A rare and early Steiff polar bear is to be sold by Lawrences Auctioneers of Crewkerne. The toy was spotted during a routine valuation in the client’s home in West Somerset. “This polar bear was made by the world famous Steiff factory in around 1910,” says Lawrences’ specialist, Simon Jones. “The handsome fellow has a jointed body and black boot button eyes, and importantly the Steiff Button is still present in his ear.”
Simon notes that the bear is in remarkably good condition for its age. Hardly as big and fierce as the real thing, it stands around 21cms high and 36cms long.
Simon added, “Steiff is best known for its highly collectable teddy bears but the firm also produced a wide variety of other soft toys. The rarity and good condition of this bear will attract a huge amount of interest from collectors.”
The bear is to be included in Lawrences’ Collectors and Sporting Sale on Friday 20 May, and is expected to make £500-800 in auction. For further enquiries about this sale please contact Simon Jones on 01460 73041.
