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How to Know if a Bear Is a Steiff

The Steiff company is one of the world's first makers of plush toys. Margarete Steiff created the company in 1880. Steiff, who suffered from polio, made the first bears by hand even though she cold only sew with one hand. She also used the best materials available. Her motto was ""Only the best is good enough for our children." As of 2011, the company still follows the same philosophy. The bears have distinctive designs and identifying features. Thus, if you've come across a stuffed bear, there are surefire ways to determine if it is a genuine Steiff.

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the left ear of the bear for a brown button. The brown button is a Steiff trademark. If there is no button, it is unlikely to be Steiff. The only way Steiff bears with no buttons are from 1902 to 1904.
- 2
  Examine the ears and chest for a tag. Depending on when the bear was made it might have an ear or chest tag. The tag should say "Made in Germany."
- 3
  Look at the seams. The front of a Steiff bear has handsewn seams. Handsewn seams will look small yet not completely perfect with a slight puckering.
- 4
  Examine the limbs and paws of the bear. Steiff bears have limbs the length of the bear's torso or slightly longer, and paws with a slight spoon shape.
- 5
  Run your fingers against the fur. The fur should feel super soft since real Steiff's are made of woven fur, mohair or other materials. It should not feel like the synthetic fur of most stuffed animals.

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