Back in 1948, the Steiff manufacturing plant experienced a big dilemma. There were huge shortages of materials which they needed to construct the bears, like mohair and wool felt. This was due to World War II.
Steiff, having a long-dated reputation for innovation, decided to use a blonde wool plush for the bear's fur and stable cotton cotton fabric for its paw pads.
Today, the 1948 replica has been recreated using the finest of alpaca wool, which is the closest material to resemble the look and feel of the wool plush used at the time.
Like the original 1948 bear, this replica comes with glass eyes and is stuffed with excelsior. It even has a squeaker like the original.
The Steiff 1948 replica comes with a button in the ear, a registered worldwide trademark of all Steiff bears. It has an underscored Steiff engraved on the button, reminiscent of the button from the late 30's. Along with this, the replica comes with a copy of the exact swing tag from the same era. The bear also wears a pretty mint green ribbon.
In the ear of the replica is the black and white label which tells its owner they have purchased a piece of Steiff's history. The black and white label denotes it is a replica bear. These are the bears I am most interested in collecting.
I think Steiff have done a remarkable job of replicating this bear. I hope to be lucky enough to add the replica 1948 to my bear collection some day.
What are your thoughts? Does he appeal to you as much as he does to me? Do you have this Steiff replica in your collection already?
Until next time, take care.
Suzi
*photo thanks to Steiff
