Margarete Steiff GmbH's Teddy Bear Legacy Spans Over 140 Years
Margarete Steiff GmbH, founded by the pioneering Margarete Steiff, began producing toys in the late 19th century. The company's journey from a small felt elephant to the iconic "Teddy Bear" highlights its enduring legacy.
The Margarete Steiff GmbH, a company with a history spanning over 140 years, has established itself as a producer of high-quality plush toys, most notably the iconic teddy bear.
The company's origins trace back to Margarete Steiff, who, despite physical challenges, became an independent entrepreneur in Germany during the late 1800s. Initially establishing a felt clothing business in 1877, Steiff soon expanded into toy manufacturing.
The 'Elefäntle,' a small felt elephant designed in 1880 and initially intended as a pincushion, became the company's first popular toy. This success paved the way for a wider range of animal figures. A significant milestone occurred in 1902 when Margarete's nephew, Richard Steiff, designed the 'Bear 55 PB,' recognized as the world's first plush bear with movable limbs. This bear later achieved global fame as the "Teddy Bear," partly due to its association with U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt.
To combat imitations and ensure product authenticity, the company introduced the 'button in ear' trademark in 1904, a symbol that remains in use today. Steiff's products gained international recognition early on, with the British department store Harrods beginning to stock them in London by 1895.
Margarete Steiff GmbH continues its tradition of craftsmanship, producing plush toys renowned for their quality and durability. The company's long-standing history is a testament to its resilience and innovation in the toy industry.