EXCEEDINGLY RARE 1905 STEIFF CINNAMON/GINGER COLOR TEDDY BEAR WITH PROVENANCE. 20”. Circa 1905 Steiff mohair teddy bear in untouched, original condition. Rich, thick curly cinnamon/ginger mohair fur, swivel head, floss nose tip, mouth and claws, black shoe-button eyes, jointed long curved arms, side hip jointed legs, felt paws, humped back. Family confirms that X-ray showed spiral spring design interior growler (presently non-working). Commentary: A magnificent early teddy in exceptional, unworn condition, lacking Steiff button which many times were removed for child safety.

Provenance: This teddy bear was given to Esther Mary Woodley of Denver, Colorado by her parents on her tenth birthday, December 9, 1905. The bear has remained in the family ever since, being passed down for three following generations. The photo, taken along the banks of the Pecos River in Carlsbad, New Mexico in March 1953, shows Esther’s grandson Eddie with the teddy he renamed “Pizza Bear.”