Steiff Classic 1909 Teddy Bear - brass

Margarete Steiff holds the best-documented claim to have made the world's first teddy bears, and since that time no other company have rivalled them for consistent quality or range. Founded in 1880 by Margarete Steiff, the company celebrated their 125th anniversary in 2005. The Steiff company motto, as styled by Margarete, is Only the best is good enough for children. Steiff products are subject to meticulous testing and inspection. They are required to be highly flame resistant and, among other things, smaller pieces such as eyes must be able to resist considerable tension, wear and tear. The most common materials used in Steiff toys are alpaca, felt, mohair, and woven plush. Eyes are generally made of wood or glass, and the stuffing is commonly wood shavings or polyester fibers. A large amount of the work is done by hand, from design sketches to airbrushed paint. The final touch on any Steiff toy is the trademark button in ear.