How to Authenticate Real Steiff Bears from Fake Ones

With its top of the line caliber and the demand for such toys, many imitation and fake models of Steiff bears have appeared on the market. This is especially true for the limited edition releases and vintage pieces that many collectors tend to flock to and even bid at in auctions all over the globe. This makes it a necessity for everyone to learn how to differentiate authentic Steiff bears from the fakeones. Worry no more because we’ll teach you how.

First of all, let’s begin by establishing that knowledge is your best weapon. You have to bring your smarts into the game if you want to ensure authenticity. After all, one cannot make fool of the wise and sensible. This necessitates a lot of research and time put into getting to know the toys, the models and what separates genuine from sham. 

There are three basic identifiers of a true blue Steiff product. These are the ear tags, the Knopf Im Ohr or button in ears and the chest pendants.

1.    EAR TAGS

Beginning from 1908s, ear tags were attached to the toys together with the Knopf Im Ohr. The standard design is characterized by a yellow fabric tape with the company and the words "Made in Germany by Steiff" in red lettering. Limited edition replicas are given white ear tags with black lettering while special limited edition collections bear white tags with red lettering.

2.    KNOPF IM OHR (BUTTON IN EARS)

Of the three in this list, button in ears would have to be the most popular of all and one that greatly increases the value of any vintage or rare find with its presence. Its design has not dramatically changed over the course of years but it has had slight alterations in terms of size, material and letterings here and there. This helps buyers check not only the authenticity of the teddy bear but also its true age.

3.    CHEST PENDANTS

In 1926, the company began to place chest pendants around the neck of their Steiff bears. These often bear the company’s insignia alongside the toy’s name. Just like the first two identifiers, these have come to evolve over time. For example, from 1926 to 1928 they were made of white round sturdy paper with black lettering. By 1928 to 1950, red and yellow paper with a huge bear head was used. In 1950 to 1972, the bear head logo became smaller in size. In 1983 a white paper tag circle was employed and currently a white paper tag circle with red inner circle and the original elephant insignia is used.