From The Steiff Archive: Snowflake Bear Ornament - 10cm

Margarete Steiff established the company archive in 1880 in which at least one example of everything produced has been kept, including examples of every limited edition since the 1980’s. The numbers 1 and 12 of the editions, plus the prototype, were archived.
Why number 12? When limited editions were launched, the original idea was to archive 1 and 2 of an edition. However, it was decided not to take another single digit piece (No. 2) out of circulation, so a compromise was to take number 12, when 1 and 2 appear together.
Every archive piece is identified with an archive swing tag that details the piece, as well as an entry in the archive record books, which date back to Margarete’s days!
Each limited edition has its original gift box, some of which show archive details, and features an additional exclusive certificate to verify its origin as being from the archive.

This whimsical North American exclusive snowflake ornament from the Steiff Archive is crafted from the finest icy blue mohair fabric. He features a black hand-stitched nose, mouth and claws, black glass eyes and lives within a cosy white felt snowflake pouch. He can be suspended from his twisted silver cord atop his head so can be used as a decorative piece at Christmas or the bear can be removed from his costume and enjoyed all year long!

This bear, originally released in 2003, is limited to 2003 pieces worldwide and comes with a numbered certificate in it's original festive Steiff box with plastic window insert.

• Size: 10cm / 4 inches (bear inside snowflake)
• 5-way jointed
• Age: 14+
• Surface washable

Margarete Steiff GmbH is the oldest and most famous teddy bear and soft toy manufacturer in the world. Founded in 1880 by Margarete Steiff, the company motto is “Only the best is good enough for our children”. Credited with inventing the first teddy bear in 1902, the company is best known for its “Button in Ear” trademark.