Steiff teddy bear

What it is

The Steiff teddy bear is a jointed plush bear made by Margarete Steiff GmbH of Giengen an der Brenz. In 1902 Richard Steiff, the nephew of the company's founder Margarete Steiff, designed Bear 55 PB, a toy bear made of mohair plush with movable joints. Steiff regards it as the invention of the teddy bear. Since 1904 Steiff products have carried a metal button in the ear as a mark of authenticity.

How it works

Its arms, legs and head were attached to the body with joints so that they could move. Steiff bears are still made from high-quality materials such as mohair or alpaca, stuffed and assembled with a large share of handwork. The Button in Ear, introduced by Franz Steiff with the elephant logo embossed on it, identifies genuine Steiff products.

Why it stands out

The teddy bear has become one of the most popular toys in the world. Whether Steiff or an American maker produced the very first one is debated, since toy bears appeared on both sides of the Atlantic at around the same time, but Steiff's bear quickly set the standard. The Button in Ear was an early example of brand protection in the toy industry. Antique Steiff bears are highly prized collector's items, and the company continues to make classic bears alongside modern soft toys.

Where you meet it

Steiff bears are found in children's rooms, in collectors' cabinets and in museums. They are sold in Steiff shops and specialist toy stores around the world, often as gifts for births and christenings.