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"Only
The Best..."
by Tabitha Baldwin
Question: What do you get when you cross an elephant with
a pincushion? 
Answer: One of the most successful companies
in the history of the toy industry! At least that was what happened in
1880, when Margarete Steiff fashioned a felt pincushion into the shape
of an elephant and unwittingly paved the way for a new age in toy making,
not the least of which included the invention of the most loved and universally
recognized of all toys - the little bear who was later affectionately
nicknamed "Teddy." And while most people associate the name
"Steiff" with the invention of the Teddy bear, to collectors,
the name means so much more. It is a signature of absolute excellence!
Only The Best
From the moment Margarete began to produce her little elephant for the
children who so loved playing with it, Steiff has only offered the best
in stuffed toys. Why? Because Margarete believed that "only the best
is just good enough for our children." Her adherence to that belief
ensured that the making of a Steiff animal involved simply the highest
quality in design, detail and materials. These 3 elements made her company
the extraordinary success that it is today, and continue to make a Steiff
animal not only an adorable toy, but a lovingly handcrafted work of art,
resulting in a true collectible. And it all begins with imagination!
The Making Of A Steiff Animal
Through the original designs of the skilled artisans at Steiff, the
animals strike a chord in our hearts and souls, transporting us to a world
that is both beautiful and fun, full of wonder and whimsy and magic. Each
animal is handcrafted using only the finest natural materials, and then
painstakingly detailed through the application of paint and embroidery
that falls nothing short of artistic. The result? A durable toy that captivates
and charms! From the tiny mouse with the delicate whiskers you could swear
you saw twitch, to the plush mohair arms on the Teddy bear just reaching
for that hug, Steiff's attention to detail and craftsmanship brings their
animals to life, each bursting with their own unique personality. It is
one of the reasons that, time and again, Steiff has proven a stuffed toy
can be realistic without being boring, magical without being mundane.
This sort of work can only come from over a century of commitment and
dedication to the finest craftsmanship that has become the hallmark of
a genuine Steiff product, and why Steiff has emerged as a leader among
stuffed toymakers around the globe.
Steiff and the Teddy Bear
Making Steiff
even more significant was their invention of the Teddy bear, solidifying
not only their reputation in the toy industry, but their place in history.
And who would have thought that Margarete Steiff would have been reluctant
to produce the little bear? When Margarete's nephew, Richard, first conceived
of the Teddy bear, Margarete was concerned the little guy would not catch
on, feeling he would be too expensive and even a bit awkward. How wrong
she was! When 12,000 were sold in 1903 at the World's Exhibition in St.
Louis, the Teddy bear became an instant classic. It became a universal
symbol of warmth and delight, the toy most often given to newborns as
their first and to children and adults to cheer them when they are sick
or down.
Steiff's Enduring Legacy
With any Steiff
animal, whether a bear, a dog, an elephant (or even a hippopotamus!),
to look is to be enchanted, to find the joy and warmth and magic that
stimulates our imaginations, our memories and never fails to bring a smile.
Like the basic black cocktail dress or a finely tailored 3-piece suit,
once purchased, a Steiff toy will remain timeless, a classic that never
goes out of style, and a delight that will be passed down for generations
to come!
Margarete Steiff would be so pleased.
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