Steiff 140th anniversary: history, craftsmanship, and collector's editions

Steiff is celebrating its 140th anniversary – an occasion that the traditional manufacturer is deliberately using to highlight its origins, development, and continuity of craftsmanship. Steiff was founded in 1880 by Margarete Steiff, whose name is still inextricably linked with the brand today. What began with a single stuffed animal developed over generations into an internationally renowned symbol of quality, craftsmanship, and consistency. The starting point of this story is the so-called Elefäntle. Inspired by a template from a fashion magazine, Margarete Steiff made a small felt elephant, which was originally intended as a pin cushion. In retrospect, this object is considered the nucleus of the entire Steiff history. An original specimen from this early phase is still preserved in the Steiff Museum today and marks the beginning of a development that has shaped the company for over 140 years.

From the Elefäntle to the Steiff teddy bear

Even though the Elefäntle marked the beginning, Steiff is now primarily associated with the teddy bear. The classic Steiff bear, often with a firmer feel and clear design, represents a unique interpretation of the stuffed animal. As part of Steiff's 140th anniversary, an exclusive collector's edition was therefore created that combines both origins: the teddy bear as an iconic product and the Elefäntle as a historical symbol. This anniversary edition is aimed specifically at collectors and enthusiasts of the brand. It draws on design elements from earlier decades and combines them with today's precision craftsmanship. It is less about reinterpretation and more about a conscious return to the materials, shapes, and manufacturing methods that have characterized Steiff for generations.

Handcrafting as a central element of the anniversary

An essential part of the 140th anniversary is the emphasis on craftsmanship. At the trade fair stand, this is visible in a replica glass workshop based on the historic Steiff glass building from 1903. This building still exists in Giengen today and symbolizes the company's early industrial, yet craft-oriented production. This workshop shows how a Steiff cuddly toy is made – from cutting the fabric to the final seam. It is particularly clear that many steps are still carried out by hand. The connection between the past and the present is made tangible by the example of the felt elephant, made according to historical models. The material deliberately corresponds to that used in the early years and illustrates that tradition at Steiff is not only talked about, but also practiced.

History as a unifying theme

The Steiff 140th anniversary is all about history. It is not about nostalgic staging, but about classification: How did the company come into being, which decisions were formative, and why have certain products endured to this day? The anniversary presentation puts these questions in chronological order and shows how the product range has developed over time without losing its core. Key aspects that will be highlighted during the anniversary year are:

• the founding of Steiff in 1880 by Margarete Steiff
• the Elefäntle as the first product and historical starting point
• the teddy bear as the defining symbol of the brand
• continuous craftsmanship across generations

Significance of the anniversary for the Steiff brand

For Steiff, the 140th anniversary is more than just a milestone birthday. It is an opportunity to sharpen its own identity and make visible what the brand stands for. In an age dominated by industrial manufacturing and fast product cycles, Steiff consciously focuses on durability, traceable origins, and quality craftsmanship.

The anniversary editions, the workshop staging, and the focus on historical materials show that Steiff does not consider its history to be complete. Rather, it is used as a foundation on which current and future products are built. This is precisely the significance of this anniversary year: it combines Steiff, 140 years, anniversary, and living tradition into a consistent overall picture that brings together the past and the present.