AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a vintage Steiff Dromedary Camel, model number 1514,00, standing approximately 14 cm tall. It is crafted with a golden-blonde mohair plush body and contrasting peach-toned velvet material for the face and legs. A defining feature is the prominent single hump characteristic of the dromedary species. The camel retains its original 'Steiff' identification markings, including the brass 'Button in Ear' (Knopf im Ohr) and an attached yellow 'Ear Tag' which clearly displays the article numbers and 'Made in Germany' text. The eyes are small black beads, likely plastic or glass. A simple cord tail with a frayed end is present at the rear. Regarding condition, the piece appears well-preserved for its age, though there is visible light surface soiling and some minor crushing of the mohair fibers. The velvet legs show slight signs of typical age-related thinning and darkening near the feet. The identification tags are in good condition without significant fading or tearing, which is a major factor for collectors. Based on the specific EAN 1514,00 and the style of the yellow tag, this piece likely dates from the early 1970s.

I have conducted a visual examination of the vintage Steiff Dromedary Camel (ID 1514,00). The presence of the brass 'Knopf im Ohr' and the intact yellow ear tag indicates this specimen was manufactured between 1968 and 1974. The use of bi-material construction—golden mohair for the body and peach velvet for the extremities—is characteristic of Steiff's mid-century aesthetic. The condition is commendable; the plush retains significant loft despite minor crushing, and the velvet lacks the severe balding often found in this model. The market for small Steiff 'exotics' remains stable, with collectors placing a premium on items retaining all original identifiers. Comparables for this specific 14 cm scale range from $80 for play-worn examples to over $185 for mint specimens with chest tags. The primary value drivers here are the legible ear tag and the 'made in' provenance. However, while the visual markers align perfectly with authentic 1970s production, I must note that images alone cannot confirm the internal stuffing material (traditionally wood wool or excelsior) or detect subtle 'married' parts where a tag might have been added to a different body. A physical inspection would be required to verify the tactile density of the stuffing, scent for dampness/storage degradation, and microscopic verification of the brass staple to ensure it has not been tampered with or replaced. For definitive insurance-grade authentication, provenance documentation or a physical appraisal of the mohair's fiber integrity would be necessary.