Featured Steiff or Not Too Steiff?

My wife loves all kinds of German things from the last century. We went to an auction yesterday, and it did not say it's Steiff. It probably isn't. Looking at some Steiff horses, there's a resemblance, especially in the saddle and it's covering. It's of course mohair. I haven't seen a Steiff with the steering mechanism. At least not like this one.

She loved it. So, I bought it. I paid a lot. For once I think I paid triple the value. It doesn't matter, because she loves it. I wasn't the only bidder, that's why it cost so much.

Does anyone recognize this as Steiff? It doesn't have a button (that would be too easy). It was played with a lot. If it's not Steiff, any idea of who made it and when? The auction house said Victorian era, and it certainly looks it. It has glass eyes.

As people who are interested in antiques, if you didn't care and wanted it, what would you have paid? I just want to know how much I overpaid.

 

So charming. I always think of the Island Of Misfit Toys when I see old playthings. Im just guessing here but I think it might be from around 1900 . Nothing wrong with paying too much out of love ! You sound like an awesome partner .

 

So then, there was obviously NO little 'steiff' button in the left ear???? And if you want to be sure, here's a link to "she who knows all about Steiff" as well as collects and SELLS MANY!!! You'll find her email on her site too..

https://www.mysteifflife.com/​

 

that must have made some kid the envy of the block !!!!

 

There are very few things that my wife has gravitated to and said "I LOVE THIS". Every time she does. I have to make sure it happens.

I find this amusing and terribly sad. Back in the 80s when we started dating we saw a beautiful diamond ring surrounded by a thin band of black enamel in the estate department at Macy's. It was ten grand. I was making nothing. She didn't get it. I'd still be paying it off.

This past Christmas, after months of trying to find the proper setting (my brother helped immeasurably) I got the outline of the setting. Bought a 2.3 carat diamond. Had a ring maker, create the setting in platinum and instead of enamel, went with onyx. I SWEAR the expression on her face was like I gave her a toaster or cleaning supplies. She might never get another Christmas present. This horse, she picked out and loved.

I can't take a good picture to save my life. But, this is Eh...

 

After I posted this, I found her site and she told me it's not Steiff. But, I paid middle of the road between the high and low. She also said, it's probably mid century. Which is 1950s. I'm thinking she thinks that because of the wheels. I would have guessed (as did the auctioneer) late 1800s - early 1900s, because of the over all look.

She's happy, that's what matters.

 

funny what 40 years can do to a gal !!

but hey.....she stuck it out with you....... so...there's that !!!

 

I love what you did with that ring!!!! What a thoughtful husband you are.

 

A thoughtful husband is a treasure.

 

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/antique-riding-horse-wheels-mohair-522286101

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-1940s-pony-ride-childs-toy-1867191416

 

credit to @mmarco 102's links.........

I've not often had a look "uppa" pony's BUTT, BUT at least a good view of construction and stitching!!!

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Lifting one’s ponytail is a violation of one’s privacy.

 

I'm a good guy. I've never cheated or anything. But, I'd have dumped me years ago. I am a royal PITA.

 

The main key to staying together for a very long time (personally 50 years this past September) is you putting up with their crap & them putting up with your crap.

Also, don't ever let anyone tell you that it is a 50/50 thing because it very rarely is that ratio. Sometimes it is 90/10 or even 100/0. It is very important though that the same person is not the one that gets that sh-tty end of the stick every time.

 

What a truly thoughtful gift the ring is! No doubt she will treasure that forever.

I have nothing to add on the rocking horse, as I literally have no idea of value of these things. If you told me $50 or $1500 I would believe either amount.

I go antiquing fairly often, and while I enjoy (and buy) many things, every now and then I come across something so very rare and unusual that is a “gotta have it.” Say your wife didn’t get this horse, she thinks about the “one that got away,” and never finds another one quite like the one she saw and loved. Sometimes it’s worth it to pay a bit more to have it now, and enjoy it.