Steiff's Rich History: The Genesis of the Teddy Bear

Margarete Steiff GmbH, a company with a legacy spanning over 140 years, was founded by the visionary Margarete Steiff in Giengen an der Brenz, Germany. Despite facing physical challenges from polio contracted in infancy, Steiff established herself as an independent entrepreneur.

The company's official inception is often marked as 1880, when Steiff began producing fabric elephants inspired by a fashion journal. Initially designed as pincushions, these elephants quickly became popular children's toys, leading to the establishment of the Steiff manufactory and the release of its first product catalog featuring a variety of animal figures.

A pivotal moment arrived in 1902 when Richard Steiff, Margarete's nephew and a talented designer, created the "Bear 55 PB". This innovative plush bear, crafted from mohair and featuring jointed limbs, is recognized as the world's first of its kind. The bear's international breakthrough occurred when an American merchant ordered 3,000 units, propelling the toy to significant success in the United States.

The distinctive "Button in Ear" trademark was introduced in 1904 by Franz Steiff, another nephew, as a safeguard against counterfeit products. The global phenomenon of the teddy bear was further amplified by a widely publicized incident involving U.S. President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, which cemented the toy's name and established Steiff as a globally recognized brand.

Today, Margarete Steiff GmbH continues to honor its founder's dedication to quality and meticulous craftsmanship, maintaining its reputation as a premier manufacturer of beloved collectible toys.