Hi Charles,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

What a sweet bear! It's clear that it's been well loved by at least one if not more generations and given a cherished place in your family's home(s).
Several elements point to this being a Steiff bear: the button ear, shape of the head, high-quality craftsmanship and long articulating limbs. Steiff is considered to be at the pinnacle of teddy bear production, ranking as high if not higher than bears made in England and the US, and bears in good condition bringing very high prices - from several hundred to a few thousand.
Unfortunately, the evidence of the love this bear has received has manifested in some condition issues including patches to its long mohair fur, replacement paw pads and losses to its nose (possibly more, those are what I can see from your photos), all of which are detrimental to its value. Because of its size, if this bear were in better condition, it would have a value of $500-700 but now, as is, it has a value of $100-150...this is one case where it has a greater sentimental value than a market one.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Steiff golden long mohair articulated teddy bear
made by Steiff, Germany, early 20th Century
With long golden mohair fur over a jointed body, the head with glass eyes, sewn nose and mouth, one ear with a button.
20 inches tall
CONDITION: Wear and some losses from age and use.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 100-150*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia