Steiff Elephant with Red Saddle Cloth

This is a vintage Steiff elephant figurine, likely from the 'Trampy' or 'Cosy' series dating from the mid-20th century, approximately 1950s to 1970s. The item features a beige or light tan mohair or plush body with a distinctive red felt saddle cloth draped over its back. The elephant is depicted in a standing pose with its trunk curled upward at the tip. It features small, black bead eyes and off-white plastic or milk glass tusks. A critical identifying feature is the yellow Steiff ear tag ('Knopf im Ohr') still attached to the left ear, indicating its manufacture by the renowned German toy company. The tail is constructed from a braided cord material, which is consistent with Steiff's mid-century design. The construction shows high-quality machine and hand-stitching with visible vertical graining on the fabric legs. Structurally, the item appears well-preserved, though there is visible surface wear and slight matting of the plush on the feet. The yellow ear tag shows some creasing and fraying at the edges, and the metal button holding the tag shows a hint of oxidation or patina consistent with its age. Some light surface soiling is present on the underside of the feet and the felt saddle, but overall the colors remain vibrant and the form is intact.

Based on my visual examination of this Steiff elephant, I have identified it as a mid-century 'Cosy' or mohair standing elephant model. The presence of the yellow 'Knopf im Ohr' (button in ear) tag and the specific braided cord tail are strong indicators of its authenticity as a genuine Steiff product manufactured in Giengen, Germany. The piece maintains high structural integrity, though the matted plush on the feet and oxidation on the button reflect a 'Very Good' rather than 'Mint' condition. The market for mid-century Steiff remains stable, though price points depend heavily on the presence of the original chest tag and any accompanying IDs. The retention of the yellow stock tag adds significant value compared to 'naked' specimens. While common compared to pre-war rarities, the red saddle cloth variant remains a favorite among collectors of the 'Noah's Ark' or circus-themed lines. Recent auction comparables for similarly sized elephants with ear-tag identification range between $125 and $275 depending on the vibrancy of the felt. Factors impacting value include the minor fraying of the ear tag and surface soiling on the feet. For a definitive authentication, an in-person inspection would be required to examine the internal stuffing (excelsior vs. synthetic foam) and to confirm the 'RSB' (Raised Silver Button) or 'Script' style button, which narrows the production date. I would also recommend reviewing provenance documentation to confirm ownership history. Limitations of this digital appraisal include the inability to detect internal dry rot or hidden odors which could diminish the valuation.