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German Pull Toy Dog, Turning Head, Steiff or Thuringian Workshop, C. 1900 - 1915

$975per item
£744.41per item
€860.16per item
CA$1,368.72per item
A$1,525.58per item
CHF 800.42per item
MX$18,629.77per item
NOK 10,135.02per item
SEK 9,579.14per item
DKK 6,419.73per item
Quantity

About the Item

A rare and finely constructed early 20th-century German pull toy dog, attributed to the Steiff company or a Thuringian workshop operating in the Steiff tradition, circa 1900–1915. The figure is rendered in light tan twill fabric over a softly stuffed body, with shaped and stitched legs and a proportionally elongated tail. The head is fully articulated and designed to turn in tandem with the front axle, a technical innovation characteristic of early Steiff models intended to animate the toy as it moves. The dog retains its original glass eyes with black pupils, a black stitched mouth, and a black felted nose—details commonly associated with German soft toy production of the era. Its ears are individually stitched and softly folded, giving the face a lifelike expression. The dog wears a fitted brown leather collar with buckle, likely original. The underside is mounted to a painted iron frame supporting four turned wooden wheels, with remnants of early hand-wrapped axle string visible at the front. The expressive naturalism, mechanical head movement, and choice of materials all point to manufacture in Central Germany, either by Steiff or one of the skilled imitators active in Sonneberg or the surrounding Thuringian region. Though unmarked, the technical and stylistic features correspond with known Steiff designs from 1895–1915, prior to the consistent application of the "button in ear" trademark. Measurements: 12" d x 5" w x 8.875" h.
  • Attributed to:
    Steiff (Maker)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 8.875 in (22.55 cm)Width: 5 in (12.7 cm)Depth: 12 in (30.48 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    C. 1900
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Toy shows its age, some small areas of staining, a few small rips. Displays well - Head fully functional.
  • Seller Location:
    Atlanta, GA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU7838246068092

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