All About Your Alpaca Teddy Bear

Collectible teddy bears are usually made from either mohair, plush or alpaca.  Alpaca bears are amazingly soft and cuddly and it is usually made clear that they are made from alpaca fleece.

So what exactly is alpaca?

• Alpaca wool is shorn from an Alpaca (which is a long-haired domesticated South American mammal related to the llama).
• Alpaca can be light or heavy in weight, depending on how it is spun (very similar to how wool is spun).
• Alpaca is warmer and softer than sheep's wool.
• The Alpaca animal is a docile creature well-suited for a family pet.
• Alpacas come in 22 natural colors, with more than 300 shades from a true black through brown-black, browns, fawns, white, silver-grey and rose-grey.
• White is the predominant color.
• Alpacas are raised in San Angelo, Texas, which has the perfect climate for these animals.
• San Angelo, Texas, is the largest producer of alpaca in the US.

A teddy bear made from alpaca really stands out because of its incredible softness.  In fact, once an alpaca teddy is picked up, it is hard to put him down because he is so very cuddly.

Quote of the Day - "The purpose of life is the expansion of happiness.  Happiness is the goal of every other goal." - Deepak Chopra

How to Identify your Teddy Bear

Steiff "Button in Ear" Tags

Not sure whether or not you might have a Steiff Bear?  (Steiff Bears, in my opinion, are currently one of the few collectibles that either holds or increases in value).  Auction sites sell older Steiff teddy bears for values in great excess from their original prices.

To identify whether or not you might have a Steiff, take a look at the following 3 things:

1.  Chest Tag
2.  Button In Ear
3.  Ear Tag

A bit about each of the previously mentioned items:

1.  Chest Tags - Steiff chest tags are made of paper and are always circular in shape.  Unfortunately, this is the first item on a Steiff item that is lost or misplaced.  The chest tags on both these teddy bears and animals have changed often over the years.

2.  Button in Ear - this is considered the most famous of the Steiff animal identifiers, and they have also changed dramatically over the years.  (Your teddy bear or animal might have a visible hole in his right ear which could signify that he is in fact, a Steiff).  Steiff occasionally uses an old-fashioned button in ear on one of their replica pieces.

Taken from an excellent article on hubpages.com here is their listing of various button types over the years.

Years in Use	Description	Button Size
1904/1905	Silver toned button with elephant	6mm
1904/1905	Blank button	6mm
1908 - 1927	Nickel and Iron button with word Steiff on it	4mm
1925 - 1934/35	Iron and nickel plated button with word Steiff	8mm
1933/34 - 1943	Brass button with word Steiff	6mm
1948 - 1950	Grey-blue Lacquered Blank Button	7mm
1948 - 1950	Blank Nickel Button	5mm
1950 - 1952	Button with word Steiff	6mm
1952/53	Nickel Button with Steiff in Script	5mm
1960 - 1972	Nickel Button with Steiff in Script	5mm
1967 - 1977	Nickel Button in Form of Hollow Rivet with word Steiff in Script
1969 - 1977	Nickel Button with Small Steiff Lettering, inset instead of raised	5mm
1977 - 1982	Brass Button with Steiff in Script, Recessed Letters	8mm
1982 - 1999	Brass Button with Steiff in Script, Slightly Rounded	8mm
2000 - Present	Same as above but with more modern rivet fixture on the back	9mm
2004	Replica Pieces have a special gold-plated button with original elephant design

3.  Ear Tag - This is the actual tag attached to the button in ear which distinguishes each and every Steiff teddy bear or animal.  An EAN (European Article Number) is contained on each tag.  This numbering system has been used exclusively by Steiff since 1905.  Incidentally, limited edition tags (North American Exclusives, Worldwide Limited Editions, and Replicas) include the edition number the the total size of the limited edition itself.

