Peggy
Soft Toy
1950s (manufactured)
1950s (manufactured)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This penguin was made by the German company Steiff in the 1950s. Steiff was founded in 1877 by Margarete Steiff. Richard, one of her nephews, designed the first jointed teddy bear in 1902. This design was perfected in 1905. The company became the leading exporter of bears from Germany with Britain and the USA its biggest customers. Today, the company still maintains links with the Steiff family.
Steiff introduced their first penguin, King Peng, in the 1920s after Admiral Byrd's expedition to the South Pole in the 1920s made the headlines worldwide. Many different characters, based on Byrd's adventures, soon filled the toy shops. This penguin is called Peggy, and is a long time favourite. Steiff also introduced other animals who live in or around water to their production line, such as seals and frogs.
Steiff introduced their first penguin, King Peng, in the 1920s after Admiral Byrd's expedition to the South Pole in the 1920s made the headlines worldwide. Many different characters, based on Byrd's adventures, soon filled the toy shops. This penguin is called Peggy, and is a long time favourite. Steiff also introduced other animals who live in or around water to their production line, such as seals and frogs.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | Peggy (manufacturer's title) |
Materials and techniques | Mohair, felt and glass |
Brief description | Soft toy, penguin, mohair, felt and glass, 'Peggy', made by Margarete Steiff GmbH, Germany, 1950s. |
Physical description | Cream and green stuffed mohair with a black edging and yellow front. The beak is made of felt and is stitched along the top. It is predominately red with a yellow strip either side. Its eyes are glass and are orange with a black pupil. The feet are made of brown faux leather and are stitched along the edges. The feet are also flat so that it can stand up. The penguins head is on a swivel allowing it to turn from left to right. Its head is mainly black with the cream body coming up from around the chin. |
Dimensions |
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Marks and inscriptions | 'Steiff' (On a metal badge under the wing) |
Summary | This penguin was made by the German company Steiff in the 1950s. Steiff was founded in 1877 by Margarete Steiff. Richard, one of her nephews, designed the first jointed teddy bear in 1902. This design was perfected in 1905. The company became the leading exporter of bears from Germany with Britain and the USA its biggest customers. Today, the company still maintains links with the Steiff family. Steiff introduced their first penguin, King Peng, in the 1920s after Admiral Byrd's expedition to the South Pole in the 1920s made the headlines worldwide. Many different characters, based on Byrd's adventures, soon filled the toy shops. This penguin is called Peggy, and is a long time favourite. Steiff also introduced other animals who live in or around water to their production line, such as seals and frogs. |
Collection | |
Accession number | B.148-2010 |
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Record created | May 25, 2010 |
Record URL |
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