This book showcases and values the finest current bears and animals produced by Steiff for American collectors! This second edition features all Disney Steiff teddy bears and animals 1988-1995; all limited edition Steiff store exclusives 1980-1990; and all other regular Steiff animals 1980-1990. Organized by animal number, this book lists the year of introduction, introductory price, year retired, and today's collector value. 100 color photos. 128 pages.
Peter Consalvi, Sr. is a renowned toy industry sales representative and was associated with Reeves International, a distributor of Steiff bears and animals in the United States. Like all true collectors at heart, Peter remembers the initial spark in February 1970, that led to his becoming a teddy bear enthusiast. This was the year he attended his first New York Toy Show as a buyer for a unique hardware and toy store in Paoli, Pennsylvania. His only instructions were to buy what he liked and not be concerned with prices.
Consalvi recalls a feeling of awe sweeping over him when he entered the Reeves International Showroom filled with the most magnificent stuffed animals he had ever seen. A variety of bears ranging from large studio pieces to small animals were purchased that day.
After 11 years of selling retail, Consalvi was invited to join the firm of Gary & Riedal Co., which represented Reeves International. This position was to last for a short time as within two years, Consalvi was offered a position to represent Reeves directly. It was a position that he could not refuse and one that led him to an enjoyable and profitable 11 years selling Steiff bears and animals. Having represented Steiff at hundreds of shows, the author is amply qualified to comment and price the new popular American editions and museum collections.