From The Steiff Archive: British Collectors Bear 2007 - 40cm - Number 12

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 2007 "Old Black Bear" from the Steiff Archive has been crafted from the finest grey tipped curly mohair and has a traditional tilt growler. He features light grey felt paw pads, black eyes defined with grey felt and a pale grey-beige hand stitched nose and mouth. For the perfect finishing touch, he wears a dusky pink fabric bow around his neck.

This British Collectors Bear, originally released in 2007, is limited to 3,000 pieces, has been made exclusively for the UK, and comes with his numbered certificate in original Steiff gift box.

• Size: 40cm / 16 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.