Rare Steiff 'Roly Poly' Bear & Highlights from the Costume, Accessories and Textiles Sale

A rare and rather charming Steiff ‘Roly Poly’ teddy bear is sure to attract bidders, when it comes up for sale in Tennants Auctioneers’ Costume, Accessories and Textiles Sale on 12^th February. Offered with an estimate of £600-800 plus buyer’s premium, the yellow mohair bear was made in the early 20^th century and has a rattle inside and a quirky, characterful expression. Steiff introduced ‘Roly Poly’ toys to their line up in the 1909 catalogue, marketed as ‘Toys for Tiny Tots’ with figures including a farmer, cats and rabbits. The teddy was listed as coming in four sizes, 7, 8, 10 and 14 inches, however, smaller 5 1/4 inch versions such as this example are known. Despite missing the trademark Steiff button in the ear, the tiny teddy is in good condition and expected to appeal to collectors.

Two pairs of lady’s 18^th century shoes are also up for sale; from the middle of the century come a pair of pale blue, yellow and cream leather and silk shoes, with silver metallic trim and silk ribbons (estimate: £800-1,200), and from later in the century come a pair of pale blue silk shoes embroidered with floral motifs (estimate: £300-400).

Vintage Louis Vuitton luggage continues to sell well at auction, and a good early 20^th century Louis Vuitton Trunk is included in the sale with an estimate of £700-900. Covered in the iconic monogrammed ‘LV’ canvas, the trunk has its original label and is stamped with the production number in blue.

Amongst a good selection of textiles in the sale are a Band Type Sampler, worked by Susan Seex when she was nine years old, which is dated March 2 1774. Decorated with bands of flowers and leaves, and two black dogs, the sampler is offered with an estimate of £600-800. A further 19^th century sampler dated November 28^th 1815 and worked by Mary White is offered with an estimate of £250-350. It is decorated with a verse and a host of naturalistic plants, squirrels and birds.

One of the most striking lots in the sale, however, is a stunning 19^th century Silk Patchwork Bed Cover, comprising contrasting brightly coloured and patterned silk and black silk in geometric shapes and ‘tumbling blocks’. The quilt, which is of a particularly complex design, is offered with an estimate of £400-600.

The sale will also include a good range of vintage clothing from 19^th century bathing costumes to 1950s printed cotton housecoats and 1970s evening dresses, as well as luxury designer accessories from the likes of Gucci and Christian Dior.

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