Quote of the Day - "Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve." - Napoleon Hill

2014 Steiff Bears Fall Line

Franz Teddy Bear by Steiff EAN 034060

The official launch date to introduce the up and coming 2014 Steiff Fall line was July 1st.  We have to say that this collection is amazing!  There are so many incredible teddy bears and animals that it makes it so hard to choose a favorite.

And all of the North American Exclusives, Replicas, and Worldwide Limited Editions come with a very special 'Button in Ear' tag.  In 1904 the founder, Margarete Steiff, officially registered the "Button in Ear".  This memorable event is now commemorated with an ear tag that contains the very same elephant motif that was used more than 110 years ago.

 A bit about this fantastic collection directly from Steiff:

"There's a new parade of novelties headed your way for fall and holiday 2014. Leading the procession is Lukas, the drummer boy, with his little tin drum. In his smart white mohair coat, he sets the pace for a cast of characters that's sure to bring joy to collectors everwhere. There are rare treasures, unique replicas, and lovable animals in store for everyone.

 Fall marks the return of the coveted Margarete Steiff edition. This black-tag series represents the very best of Steiff design and craftsmanship. Each piece is meticulously handmade by our most skilled artisans and produced in strictly low quantities. This special edition pays tribute to Franz Steiff who developed the famous "Button in Ear" trademark exactly 110 years ago. The bear comes with a copy of the original button patent and a sealing wax kit.

 The collection also includes characters designed to help collectors celebrate the upcoming holiday season. There's a musical bear that plays "Last Christmas," a little girl Teddy in a snowflake gown, and a pair of festive ornaments.

 Plus, there are plenty of ideas for gift-giving. Wouldn't Teddy with Matryoshka make a wonderful Christmas surprise? And who wouldn't appreciate the gift of adventure with our Marco and Niccolo Teddy bears?

 Naturally, you'll also find new exclusives for the North American audience. The ever-popular series of bears with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS continues with "Rudy," a fresh, new pink bear. The next "Wizard of Oz" edition is the Scarecrow, officially licensed by Warner Brothers.  

 Replicas also have their place in the festivities. There's a 1908 Teddy that looks amazingly like a vintage bear. And leading the tail end of the parade? A donkey replica on wheels from 1929, complete with squeaker."

Please stay tuned as we expect that these gems will start shipping in late Fall.

Quote of the Day -  "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." - CS Lewis
 

Your Mohair Teddy Bear - So What Exactly is Mohair?

An Adorable Pair of Charlie Bear Mohair Kitty Cats

A lot of people do not realize that the mohair that their teddy bear is made from comes from the fleece of the Angora mohair goat.  Angora goats are shorn in the same way that sheep are shorn for their wool.

So where did Angora goats originate from?  Angora goats took their name from the ancient Turkish city of Ankara, which was very close to where they originated. The Turks thought so highly of these special goats that none left the country until the sixteenth century. The first exports landed in Spain and France, but Angoras didn't reach American shores until 1849. The most valuable characteristic of the Angora, as compared to other goats is the value of the mohair that is clipped. The average goat in the U.S. shears approximately 5.3 pounds of mohair per shearing and are usually sheared twice a year – once in the spring and once again in the early fall.

The United States has developed into one of the two largest producing nations of mohair in the world with an annual production in excess of 2.4 million pounds. This was all due to the initial importation of a small flock of seven does and two bucks in 1849.  The other two principal sources of mohair are South Africa and Turkey. Texas, with a herd of 220,000 goats is the primary mohair region of the United States. The main region is on Edwards Plateau in Southwest Texas, where the mild dry climate and hilly, brushy terrain are particularly well suited for raising Angora goats due to their dry mountain origin.  (The town that is well-known for their mohair production is San Angelo, Texas).  In fact, if you would like to read more, the "Mohair Council of America" located in San Angelo has additional information to read.It is a well-known fact that Angora goats produce the best mohair in hot areas with low rainfall, which explains why Texas is well-suited for raising Angora goats. 

