Collection: Steiff Bears

Richard Steiff born on February 7th, 1877 in Giengen, was a German designer. Steiff attended the School of Arts and Crafts in Stuttgart, where he developed and perfected his skills as a toy maker. In 1897 having successfully completing his schooling, Steiff joined his Aunt Margarete's toymaking company and initially started work on a number of other projects before being inspired by a trip to Nill'scher Zoo in the summer of 1902. This particular trip he spent much of his time drawing the residents of the bear enclosure. His sketches of the bear were incorporated into the prototype of the toy Steiff bear he created in 1902 and codenamed Steiff Bär 55 PB.
Steiff Bears - Gallery Gifts Online