Random Thoughts and Miscellany on Steiff Markings,
Part Two
1959
- 1965
In
November of 2016, Coppell Collectibles brought to you Part
One of Steiff Markings. As noted in Part One, counterfeiting was a primary
reason for Steiff patenting its “Button-in-Ear”, and “Tag-in-Ear”.
In
this presentation, we cover the period of 1959 thru 1965. In this post-war era,
patenting its “Button-in-Ear”, and “Tag-in-Ear” starts to transition from legal
reasons to branding itself as a manufacturer of quality plush and stuffed
animals.
The following is
Steiff’s classification of their products according to year of production based
on trademarks: Button-in-Ear, Tag-In-Ear, and chest tags (hang tags).
From 1947:
The U.S. Zone tag
was sewn into one of the body seams, usually the right arm or leg. It was used from 1947 – 1953.
During this time,
a number of different buttons were used. One of these was the button left over
from the production period prior to 1942 (the “f” is underscored).
Blank buttons were
used, occasionally painted blue.
Also,
“Button-in-Ear” was used with the word “Steiff” printed in block capital
letters. Descending “f”s were omitted.
From 9147 to 1952,
Steiff used a yellow tag fastened along with the tag. From 1948 to 1952, a
white tag was used from time to time. Initially, the tag was made of paper,
then switched to linen. The tag shows the name STEIFF, with additional text in
block letters. Starting in 1950, material used in the construction was printed
on the reverse side.
Those chest tags
being used up to around 1941 were also used in this period. Characteristic of
this period is an angular bear’s head with a nose, muzzle, and mouth drawn in.
The name of the specific animal, or “Steiff Original” is printed in a
reddish-brown color.
1952 to 1953
Steiff updated its
chest tag. In this version. Here, the bear’s head has a softer, more rounded
look at the top, and has just a mouth and nose. Here too, the letters are in a
reddish-brown color
Steiff introduced
a new nickel button consisting of a script version of “Steiff”. This particular
button was used from 1952 thru the end of the 60’s. Even after the introduction
of Steiff’s article numbers separated by the slash, this button was still used.
The appearance of
the button was changed somewhat in the mid 60’s. The script style for the word
STEIFF became somewhat thicker. Plus, both of the “fs” exhibit a smaller loop.
At the same time,
Steiff changed the tag to be subsequently made of linen. Additionally, the name
“Steiff” change to a script pattern. Also, the word “registered” was deleted.
Proceeding from
the mid-1950’s, the Tag-in-Ear was lengthened to accommodate handwritten
pricing. This Tag-in-Ear was used until about 1970. The price portion of the
tag was often removed by the customer after purchase .The articles’ typeset is
a good way to identify the item’s production date.
A new chest tag
was introduced in 1953. The bear’s head had a more rounded shape to it. The writing on the tag changed from red-brown
to blue lettering. The red-brown lettering was used on rare occasion. This
chest tag was used as is until 1971.
From 1969
The lentil button
was newly introduced in 1969. This was a hollow nickel rivet used until roughly
1977.
The Tag-in-Ear
during the 1969/1970 season was a redesigned tag. The area were the article was
printed was lengthened, thereby eliminating the area where the price field was.
This linen label was in use through 1980.
A new chest tag
was introduced in 1972, and is still being used to this day. The configuration
is round, with half being red background and yellow lettering and the other
half being yellow background and red lettering.
From
1978
Introduced again
was a brass riveted Button-in-Ear along with the name “Steiff” stamped in
script lettering. From 1978 to 1982, the Button-in-Ear was 8mm on diameter.
From 1983 on, the Button-in-Ear became 8mm in diameter.
From 1978 to 1980,
a gold Button-in-Ear resembling the gold script Button-in-Ear of the fifties
and sixties was simultaneously used.
A double cloth
Tag-in-Ear in yellow with red lettering was used from 1981 onwards. Also, in
1981 the article number was woven into the cloth in smallish figures.
From 1982 thru
1987, the article number is woven much larger in the Tag-in-Ear.
The printed-tape
was introduced in the 1986/1987 timeframe at the newest incarnation of the
Tag-in-Ear. The printed article number was featured on the Tag-in-Ear up to
1989. In 1990, Steiff introduced the EAN number, replacing the printed article
number on its renowned Tag-in-Ear. The Button-in-Ear and Tag-in-Ear were
changed at the end of the year 2000.
A New Century, a New Paragon for Buttons, Tags, and
Chest Tags
From 1984 onwards,
Steiff “second class” articles (in the United States referred to as “Factory
Seconds”) were identified as riveted brass Button-in-Ears sans the stamped
“Steiff” legend.
A white double
cloth tag with black lettering was indicated for replica pieces from 1980 onwards.
Prior to 1981 article numbers were woven into the tag using the smallest of
figures.
Article numbers
were shown in much larger size on the replica piece tag from1982 thru 1986.
Tag-in-Ear was
made out of a new material called print-tape from 1987 onwards. The article
number was printed on the Tag-in-Ear until 1989. From 1990, the EAN was printed
on the Tag-in-Ear. This white Tag-in-Ear with black lettering is still
currently used for replicas.
Signifying special
series production, this white tag with red lettering has been in use since
1994.
From 2000 onwards,
Steiff’s new Button-in-Ear uses a different fastening device for the yellow and
white Tag-in-Ear. The Tag-in-Ear is concurrently different – now only single
with the EAN located in the back side.
Effective 2000,
Steiff uses a gold-plated button for its limited edition pieces.
Replicas and
special editions frequently have the original chest tags affixed to them.
Additionally, replicas and special editions can have a variety of different things
attached to them such as informational booklets, plaques, and the like.
A variety of
information is included on the reverse side of labels and chest tags – for
example limited edition quantities, what material was used, and moth
protection. Steiff’s imagination seemed to be the limit.
Harald
Mallwitz
General
Manager
Coppell
Collectibles, L.L.C.
Coppell,
TX
Consultants
to the Teddy bear world
Teddy
bear does not come to life until he is loved, but once loved he will live
forever