Mohair fleece has always been the superior fabric for making teddy bears. There are many reasons for this:  1) mohair has an incredible luster to it, and dyed mohair resists fading caused by time and the elements and is very hard wearing; 2) mohair is almost non-flammable; 3) mohair is considered the most durable animal fiber; 4) the natural fibers from mohair have the ability to absorb and release atmospheric moisture; 5) mohair is characteristically resistant to soiling; and 6) mohair possesses great tensile strength.  Diameter to diameter it is stronger than steel!

All in all, collectible teddy bears made from mohair tend to cost more than bears made from plush and they also tend to hold their value as well.  

Quote of the Day - "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost

Just In time for Halloween Decorating - Scary Cat by Steiff, EAN 682513

We were very impressed that Steiff overnighted the Scary Cat EAN 682513 Halloween cats so there would be plenty of time for customers to receive them by Halloween.

This black mohair cat stands 13 inches to the tips of his ears and measures 17 inches to the top of his tail and is collectible in every way.  His green cat eyes make him a tad spooly, and his orange ribbon highlights his black Schulte mohair perfectly.

This collectible cat was brought back into Steiff production exactly 111 years from the original.

Why not add him to your Halloween Collection?

Quote of the Day - "The destiny of man is in his own soul." - Herodotus

Steiff's Wicked Witch of the West Teddy Bear (EAN 682407) Has Finally Arrived

After a very long wait, we are pleased to announce that Steiff's version of the Wizard of Oz' Wicked Witch of the West Teddy Bear has finally arrived.  This mohair bear is made from the finest green Schulte mohair and wears the classic black witche's outfit.

The "Wizard of Oz" still remains one of the most beloved films of all time and this year marks the 75th anniversary of the movie.  (Wicked Witch of the West Bear Steiff EAN 682407) wears a commemorative 75th anniversary medallion around her neck.

This limited edition Steiff North American Exclusive comes from an edition size of 1939 pieces.

Sure to be a Steiff collector's favorite!

Quote of the Day - "People with many interest live, not only longest, but happiest". - George Matthew Allen

Steiff Gold Sequin Teddy Bears from Enchanted Forest Collection

Just wanted to share a photo of both the large and small Steiff Bears Gold Sequin Teddy bears.  We loved both of these bears the minute that we saw them but unfortunately, there were not very popular with Steiff collectors.  Many told us that they did not care for the Enchanted Forest Collection from last year because the materials that the bears were made from were not the traditional mohair.

Anyway, the material of these teddy bears is a gold sequin material and their bear paws are made of white velvet material.

We still have both of these bears in stock.  The larger sequin teddy bear is EAN 025990 and the smaller sequin bear is EAN 025945.  (Please note that we were not very fond of the stock photo of the smaller bear as he looks a bit mean, but as you can see by the photo, that is not the case at all).

Quote of the Day - "Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances." - Benjamin Franklin

In Case You Missed It - Background on Steiff Bears

Steiff - Famous hand-made German teddybears with Steiff "Button in Ear"

(Written by Brenda Mize, Owner of Beacon's Glow Collectibles)

History

Margarete Steiff, the founder of Steiff Bears, started her company in 1880. She beat all odds at the time by building a successful business, as she was wheelchair-bound as a result of polio. During this timeframe it was also unusual to find an aspiring female entrepreneur. Women had few legal rights or social standing during this period. Despite her handicap, she ultimately molded one of the most successful (and enduring) high-quality collectible toy companies in the world. After more than 128 years in business, this company continues to thrive and its products are in as much demand by collectors as they have ever been. This family-owned company makes about 15 million stuffed animals every year, which includes more than a quarter of a million Steiff teddy bears.

Steiff's plush animals are all designed by hand in their factory in Giengen, Germany. Each piece is hand-produced in their same traditional manner which results in the highest quality teddy bears and plush animals. Margarete Steiff's motto, which is still carried on by the company today, was "Only the best is good enough for our children".

