A legendary invention

We are the inventors of the Teddy bear.

Richard Steiff the father of the Teddy bear

In 1902 Richard Steiff, Margarete's nephew, designed a toy bear made of mohair called Bear 55PB.
Inspired by American President Theodore Roosevelt, the initially nameless bear received its name Teddy, which is still known today. Roosevelt refused to shoot a tethered bear during a hunting trip . The incident was captured by cartoonist Clifford K. Berryman and published in the Washington Post.
This was the best publicity for our Teddy bear - the teddy boom began and the Steiff brand achieved worldwide recognition.

1877

Richard Steiff is born in Giengen an der Brenz on 7 February 1877.
1894

Richard Steiff sketches his first drawings of the bear during his studies in the Nilsche Tiergarten in Stuttgart
1897

He joined his aunt Margarete Steiff‘s company.
1902

He develops the world's first jointed teddy bear, the "Bear 55 PB".
(55 cm standing and P = plush B = movable)
1904

Richard develops the Teddy Bear further - the 35 PB and the 28 PB are created - the famous button in the ear is also introduced in 1904 by Franz Steiff, embossed with the elephant logo.
1905

The PAB Teddy Bears are created now using a card disc jointing method, a technique still used today
The best known example is the grey Richard Steiff Teddy Bear which Richard made as a one-off and gave to his mother-in-law.
1906

Steiff officially uses the name "Teddy Bear" The name was inspired by American President Theodore Roosevelt
1908

The Teddy Bear gets his growler voice and rare coloured bears and dressed bears were introduced.
1909/10

The Teddy Bear in Action - Purzelbär 1909 and Panthom Teddy Bear 1910
1913

Dolly Bear adds a multi splash of colour to the range
1919

Due to a shortage of materials, an alternative material is used. The "paper plush teddy bear" is created“
1925

Teddy bears are becoming colourful again - rosé and yellow are the order of the day
1926

And playful clowns in the most diverse variations arrive
1928

Petsy joins the range - his large ears with wire reinforcement and facial centre seam are eye-catching
1929

The Teddy Bear is to become friendlier and more childlike -the Teddy Baby is born and becomes a beloved favourite in the coming years
1930

Dicky Bear arrives with his colourful printed paw pads.
But the classic Teddy bear remains strong and continues to delight customers
1950

The Teddy bear gets a new design and is called "Original Teddy".
1951

Another classic appears - Zotty
1953

The Teddy bear Celebrates his 50th Birthday with "Jackie“
1956

New materials like Dralon conquer the market illustrated here by Cosy Teddy
1966

The design of the classic Teddy bear is modernised.
"Original Teddy Bear" gets a heart shaped snout affectionately called "Masked Bear" by Steiff lovers.
1980

The first replica appears the "Steiff Original Teddy Bear" also known as the "Papa Bear".
1984

"Teddy Petsy" revolutionises the classic jointed Teddy Bear.
He is the first jointed teddy bear that is fully washable and it is impossible to imagine our range without him today.
1989

The first British Collectors' Teddy Bear appears - a series that still delights collectors' hearts today.
In addition, further special country editions and series are created in the following years.
1992

The Steiff Club is founded.
2002

The Teddy bear celebrates his 100th birthday. There is even a musical about him.
2004

The first Margarete Steiff Edition, the "Flowers" Teddy bear is created.
2005

Margarete Steiff GmbH celebrates 125th anniversary with the "Karat Bear" and Teddy bear Charly cuddles his way into hearts
2006

Fynn and Lotte follow him.
2012

Selection Series - there are no limits to the materials used
2017

Snuggly novelties with the Soft Cuddly Friends - the new favourites of today
2020

Teddies for tomorrow – the teddy bears of the future
2021

Teddies for tomorrow also for cuddling
2022

120 years of the Steiff Teddy bear - the new anniversary Teddy bear family celebrates this occasion.