now called “Bärli”, performed his duties happily and conscientiously – and he too was not disappointed. Bärli became his human child’s constant companion, and the two were inseparable from the outset. They had all their meals together, and his little snout soon started to show the evidence of the tremendous amount of love he received. The Teddy bear was part of happy family gatherings and other celebrations; he provided comfort when it was needed, and in the evenings his place was in ...and after. Christiane’s bed. But these happy days were soon to be overshadowed by fear and horrors of WWII. Every time a warning sounded, the little girl tucked the bear inside her jacket and rushed with the others to the shelter. During an air attack in December 1943, incendiary bombs destroyed all the family’s possessions, and the family were trapped in the cellar of what had once been their loving home. In a sheer stroke of fortune, Christiane’s father happened to be somewhere else in the city at the time, so he was able to rescue all the residents from the rubble and they escaped from the blaze. Fearing that further bomb attacks were to follow, the family quickly moved to Klosterlausnitz. Bärli went too, of course. Because of the lack of food, goods were exchanged with local farmers, and the family gave away their remaining jewellery in return for potatoes and bread. Shortly before Christmas Eve 1943, the farmers even wanted to barter the little Teddy bear as a Christmas present for their children. But nothing in the world would allow this to happen; Christiane would rather have starved to death. And Bärli stayed with her for the rest of her life. When Christiane died at the age of 83, she could not and would not take her beloved Teddy bear with her. Bärli should live on. So the family council decided that the little orphaned creature should find a new home through the auctioneers TeddyDorado GmbH. Bärli appeared in the catalogue for a Steiff auction in Bonn-Bad Godesberg in October 2013. Teddy bears are the love of my life, which is why I sent for this catalogue. I saw him in there, and he really touched my heart. He obviously had urgent need of an experienced Teddy bear doctor, as he required a certain amount of treatment, and I was able to help him. I sent in a written bid, and was fortunate enough to acquire the little chap. Once I had received the Teddy bear, I contacted the seller, and Christiane’s friendly daughter told me his moving history. After the successful surgery and plenty of care Bärli, who is now called Bärli Sebastian, has joined my large Teddy bear family. He strikes me as being very happy with his bear life, because the best thing that can happen to a Teddy bear is to love and be loved in return. And of course, I have already visited the Inselstrasse in Leipzig with him – his first home. 22 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 22 14.10.15 09:08 VENUES Galeria Kaufhof in Stuttgart Lots of Club activities and an active Club community. The Steiff Club is perfectly at home in the Galeria Kaufhof on the Königstrasse in Stuttgart. Royal event 2012. In line with Margarete Steiff‘s motto of: “For children, only the best is good enough”, the world of stuffed animals, baby items and Teddy bears has been presented on a large display area here since 2010. A large selection of limited editions is always available for collectors. The highly-trained team in the toy department makes sure that no wish is left unfulfilled. Club consultant Petra May and her colleague Sabine Schötz have been providing Steiff Club members with support and advice for many years. “We are a very active, sociable Club with a current membership of 120 and constantly growing, as well as lots of Steiff friends, and everyone is welcome,” says Petra May. “Over the many years and at the wonderful events, we have grown into a large family, and it is always such a pleasure to see everyone again.” Here is a small selection of the Steiff Club activities: Team “Schloss” 2012 anniversary. 2012 was the year of our big anniversary “20 years of Steiff Club”. Naturally, this was a royal Club event. 2013 The Tarzan twins were our guests on our jungle safari. 2014 saw the first Steiff Oktoberfest with a presentation of new items. Oktoberfest 2014. 23 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 23 14.10.15 09:08 VENUES 2014 - and St. Nicholas was there too. 2015 Novelties event in February. “Casino Royal” with James Bond, and gambling until the end. James Bond / Sascha. 