1905 Steiff Center Seem Blank Button Teddy Bear
17 August 2020
Description

1905 22in Steiff Center seem teddy bear with a blank button in the ear.

Provenance

Grandma puchased in 2002 from Harper General Store in Annville, Pa for $22,000

Acquired from
Gallery/Dealer
For sale
Yes
Answered within about 21 hours
By Sabrina Vinther
Aug 18, 19:03 UTC
Fair Market Value
$7,000 - $10,000 USD
Insurance Value $0 USD
What does this mean?

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

It is an absolutely adorable antique Steiff teddy bear. Such antique teddys are being offered at auction on a regular basis however you very rarely see the antique Steiff bears. Steiff is very well known for the teddy bears resemblance to real bears and this one of the details that make them so special and very sought after by collectors and dealers. They have the long limbs, the pointed snout and the hump on the back. I believe the button is a blank boot button however there is no photo of the Steiff button. These buttons were seen on the early Steiff teddy bears.
The teddy bear has some signs of wear and use and some damages to the paws. However the mohair fur and the eyes and snout looks very well.
The price that your grandmother paid in 2002 for the teddy bear was when the antique toys market was at a very high level pricewise. Unfortunately prices has dropped during the past 2 decades. However this is the type of antique teddy bear that may surprise in a positive direction with regards to the price if it came up for auction and the right buyers were present.

The estimate provided is for a well-advertised specialised antique toys auction, where I believe the teddy has the best chance of realising its fullest potential. However, there is no measurement for the sentimental value you might attach to the lovely Steiff teddy bear. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and vary.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions. I’m happy to help.
Thank you

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