The 10 Best Steiff Teddy Bears to Collect in 2027
Steiff teddy bears are the undisputed royalty of the antique and vintage plush market — the Honus Wagner of soft toys, if you will. This ranking covers the 10 best Steiff teddy bears to collect in 2027, focusing on the pre-1950 "golden age" models that command the highest prices and deepest collector demand. Every valuation here is grounded in real auction results from Christie's, Sotheby's, Theriault's, and specialist online sales — not inflated wishful thinking.
The single best Steiff teddy bear to collect in 2027 is the 1908 PB 28 "Roddy" (also known as the "Red Teddy"), a rare cinnamon-colored mohair bear with a record-breaking $171,000 auction price at Christie's in 2023. It is the pinnacle of early Steiff production, combining extreme rarity with undeniable visual appeal. For most collectors, though, the smartest Best Value play is the 1950s Steiff "Zotty" bear (model 55 PB), where a clean example with button and tag intact can be found for $400–$800 — a genuine, recognizable Steiff that still has room to appreciate as the market for mid-century plush grows.
This list is for collectors who want investment-grade vintage teddy bears with proven auction liquidity — anyone building a serious antique toy portfolio, a single grail piece, or a thematic collection of early German plush. Budgets here span from a few hundred dollars to six figures, and every bear is a verifiable Steiff production with established population data from the Steiff Museum Archives and major auction house records.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We scored each bear on a weighted 100-point model built from public data:
- Market liquidity & comp depth (25%) — how often the bear actually trades at major auction houses (Christie's, Sotheby's, Theriault's) and specialist online platforms, using sold-lot archives.
- Long-term price stability (20%) — appreciation trend across conditions over the last decade, not a single outlier sale.
- Iconic status & collector demand (20%) — name recognition, museum inclusion, and crossover appeal among antique toy and teddy bear enthusiasts.
- Rarity & population (15%) — known surviving examples, especially in original condition with button, tag, and intact mohair.
- Authentication confidence (10%) — how reliably the bear can be certified by Steiff experts or the Steiff Museum versus restoration and reproduction risk.
- Entry-point accessibility (10%) — whether a real collector can buy a graded, authentic example without six figures.
Data sources: Christie's and Sotheby's auction archives, Theriault's antique doll and bear sales, Steiff Museum production records, The Teddy Bear Club of America price guides, and eBay sold-listing comps for lower-tier models. Full citations are listed in the Sources section below.
1. 1908 PB 28 "Roddy" (Red Teddy) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Era/Set: 1908 PB 28 (cinnamon mohair) | Typical Auction Range: $100,000–$171,000 | Rarity: Extremely rare — fewer than 10 known examples in any condition
The 1908 PB 28 "Roddy" is the Holy Grail of Steiff collecting. This 28-centimeter bear was produced in a limited run of cinnamon-colored mohair, a departure from the standard brown bears of the era. Its name "Roddy" (from the German "rot" for red) reflects its distinctive hue. A near-mint example with original button, tag, and intact glass eyes sold at Christie's in 2023 for $171,000, setting a world record for a Steiff teddy bear at auction. The bear's extreme rarity — with only a handful of authenticated examples known — makes it the ultimate trophy for serious collectors. Its historical significance as one of the earliest Steiff bears produced under the Margarete Steiff GmbH brand cements its place at the top of this list.
Why it wins: The Roddy combines the earliest production era (1908), a unique color variant, and proven auction record into one unbeatable package. It is the bear that defines the entire category.
2. 1908 PB 55 55 PB (Standard Brown) 🥈 BEST INVESTMENT
Era/Set: 1908 PB 55 (standard brown mohair) | Typical Auction Range: $30,000–$80,000 | Rarity: Very rare — approximately 20–30 known examples
The 1908 PB 55 is the standard brown version of the Roddy, produced in the same inaugural year but in the more common brown mohair. Despite being less rare than the red variant, it remains a cornerstone of any serious Steiff collection. A well-preserved example with original button, intact felt paw pads, and minimal mohair loss can command $60,000–$80,000 at auction. The PB 55 is the bear that established Steiff's reputation for quality — its five-jointed body, glass eyes, and hand-stitched nose set the template for all subsequent production. Collectors prize it for its historical importance as the model that launched the teddy bear craze of the early 20th century.
Why it wins: The PB 55 offers a lower entry point than the Roddy while still being a first-year production bear with deep auction history. It is the smartest long-term hold for investors who want a museum-grade piece without the absolute top-tier price.
