The Art of Play: A Steiff Monkey, 1910

Monkey (Chimpanzee)
Steiff, 1910
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Monkey! Mohair Monkey! Okay, it’s not actually a monkey, it’s a chimpanzee, but the German toy makers, Steiff referred to all their early simian soft toys as “monkeys.” Who knew the difference?


This chimp features fully jointed arms, legs and head, so that he can sit or stand. His arms are exceptionally long and slightly bent at the elbows to make sure he was in full monkey mode. As with most of Steiff’s animals, a great deal of attention was paid to the details. His fingers and toes are clearly defined and rigid, built atop metal prongs.

The curators at the V&A believe this toy—which still retains its trademark button in the left ear—was made as an automobile accessory, designed to sit on the radiator cap of a motor. How interesting. He seems to have held up well and is in pretty good condition for being over one hundred years old.

The Art of Play: A Steiff Donkey on Wheels, 1910

Donkey on Wheels
Steiff
1910
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Donkey on wheels! What could be bad about that? This just isn’t just any wheeled donkey, either. This is an original Steiff soft toy (from Germany, of course). He still has the tag in its left ear stating that it is made by Steiff. The Steiff Company was founded in 1877 by one Margarete Steiff and quickly became the chief exporter of soft toys (especially bears) from Germany. Their biggest customers were the U.K. and U.S.


What sets this donkey apart from other Steiff donkeys is its previously mentioned wheels. Occasionally, Steiff produced different animals on wheels (usually dogs and horses) and in a variety of sizes. The largest ones were large enough to carry a teddy bear as a rider. Originally, the wheels would have been made of cast iron, or even bronze, but those proved treacherous. Later, the wheels were changed to the far gentler medium of wood. Figures made after this sometimes featured rubberized wheels. This unusual mobility allowed a newfound sense of free play for children who enjoyed pulling these toys around. Consider it an early interactive toy.

The Art of Play: A Steiff Monkey, 1910

Monkey (Chimpanzee)
Steiff, 1910
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Monkey! Mohair Monkey! Okay, it’s not actually a monkey, it’s a chimpanzee, but the German toy makers, Steiff referred to all their early simian soft toys as “monkeys.” Who knew the difference?


This chimp features fully jointed arms, legs and head, so that he can sit or stand. His arms are exceptionally long and slightly bent at the elbows to make sure he was in full monkey mode. As with most of Steiff’s animals, a great deal of attention was paid to the details. His fingers and toes are clearly defined and rigid, built atop metal prongs.

The curators at the V&A believe this toy—which still retains its trademark button in the left ear—was made as an automobile accessory, designed to sit on the radiator cap of a motor. How interesting. He seems to have held up well and is in pretty good condition for being over one hundred years old.