Empress Elisabeth Teddy Bear by Steiff - 29cm

Born into the royal Bavarian House of Wittelsbach, Elisabeth wed Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria at the age of 16, a marriage that thrust her into formal Habsburg court. With a particular interest in history, philosophy, and literature, the empress grew a fondness for the German lyric poet and radical political thinker Heinrich Heine, whose letters she collected and who inspired her to write poetry. Considered beautiful in her day, the royal’s good looks and elegant features were often credited with retaining a public interest in the Austrian court and she was so remembered for her beauty that in 1955 the Hollywood star Romy Schneider was chosen to play the empress in the beloved German film "Sissi".

Inspired by Empress Elisabeth, Steiff have created this incredible bear crafted from the finest cream coloured mohair. She features a hand-stitched brown nose and winged effect on her dazzling glass eyes. Elisabeth wears an elegant double layered dress with puff sleeves, a Carmen neckline enhanced with an organza ruff and tulle overlay decorated with embroidered ruby red roses. For the perfect finishing touch, she wears a tulle stole and a sparkling filigree tiara embellished with rhinestones atop her head.

This impressive bear is limited to only 2,000 pieces and comes with a numbered certificate in a Steiff gift box with its original protective cardboard outer sleeve. 

• Size: 29cm / 11.5 inches
• 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.