A greatly-loved, early Steiff bear with tiny, underscored ‘ff’ earbutton c.1910. Known as Drugi (a German boy’s name meaning ‘strong’), he has a rare centre seam running from the bridge of his muzzle right through to the back of his head. This only occurred on a small number of bears, to make optimum use of the precious mohair.

In a well-worn condition, Drugi is 40cm (16″) tall, and has original boot button eyes. His nose and mouth have been re-stitched and his pads recovered with felt – a few claws are still intact.

Mainly woodwool-stuffed, with extra filling added in the past, Drugi is a weighty ted, with various repairs including darning around his muzzle, upper left arm, and front torso. There’s also a mohair insert to his right ankle, and some settlement around his neck. Even so, he’s a sturdy old boy with years more love and life left in him.

Over time, much of Drugi’s gold mohair has worn away and faded, while in contrast his backing cloth has considerably darkened with age, making him such a great unique character. He has an impressively-firm humped back and sweet, love-me-do expression, and his joints work fine too. This endearing bear wears a cotton T-shirt beneath a handknitted waistcoat, pinned with a vintage celluloid Alpine brooch featuring a deer and little bell.