Steiff "Button in Ear" Trademark

The Steiff "Button in Ear" trademark truly distinguishes each and every teddy bear and plush animal as a symbol of ultimate quality for toys. The "Button In Ear" trademark was invented in 1904 by Franz Steiff, one of Margarete's nephews, to distinguish Steiff bears from all others. Since 1904, each and every piece that Steiff has produced has the Steiff trademark button attached to its left ear.

To differentiate between Steiff's various collections, each teddybear and animal produced wears a distinctively colored tag as well as metal embossed button. For example:
Original Collection: comprised of a yellow Steiff ear tag with red writing and brass embossed button. Easily recognizable as an authentic Steiff Teddy Bear or Steiff animal.

　

Limited Edition: comprised of a white ear tag with red writing and gold-plated embossed button. Recognized by Steiff collectors as a piece from a limited edition.
Replica: comprised of a white ear tag with black writing and silver-plated embossed button. These replica animals are reproduced exactly according to Steiff's historic role models from the past.
Materials Used

Steiff Bears only uses the finest materials for their heirloom-quality teddy bears and animals. Two of the most popular materials used are mohair and alpaca. Both retain their long-lasting beauty which allows all of Steiff's pieces to be passed down from generation to generation.

Mohair has been used by Steiff since 1901 to make their teddy bears and animals. Angora goats took their name from the ancient Turkish city of Ankara, which was very close to where they originated. The Turks thought so highly of these special goats that none left the country until the sixteenth century. The first exports landed in Spain and France, but Angoras didn't reach American shores until 1849. The most valuable characteristic of the Angora goat is the value of the mohair that is clipped. The average goat in the U.S. shears approximately 5.3 pounds of mohair per shearing and are usually sheared twice a year – once in the spring and once again in the early fall.

Mohair fleece has always been the superior fabric for making teddy bears. There are many reasons for this:
1) mohair has an incredible luster to it, and dyed mohair resists fading caused by time and the elements
2) mohair is naturally almost non-flammable
3) mohair is considered the most durable animal fiber and is very resistant to hard wearing
4) the natural fibers from mohair have the ability to absorb and release atmospheric moisture
5) mohair is characteristically resistant to soiling
6) mohair possesses great tensile strength - diameter to diameter it is stronger than steel

Alpaca wool, on the other hand, is derived from the alpaca, a domesticated animal species from South America, that resembles a small llama. Alpaca fur is prized for its use in teddy bears, as well as many other items, and comes in more than 52 natural colors. It is light-weight, lustrous, and silky in nature which makes it a perfect medium for teddy bears.

Steiff at Auction

It is a well-known fact that Steiff Teddy Bears are true heirloom pieces, and increase in value as they gracefully age. They continue to fetch top prices among collectors and Steiff lovers. On October 14, 2000, the highest amount every paid for a teddy bear occurred at the Monaco "Teddies de l'An 2000" auction. Mr. Jessie Kim of Korea bought a "Louis Vuitton" teddy bear for 418,000 DM, which equates to nearly $195,000.00 USD.

The next highest amount paid for a Steiff bear at auction was $171,700 in 1994 for a bear named 'Teddy Girl'. This very valuable bear was a 1904 cinnamon Steiff bear sold to Yoshihiro Sekiguchi, founder of the Teddy Bear Museum in Izu, Japan.

Currently the latest teddy bear collector trend is for everyday collectors to buy reproductions of plush animals that are anywhere from 90 to 100 years old. Collectors desire the antique look, but don’t want the actual antiques themselves. Steiff teddy bears fit these requirements perfectly, and delight collectors of all ages by providing a lifetime of pleasure and enjoyment.

References
Margarete Steiff GmbH All About Your Collectible Teddy Bear’s Mohair, An Overview by Beacon’s Glow Collectibles
Pfeiffer Gunther (2001) 100 Years Steiff Teddy Bears. Koelbin-Fortuna-Druck GmbH: Baden/Germany.
Steiff Website (Germany)
Quote of the Day - "Along with success comes a reputation for wisdom." - Euripedes

It's Official - 2012 TOBY Public Choice Awards Announced

If you have not received your latest Teddy Bear & Friends issue (December 2012), we will share with you the winners of this year's TOBY (Teddy of the Year) Public Choice Award winners.