24 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 24 14.10.15 09:09 VENUES Dates Thursday, 12 November 2015 Club event Kaufhof Mönchengladbach Tel. +49 (0)2161 2780 Friday, 13 November 2015 Club event Karstadt, Saarbrücken Tel. +49 (0)681 301 7552 We travelled to the Steiff Sommer 2015 on the vintage bus that was used in the film “Täterätää! Die Kirche bleibt im Dorf” …but the Steiff Club went to Giengen. What fun we had... July 2015: 2nd Appraisal Day with Herr Esser of Teddy Dorado and the SWR (Southwest Broadcasting). And the Autumn/Winter 2015 presentation of new items. Friday, 20 November 2015 15.00 - 17.00 hrs. Free datings and appraisals Kaufhof Mannheim, Paradeplatz TeddyDorado GmbH Marienstraße 2, 53342 Wachtberg Tel. +49 (0)228 20 76 758 Fax +49 (0)228 20 76 759 www.teddydorado.de afterwards Club event Tel. +49 (0)621 38 04 50 Friday, 20 November 2015 Club event L’Ours du Marais, Paris Tel. +33 (0) 1.42776043 Friday, 27 November 2015 Club event Karstadt Bielefeld Tel. +49 (0)521 52880 Everyone is invited to our St. Nicholas gathering on 5 December from 1 p.m., when we will end the Club year 2015 over a glass of sparkling wine. And shortly afterwards, on 23 January 2016, the new Club year will start with our big Steiff Club Event and the presentation of the spring novelties for 2016. Looking forward to hearing from you: Petra May and the whole team Contact: Galeria Kaufhof Stuttgart Königstrasse 6, D-70173 Stuttgart Spielwarenabteilung / Toy Department Frau Benzner/ Frau May Tel. +49 (0) 711 20136-0 Thursday, 3 - Sunday, 6.12.2015 Giengen Steiff Advent Market outside the Steiff museum Opening times: Thursday: 15.00 - 20.00 hrs. Friday & Saturday : 11.00 - 20.00 hrs. Sunday: 11.00 - 18.00 hrs. Subject to change. Please contact the Club stores for further information. You will find further dates and addresses of Club stores at www.steiff.com (Club/Club events). 25 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 25 14.10.15 09:09 FAV O U R I T E The Steiff special edition Otto bear Your own personal Otto for your home. Who came first – Otto Waalkes or Steiff’s Otto bear? The two look so alike that it is almost impossible to detect with the naked eye who is the original and who is the copy. Both are short and blond, wear a wing cap and baggy trousers, and always have an Ottifant with them. Otto Waalkes has allowed himself to be transformed into a unique Teddy bear for Steiff. Naturally, Steiff’s new special edition bear is hand-made – and strictly limited to a quantity of 1,500 pieces. This makes him something very special indeed, both for Otto fans and friends of Steiff. Wearing a polo shirt, braces and a cap and with the same blue eyes, Otto Waalkes has had his bear version made in his own image – and was also involved in the development with his own sketches and ideas. And he is delighted with the results: “Fabulous – a genuine Steiff Otto! I never dreamt I would see myself with so much hair ever again!” Steiff’s Otto is almost as much of a celebrity as his human original, and has already been seen in the cinema: he was an extra in the film “Kartoffelsalat”, and will even be on stage for Otto’s big tribute show on the ZDF at 20:15 on 14 November. The Otto bear stands 40 cm tall, and is made of exclusive mohair. And he also has a popular companion that was also the result of the collaboration between Otto and Steiff: the cute tiny version of Ottifant – of course also with a button in his ear. He already won over the fans last year, when he first became available as a Steiff product. The first issue of the special edition of Steiff’s Ottifant sold out incredibly quickly, in the light of which the decision was made to run another issue. Even then, Otto loved the button in his Ottifant’s ear – and this year his bear self is wearing his own Steiff button. The Otto bear is available now in a collector’s box with an original certificate for € 449 (plus national and international shipping costs). He can be ordered online through www.ottifantenwelt.de or from Otto’s Fanshop www.ottifant.de. 26 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 26 14.10.15 09:09 27 A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 27 14.10.15 09:09 914966 www.steiff.com Margarete Steiff GmbH, Richard-Steiff-Straße 4, 89537 Giengen an der Brenz A01175_Club_Magazin_04_2015_USA.indd 28 14.10.15 09:09
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PUBLISHER: Margarete Steiff GmbH
Richard-Steiff-Straße 4,
89537 Giengen an der Brenz, Germany
tel.: + 49 (0) 7322 131555
EDITORS: Rick Emerson, Inge Zinnecker
CONTRIBUTOR: Rebekah Kaufman
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