Soft Toy Auction Could Raise £1 Million

28Jul/10Off

A collection of luxury traditional teddy bears could fetch more than £1 million when it goes under the auctioneers hammer in London on October 13.

Experts at Christie's auction house in London's Kensington have valued the private collection of 1,300 stuffed toys by high-quality – and high-cost – German manufacturer Stieff at between £800,000 and £1.2 million.

The company said that the collection presents a "unique" opportunity for museums and collectors from around the world.

Announcing the auction, Christie's said that this was "largest and best quality collection" still in private hands.

Founded in Germany in the late 19th century by Margarete Steiff, the firm is famous for its hand-finished bears, elephants, rabbits and other animals with a trademark button sewn into ear to prove their authenticity.

Teddy bear specialist Daniel Agnew said: "It's pretty much unique. There is such an amazing array and it's in such fabulous condition. It really is a once in a lifetime collection."

Mr Agnew described Steiff as the "Rolls-Royce of the soft toy world."

He expected the collection to be split up, with international museums and collectors snapping up items, although he said it would be "lovely" if it was kept together.

"You've got an instant museum there which would look wonderful on display," he said.

An air of mystery surrounds the auction with the collector's identity and reasons for selling being kept secret.