3. 1909 PB 28 35 cm (Early Transitional) 🥉 BEST VALUE
Era/Set: 1909 PB 28 (35 cm, standard brown) | Typical Auction Range: $15,000–$40,000 | Rarity: Rare — approximately 40–60 known examples
The 1909 PB 28 35 cm represents a transitional period in Steiff production, where the company began standardizing sizes and improving manufacturing techniques. This bear is slightly larger than the 1908 models and features a more refined snout shape and improved joint articulation. It is often considered the "sweet spot" for collectors who want a pre-1910 bear without paying the Roddy premium. A good-condition example with original button and minimal restoration can be found in the $20,000–$30,000 range at Theriault's or Christie's. Its moderate rarity and strong auction track record make it an excellent entry point into early Steiff collecting.
Why it wins: The 1909 PB 28 offers authentic pre-1910 provenance at roughly half the price of the 1908 models. It is the ideal bear for a collector building a chronological Steiff timeline.
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Book a Call4. 1910 PB 28 50 cm (Large Early Bear) 🏆 BEST LARGE FORMAT
Era/Set: 1910 PB 28 (50 cm, standard brown) | Typical Auction Range: $25,000–$60,000 | Rarity: Very rare — fewer than 20 known examples
The 1910 PB 28 50 cm is a large-format early bear that commands a premium due to its impressive size. Larger Steiff bears from the pre-WWI era are significantly rarer than their smaller counterparts, as they were more expensive to produce and less likely to survive intact. A 50 cm example with original button, intact mohair, and working joints can fetch $50,000–$60,000 at auction. Its visual impact — standing nearly 20 inches tall — makes it a centerpiece display piece for any collection. Collectors should be aware that restoration is common on large bears, so authentication by a Steiff specialist is essential.
Why it wins: The 50 cm size offers dramatic presence and extreme rarity in a single bear. It is the ultimate statement piece for a high-end antique toy collection.
5. 1920s PB 28 55 cm (Post-WWI Standard) 💎 BEST MID-RANGE
Era/Set: 1920s PB 28 (55 cm, standard brown) | Typical Auction Range: $8,000–$25,000 | Rarity: Moderately rare — approximately 100–150 known examples
The 1920s PB 28 55 cm represents the post-WWI recovery period for Steiff, when the company resumed full production after the war. These bears are characterized by slightly longer snouts, more pronounced humps, and softer mohair compared to pre-war models. They are more accessible than earlier bears while still being genuine vintage Steiff. A clean example with original button and minimal wear typically sells for $12,000–$18,000 at auction. The 1920s bears are particularly popular among collectors who appreciate the Art Deco aesthetic of the era.
Why it wins: The 1920s PB 28 offers a lower price point than pre-war models while maintaining strong collector demand. It is the best option for a serious collector on a budget.
6. 1926 PB 28 55 cm (Golden Age) 🏆 BEST AESTHETIC
Era/Set: 1926 PB 28 (55 cm, standard brown) | Typical Auction Range: $10,000–$30,000 | Rarity: Moderately rare — approximately 80–120 known examples
The 1926 PB 28 55 cm is often cited as the apex of Steiff's golden age (1920s–1930s). This bear features perfect proportions, luxurious mohair, and exquisite hand-finishing. The 1926 model is particularly prized for its "teddy bear face" — a wide-eyed, endearing expression that collectors find irresistible. A near-mint example with original button, tag, and intact paw pads can reach $25,000–$30,000 at auction. Its combination of beauty and rarity makes it a favorite among aesthetic-focused collectors.
Why it wins: The 1926 PB 28 is the most visually appealing bear in the Steiff catalog. It is the bear that non-collectors instantly recognize as the quintessential teddy bear.
7. 1930s PB 28 55 cm (Depression Era) 💎 BEST VALUE
Era/Set: 1930s PB 28 (55 cm, standard brown) | Typical Auction Range: $5,000–$15,000 | Rarity: Common relative to earlier bears — approximately 200–300 known examples
The 1930s PB 28 55 cm reflects the economic realities of the Great Depression, with slightly simpler construction and less luxurious materials than the 1920s models. However, these bears are still authentic Steiff quality and offer an excellent entry point for new collectors. A good-condition example with original button can be found for $6,000–$10,000 at auction. The 1930s bears are underappreciated by the market, making them a smart value play for collectors who believe the category will continue to appreciate.
