Collectors and Puppeteers alike are delighted when a Steiff Tiger comes to life as a hand puppet. And this puppet is even more special because it is an early model #317 and retains all its IDs. The colors are vibrant and it is in excellent condition. As other vintage Steiff toys, it was expertly handmade in Germany from 1952 to 1958 using the finest mohair plush. The amazing airbrushing work gives this character a vibrant and eye-catching appearance that everyone loves. Little tiger has endearing glass eyes, embroidered nose and mouth, and nylon whiskers. Its head is stuffed with excelsior (wood wool) and has a cardboard finger tube for movement. Little tiger hand puppet can't wait to be a special part of your vintage toy collection!
A curious fact about Steiff's tiger hand puppet is that a similar toy was used by Fred Rogers on his first episode of “The Children’s Corner” in 1954. Originally, a bird was supposed to come out of the cuckoo clock but instead Fred used a puppet he received as a gift from WQED Station Manager, Dorothy Daniel. He named the tiger puppet Daniel after her. Very few people know that Fred’s first famous and beloved Daniel the Tiger puppet was a Steiff hand puppet similar to this one!
- Condition: Pre-owned vintage puppet. Complete with ALL IDs. Seems gently used with light wear. The color spots in the front seem to be a result of the airbrushing work. Please determine the condition by yourself, taking a close look at all pictures and asking questions.
- Origin: Germany
- Brand: Steiff
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ID: complete with chest tag, button and yellow flag #317
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Year: 1952-58
- Size: 9in/23 cm tall
- Materials: finest mohair plush, glass eyes, excelsior
- The puppet stand is not included
WARNING: This vintage puppet does not comply with current safety standards and is intended for adult use only.