STEIFF ‘Baby Hot Water Bottle Bear’ 1907 Replica – North American Exclusive, White Tag 667299, Mohair

Steiff ‘Baby Hot Water Bottle Bear’ 1907 – Limited Edition 1770/3000

A wonderful Steiff collector’s bear inspired by one of the company’s most unusual and sought-after antique designs: the Hot Water Bottle Bear, first manufactured by Steiff in 1907 in response to the record cold winter experienced in Berlin.

This charming replica features light brass-coloured, short, wavy mohair fur and is five-way jointed. The bear has bright button eyes, a hand-stitched black nose, mouth and claws, together with light beige felt paw pads. His tummy features a traditional brown lace-up panel with brass clasps, designed to hold the accompanying metal hot water bottle securely in place.

Produced as a faithful reproduction of the original 1907 design, the metal hot water bottle has been aged to complement the appearance of the bear. While the design can theoretically still be used for its original purpose, we would recommend that this example is retained for display and collecting purposes rather than used as a child’s bed companion.

The bear carries a white Steiff tag 667299 together with the distinctive gold-plated 'Button-in-Ear'. He also retains his Steiff Club swing tag, attached to his lower left paw, which has a slight crease.

This example is particularly well presented and comes complete with the original heavy black canvas drawstring bag, embroidered in brass and red with “Steiff North American Exclusive Bear”. An official certificate is also included, with a slight crease, along with a generic Steiff presentation box.

Limited to just 3,000 pieces worldwide, this example is numbered 1770 of 3000. In excellent overall condition, this is a highly distinctive and historically interesting Steiff bear that would make a superb addition to any serious Steiff or antique teddy bear collection.