What is Vintage Steiff?

Typically vintage refers to an item that is more than 25 years old. A bear would be considered antique if it is 100 years old or more.

How does one identify a steiff bear or toy? A mint steiff animal will have three identifying marks: the steiff button, label, and chest tag. The button in the ear was first added to steiff animals in 1905. It was a small tin circle that resembled pewter. The name was raised in block letters. The script name was introduced in 1932. Over the years the id has changed and in 1980 brass buttons were introduced.
 

For more information on identifying your steiff bear, please visit our Steiff Books page and order a steiff identification or steiff price guide. Take a look around my site to purchase vintage small steiff animals.