The "Best in Show" and in the Large Artist bear, Dressed was "The Benevolent Benjamin" by Bev White.

Our favorite was the winner of the Manufactured "Friend" "Snoopy Flying Ace" EAN 682070 by Steiff Bears.

Miniature Artist Bear
• Pudding – Katherine Hallam
Small Artist Bear, Dressed 
• Oatman – Joanne Livingston

Small Artist Bear, Undressed
• Alpine – Joanne Livingston
Large Artist Bear, Dressed
• The Benevolent Benjamin – Bev White (BEST IN SHOW)
Large Artist Bear, Undressed
• Bruno – Heike Buchner
Artist Set or Vignette
• What Can I Do? – Byunghwa Ahn
Small Artist “Friends”
• Finery and Finesse – Shelly Allison

Large Artist “Friends”
• Azizi – Krista Griffiths
Artist Creation, Nontraditional Materials
• Three Blind Mice – Stevi T.

Manufactured Bear
• Animalcraft Standing Black Bear – Demdaco Plush
Manufactured “Friends”
• Snoopy Flying Ace – Steiff

Congratulations to All!

Quote of the Day - "The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen." - Frank Loyd Wright

Lots of New Steiff Bears 2012 Fall Collection Are In

We received in a sizable shipment from Steiff Bears late yesterday and today from their 2012 Fall Collection.  There are many wonderful pieces in this collection to include:  holiday ornaments; several teddy bears, a snow fox, and a deer from Steiff's Enchanted Forest Collection; Christmas teddies, and their long-awaited Molly Replica 1925 Dog EAN 403101. 

Anyway, it is very difficult to decide on a favorite but we are quite pleased that Steiff has introduced several Christmas teddy bears this year:
                    Christmas Teddy Bear by Steiff EAN 035333 

Romy Teddy Bear by Steiff EAN 035371 Holly Teddy Bear by Steiff EAN 035357 Angel Teddy Bear Ornament by Steiff EAN 035319 Fawn by Steiff EAN 036705 Christmas Rose Teddy Bear Ornament by Steiff EAN 035302

And as always, we offer very flexible layaway plans.  What a perfect way to get one of these incredible Steiff pieces before Christmas!

Quote of the Day - "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." - Anonymous

Limited Production of Steiff Plush Teddy Bears

2012 marks something new from Steiff Bears - for the first time Steiff is introducing a line of their very popular Fynn and Lotte teddy bears that will only be produced during 2012.  Each plush teddybear will have a theme (sports, student, etc.)  And as an added touch, each teddy bear has the Steiff logo embroidered somewhere on either the bear or their accessories. 

Fynn is either a tan or brown plush Steiff teddy bear who is 11 inches tall.

Lotte is a white plush Steiff teddy who is 11 inches as well.

As of this date, we have received both the Student Fynn teddy and the Athlete Fynn teddy bear.

Please stay tuned as we expect to be receiving the Lotte bears in shortly.

Both of these bears are adorable but with their outfits and/or their accesories they are even cuter!

Quote of the Day - "The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be." -
Horace Bushnell

Collectible Teddy Bears and Their Growlers

Have you ever noticed that some Steiff Bears have a growler?  That magnificent growling sound that is emitted when a collectible teddy bear is turned just the right way?

We were curious as to the history and inner workings of growlers, and decided to do some research.

Prior to 1908, growlers were called punch growlers that were made of an oilcloth bag with a reed inside. When the growler was pressed, a rush of air made the reed vibrate and cause the noise.

After 1908, modified growlers were introduced and they were called tilt growlers.  A lead weight enclosed in a cardtube tube opened or closed opened the bellows when the teddy bear was tilted.  Therefore, this forced air over the reed and created the growling sound. 

Before tilt growlers squeakers were also used but most usually on smaller teddy bears.  Incidentally, squeakers also use an internal reed.

