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Steiff Bear's Value Soars to $10,000 After 3 Decades
13 Oct
Summary
- A white Steiff teddy bear's valuation increased from $7,000-$8,000 to $10,000.
- The bear's rarity is due to its white fur, size, and early Steiff button.
- First appraised in 1996 on Antiques Roadshow, its value was re-evaluated for 2026.
A cherished white Steiff teddy bear, identified as Buffy, has experienced a significant increase in its appraised value. Originally valued between $7,000 and $8,000 at auction when it appeared on Antiques Roadshow in Denver in 1996, its updated valuation now stands at $10,000 for 2026.
Toy specialist Noel Barrett recognized Buffy as a German-made Steiff bear dating from the mid-1920s. Key features contributing to its rarity and value include its substantial 24-inch size, distinctive hump-backed shape, long arms, and exceptionally rare white fur. The bear's excellent condition and preservation also play a crucial role in its high appraisal.
Barrett identified the bear by a small, early-design button in its ear, featuring an 'F' below it, a hallmark of Steiff's older production. Despite its age, Buffy remains in remarkably good condition, with minimal signs of wear, enhancing its desirability among collectors for its unique characteristics and historical significance.
