My adorable antique Steiff teddy bear has lost his button but he probably dates from circa 1905 to 1908. I have noticed that he has faded apricot hues to his mohair and in various places, so he is possibly a very sunlight colour faded apricot Steiff. It is hard to show the colour in the images - I did try. This beautiful old boy has been so lucky because he's received an excess of love throughout his'life' and now wears his signs of love, care and repair with pride.
He has managed to retain some of his original features - most notably his boot button eyes and nose and claws stitching. His paws and feet pads are faded velvet fabric, but they look near to perfect and are possibly the under lining to the original felt? He is not without many signs of his extreme old age - but in a way, these just add to his charm. He is a generous size at about 20.5 and although he is clearly worn in places, he is still quite strong - no shifting of wood-wool stuffing and he sits and poses very well.
The look and shape of these early Steiff teddy bears have timeless appeal - I hope my bear finds the right home. He leaves here complete with his antique blue hand stitched smock - this is nearly as old as he is and he wears it well.
The item "Gorgeous Played With 1900's 21 Antique Mohair Steiff Teddy Bear No Button" is in sale since Sunday, December 8, 2019. This item is in the category "Dolls & Bears\Bears\Antique". The seller is "littledonkey01" and is located in Trefin. This item can be shipped worldwide.