Currently both growlers and squeakers can be purchased rather inexpensively by hobbyists to include in their bear creations.  But we suspect that Steiff Bears only inserts top-of-the-line growlers in their incredible limited edition collectible teddybears.

Quote of the Day - "How much pain have cost us the evils that have never happened." - Thomas Jefferson

The Four Psychological Powers of Teddybears

A customer sent us a very interesting article titled "Four Psychological Powers of Teddy Bears" written by Priscilla V. Marotta and we would like to share the highlights of the article with you.

"Teddy bears are a wonderful tool for psychological health. Look around your home and the home of your friends. Almost every home has a collectable teddy bear or a teddy bear figurine. What is so powerful about a teddy bear? Why does even the thought of a teddy bear bring a smile to your face? Teddy bears are cherished, many are collectable, and there are so many types of cuddly collectable teddy bears. This is understandable when you realize that there are four powerful psychological effects of teddy bears.

The four psychological powers of teddy bears are as follows:
1.  Teddy Bears are the symbol of child-like innocence.
2.  Teddybears remind us of a special person who loved us and brought us a teddy bear.
3.  Teddy bears are very often used as a gift to remember special occasions.  Therefore, teddy bears are treasured for the memory that they represent.
4.  Plush teddy bears bring the comfort of a soft touch which is a powerful need amongst humans.

It is amazing to realize that a teddy bear is a unique personalized gifts and special stuffed animals, could impart such comfort. Teddy bears are special. In today’s hectic world, a teddy bear is a proven comfort item with multiple psychological benefits. Hug a teddy bear today! "

Quote of the Day - "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

A Classic Steiff Bear - Sunny Teddy Bear EAN 035746

2012 has been a great year for Steiff Bears!  They have introduced one incredible teddy bear after another.  Sunny Teddy Bear (EAN 035746) should definitely be included in this group.  He is a massive bear at 24 inches tall and has a deep growler.  Funny as he was growling from within his very large box as we were carrying him in after being delivered by Federal Express.

He is an old-fashioned teddy bear created from a cream yellow Schulte mohair that is a long pile and just a little bit curly, which adds to his endearing charm.  Sunny has the distinct honot of being the largest teddybear in this year's Steiff Worldwide Limited Edition Collection. 

Just to tell you a bit more about Sunny - he was designed after a mid-1920's Steiff teddy bear and he has a distinctive big round head, short muzzle, and dark brown pupil eyes.  (We have been told that this adds to his adorable childlike expression).

But nonetheless, this extra large Teddy is sure to steal your heart.  A perfect addition to any Steiff collection. . .

Quote of the Day - "A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship; and he who plants kindness gathers love." - Basil

Steiff's Fall Introduction - Toto EAN 682261 from "The Wizard of Oz"

Steiff is introducing Dorothy's sidekick from 'The Wizard of Oz' this Fall.  Toto EAN 682261 will be a perfect match to go with Dorothy, EAN 681998.  He is 3-3/4 inches tall and made out of the finest Schulte mohair.  His wooden basket is also included with the classic checkered kerchief. Toto is an exclusive edition made especially for the UK, US, and Ireland.

Quote of the Day - "Trust the dreams for hidden in them is the gate to eternity." - Kahil Gibran

Steiff Introduces Fozzie Bear EAN 681707

Steiff introduces, Fozzie Bear EAN 681707, in conjunction with Walt Disney-Muppet Studios.  According to People magazine, Fozzie is America's favorite bear.  Maybe this is because everyone loves Fozzie Bear's jokes and pranks?

Fozzie is 13 inches tall and is from a limited edition of only 1500 pieces.  He comes from Steiff's North American Exclusive Collection.  He is made from an orange-brown mohair and comes with his signature white and pink polka dot scarf and little brown hat.

Whether you are a Steiff collector, pop culture lover, or a Muppet fan, this is a must have bear.  His attention to detail is incredible.