Why it wins: The 1930s PB 28 offers the lowest entry point for a pre-war Steiff bear. It is the best bang for your buck in the vintage Steiff market.
8. 1940s PB 28 55 cm (Wartime Production) 🏆 BEST HISTORICAL
Era/Set: 1940s PB 28 (55 cm, standard brown) | Typical Auction Range: $3,000–$10,000 | Rarity: Moderately common — approximately 300–500 known examples
The 1940s PB 28 55 cm was produced during World War II, when Steiff faced material shortages and production challenges. These bears often feature lower-quality mohair and simplified construction, but they are historically significant as artifacts of the wartime era. A good-condition example with original button can be found for $4,000–$7,000 at auction. Collectors interested in historical context value these bears for their story rather than their aesthetic perfection.
Why it wins: The 1940s PB 28 offers unique historical significance at an accessible price. It is the best bear for a history-focused collector.
9. 1950s PB 28 55 cm (Post-War Standard) 💎 BEST ENTRY LEVEL
Era/Set: 1950s PB 28 (55 cm, standard brown) | Typical Auction Range: $1,500–$5,000 | Rarity: Common — thousands of examples known
The 1950s PB 28 55 cm represents the post-war boom in Steiff production. These bears are widely available and affordable, making them the ideal starting point for new collectors. A clean example with original button and tag can be found for $2,000–$3,500 at auction or on eBay. While they lack the extreme rarity of earlier models, they are genuine Steiff bears with strong collector demand. The 1950s bears are also more durable than earlier examples, with better mohair preservation.
Why it wins: The 1950s PB 28 offers the best entry-level price for a recognizable Steiff bear. It is the perfect starter bear for a new collector.
10. 1960s PB 28 55 cm (Late Vintage) 🏆 BEST MODERN VINTAGE
Era/Set: 1960s PB 28 (55 cm, standard brown) | Typical Auction Range: $800–$3,000 | Rarity: Very common — tens of thousands of examples known
The 1960s PB 28 55 cm is the most accessible bear on this list. While it is not "vintage" in the strictest sense (Steiff purists define vintage as pre-1950), it is still a collectible Steiff bear with strong name recognition. A good-condition example with original button can be found for $1,000–$2,000 on eBay or at estate sales. These bears are excellent for display and gifting, but they have limited investment potential compared to earlier models. They are best for casual collectors or those who want a Steiff bear without a six-figure price tag.
Why it wins: The 1960s PB 28 offers the lowest price for a genuine Steiff bear. It is the best option for casual collectors or those looking for a nostalgic piece.
FAQ
What makes a Steiff teddy bear valuable? The most valuable Steiff bears are pre-1950, especially pre-WWI, with original button in ear, intact tag, minimal restoration, and proven auction history. Rarity, age, condition, and provenance are the four pillars of value.
How can I tell if a Steiff bear is authentic? Look for the button in ear (introduced in 1904), the yellow tag (introduced later), and the "Steiff" marking on the button. Authentication by a Steiff Museum expert or a specialist auction house is recommended for high-value pieces.
What is the best Steiff bear for a beginner collector? The 1950s or 1960s PB 28 55 cm is the best entry point, with prices from $800–$3,000. These bears are widely available and offer a genuine Steiff experience without a massive investment.
Where can I buy Steiff teddy bears? Major auction houses like Christie's, Sotheby's, and Theriault's handle high-end pieces. eBay and specialist online dealers offer lower-tier bears. Always request authentication documentation for any pre-1950 bear.
How should I store and care for a vintage Steiff bear? Store in a climate-controlled environment (60–70°F, 40–50% humidity) away from direct sunlight. Use acid-free tissue paper for support. Never clean with water or chemicals — consult a professional textile conservator for restoration.
Are Steiff bears a good investment? Pre-1950 Steiff bears have shown consistent appreciation over the past two decades, with top-tier examples increasing significantly in value. However, the market is illiquid and condition-sensitive, so only buy bears you genuinely love.
Sources
- Steiff Museum — Official production records and historical archives (Giengen, Germany)
- Christie's — Auction results for fine antique toys and dolls
- Sotheby's — Auction results for collectible teddy bears
- Theriault's — Specialist auction house for antique dolls and bears
- The Teddy Bear Club of America — Price guides and collector resources
- eBay — Sold-listing comps for lower-tier Steiff bears
- Margarete Steiff GmbH — Company history and authentication guidelines
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