Lot Essay
This bear was made during the first World War when good quality mohair was scarce and extremly expensive. It is therefore a great rarity to find such a high quality bear from this period.
Details
'Opera', a rare silver white Steiff teddy bear
with long curly mohair, large brown and black glass eyes, pronounced clipped snout, tan cotton stitched nose, mouth and claws, swivel head, elongated jointed shaped limbs, large spoon shaped paws and feet, cream felt pads, hump, growler and button in ear --28in. (71cm.) tall, circa 1915 (replaced felt foot pads, slight wear to arms); and a black and white photograph of original owner, Evamaria Bohn with Opera and her dolls, glazed and framed
See Colour Plate 3
with long curly mohair, large brown and black glass eyes, pronounced clipped snout, tan cotton stitched nose, mouth and claws, swivel head, elongated jointed shaped limbs, large spoon shaped paws and feet, cream felt pads, hump, growler and button in ear --28in. (71cm.) tall, circa 1915 (replaced felt foot pads, slight wear to arms); and a black and white photograph of original owner, Evamaria Bohn with Opera and her dolls, glazed and framed
See Colour Plate 3
Provenance
Opera's original owner was a rising young starlet at the German Opera. Sold with Opera is her story.
Evamaria's story
My Teddy Bear
"I was born 16 November 1915. My dear aunt from Dresden gave me a large white teddy bear to celebrate my birth. From that day forth he became an important member of the family. Everywhere we went, he went too.
I don't know When he was produced and I don't know if he was happy with all the other bears, but I truly hope so. He is certainly loved by me and adored by others.
With a big bow tied around his neck he occupied the nursery. When I became older he occupied my young girls room. I took him everywhere. When we went out for a ride or just played in the garden, he would be by my side.
When I was ten years old I had to leave my parents house and go to boarding school, of with Teddy. The goodbye from home was really hurtful and very difficult. The only reason it twas made easier to leave the house was because Teddy was with me and I felt a big part of my family was coming with me.
In his white fur I cried a great many tears, I was home-sick.
All my years at boarding school he was with me. Together we went to University to study music, and then together we travelled to Nurenburg to play for the Opera House.
Together we survived the Nurenburg raids during the War. During the War I married a Surgeon. Our first child was born 1944 and we named her Angela. With all the changes in our lives, Teddy remained the beloved member of the family.
When Angela married, my dear Teddy went to live with her in her new home. There is sat on a comfortable couch in the sitting room, surrounded by all the dolls. He was always the doninating one. He was an outstanding personality. He would look at us and we would talk to him.
Now teddy is no longer living with us and it is very hard for us to say goodbye. But we know he is in special hands and will always be treasured"
Evamaria's story
My Teddy Bear
"I was born 16 November 1915. My dear aunt from Dresden gave me a large white teddy bear to celebrate my birth. From that day forth he became an important member of the family. Everywhere we went, he went too.
I don't know When he was produced and I don't know if he was happy with all the other bears, but I truly hope so. He is certainly loved by me and adored by others.
With a big bow tied around his neck he occupied the nursery. When I became older he occupied my young girls room. I took him everywhere. When we went out for a ride or just played in the garden, he would be by my side.
When I was ten years old I had to leave my parents house and go to boarding school, of with Teddy. The goodbye from home was really hurtful and very difficult. The only reason it twas made easier to leave the house was because Teddy was with me and I felt a big part of my family was coming with me.
In his white fur I cried a great many tears, I was home-sick.
All my years at boarding school he was with me. Together we went to University to study music, and then together we travelled to Nurenburg to play for the Opera House.
Together we survived the Nurenburg raids during the War. During the War I married a Surgeon. Our first child was born 1944 and we named her Angela. With all the changes in our lives, Teddy remained the beloved member of the family.
When Angela married, my dear Teddy went to live with her in her new home. There is sat on a comfortable couch in the sitting room, surrounded by all the dolls. He was always the doninating one. He was an outstanding personality. He would look at us and we would talk to him.
Now teddy is no longer living with us and it is very hard for us to say goodbye. But we know he is in special hands and will always be treasured"
Literature
Margaret Fox Mandel, Third series, page 31