Quote of the Day - "Ask yourself this question:  Will this matter a year from now?" - Richard Carlson

Did you see the Steiff Bear on Pawn Stars?

Pawn Stars had an individual the other night bring in a Steiff Bear that he wanted to sell.  And this was no ordinary Steiff Bear. . . . it was a Studio bear from the 1990's.  Unfortunately, the grandfather at Pawn Stars did not want to give the individual the price that he was hoping for.  But the interesting thing is that Steiff still produces this very bear to this day.

This Studio Bear stands almost 63 inches in height and is quite dramatic, to say the least.  He is a brown bear whose fur is made from woven fur.  As Steiff states, he makes a perfect playmate, nursery decoration, or store display.

Incidentally, the individual on Pawn Stars gave a brief history of Steiff and their incredible founder, Margarete Steiff.  But if you would like to learn more, the Steiff website has a much more detailed history of this company and its founder.

Quote of the Day - "Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal." - Pamela Vaull Starr

Many 2012 Steiff Bears Won this Year's TOBY Public Choice Award

We just read the latest Teddy Bear and Friends magazine who posted the 2012 TOBY (Teddy Bear of the Year) Public Choice Awards.

It is exciting to note that there are 5, yes, that is 5 Steiff winners.

They include:

Old Boy Teddy Bear Steiff Bears EAN 682117 (shown above)

A Christmas Carol Teddy Bear Steiff Bears EAN 682056

Snoopy Flying Ace EAN 682070

Birdie Springtime Rabbit Steiff Bears EAN 682100

Kitten in A Mitten Ornament EAN 682063

We currently have both Old Boy and A Christmas Carol Teddy in stock. But we are sold out of Birdie Springtime Rabbit, and Snoopy Flying Ace and Kitten in A Mitten have not arrived yet from Steiff.

A fantastic Steiff selection of limited edition pieces sure to please any Steiff Bear collector!

Quote of the Day - "No longer forward nor behindI look in hope and fear;But grateful take the good I find,The best of now and here." - John G. Whittier

2012 Steiff Bear Club

For all new and renewing members of the Steiff Club, this year marks the 20th anniversary, and Steiff has introduced many special pieces to mark this important milestone.

The 2012 Steiff Club kits just arrived and they each contain an adorable 4 inch burgundy alpaca miniature teddy bear. His nose and mouth are hand-stitched in black and his bear paws are a light tan. As of 1992, there were more than 60,000 Steiff Club members worldwide. We would like to venture to say that by this time there must be more than 100,000 Steiff Club members worldwide.

Club members enjoy the following benefits:

The free gift bear as pictured above

The opportunity to purchase special edition Steiff Bears made especially for Club members

Steiff Club magazine with club news, detailed articles, and insight into Steiff creations

Most definitely a very worthwhile investment. . .

Quote of the Day - 'If you fixate on the worst-case scenario, and it actually happens, you've lived it twice." - Michael J. Fox

Steiff Bears Commemorates the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts

It doesn't seem possible that the Girl Scouts have been around for 1oo years, but this year marks the 100th anniversary of the organization. And Steiff Bears has created a very special North American Exclusive bear to prove it! This incredible bear aptly named 'Girl Scout Centenary Bear EAN 681813' stands 13 inches and is made from the finest Schulte golden blonde mohair. She wears the latest Girl Scouts 'official' uniform which consistes of a green skirt, white blouse, and the classic green sash that holds her achievement badges, as well as her troop information. A must have Steiff Bear for any current or alumnae Girl Scout. . .

For those of you who did not know, Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low assembled 18 young girls on March 12, 1912, for the first ever Girl Scout meeting. The meeting occured in Savannah, Georgia, and was the start of was what to grow into a huge national organization. Today the Girl Scouts of the USA boasts a membership of over 3.2 million girls and adults. And additionally, more than 50 million women in the US are Girl Scout alumnae (owner of Beacon's Glow Collectibles to be included in that list).

Quote of the Day - "The most beautiful thing in the world is, of course, the world itself" - Wallace Stevens