Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a charming vintage mohair or synthetic blend plush elephant, likely the 'Trampy' model, manufactured by the legendary German toy maker Steiff. It features the iconic raised brass 'Knopf im Ohr' (button in ear) with a yellow tag, along with its original chest tag and a vintage retail price sticker.
Story
In 1880, a paralyzed seamstress named Margarete Steiff sewed a small felt elephant pincushion, accidentally launching the world's most famous plush toy empire. This little elephant, with its trunk raised high for good luck, carries on that exact founding legacy. It even retains its original German retail price tag, connecting it directly to its European home.
Maker / Origin
Founded by Margarete Steiff in Giengen, Germany, the company revolutionized the toy industry by creating soft, high-quality stuffed animals instead of hard wooden or metal toys. Margarete's motto was 'Only the best is good enough for children.' The brand is world-famous for inventing the Teddy Bear in 1902 and remains the gold standard for collectible plush toys today.
Condition & Value
The plush is in excellent vintage condition with no visible thinning, staining, or balding of the fabric. The red ribbon is intact, and the paper tags show only minor creasing and age-toning. The presence of all original tags greatly preserves its collectible value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.