Monday, March 26, 2012

Steiff Bears...coming to The Crowned Leopard soon!

A new shipment of Steiff bears is here and coming soon to The Crowned Leopard online shop! All are in very good used condition and have all ear buttons and ID tags. More photos coming soon! Feel free to contact me with any questions.
1) Steiff Idee & Spiel Sweetheart Bear 650970 LE 2500
What a Romeo this handsome German LiebhaBar, or Sweetheart bear, is!  Created exclusively for the German toy store Idee & Speil, this special bear was sold as a Limited Edition number 1266 of 2500 in 1996.  Fully-jointed, this bear exudes such romance with his curly blonde mohair, stunning satin ruffle shirt and velvet cape and trousers.  He’s quite ready to dote on his new love with his long stemmed red rose and sing to them sweetly with his fully functional tummy squeaker!
LiebhaBar measures 12.5”/ 32cm tall and is in excellent condition.  He’s got his original ear button with white cloth ear tag numbered 650970 and comes with his original swing tag and certificate of authenticity.  He’s retained 100% of his beautiful mohair coat and his vertically stitched nose, mouth, claw stitching and felt paws are all in excellent condition as well. 
Based in Germany, Steiff is arguably the finest bear maker in the world and began with its first bears in 1902. Only the finest materials are used and the bears are subject to numerous quality and safety tests living up to their motto:  “Only the best are good enough for our children”. You can be assured you will get only the finest bears when you purchase Steiff!
This very noble romantic bear is no exception and is very much looking forward to winning over his new owner’s heart…how can you resist his charm!
Price: $175
Will consider offers

2) Steiff Museum Collection Circus Bear Replica 1935, 401534, LE 4000
Ladies and Gentlemen…Boys and Girls…Introducing the fun new friend you’ve been waiting for! Meet the most jovial bear… Steiff Museum Collection Circus Bear! This special bear was issued at a very low Limited Edition number 472 of 4000 in 1994 and is a replica of a unique bear made by Steiff in 1935 which featured a new clockwork mechanism that allowed him to move realistically. Staying true to the original design, Circus Bear features a fun snap-back joint system that allows him to perform fun tricks like sitting, crawling or standing upright as well as moving his head by wiggling his tail! He’s quite ready to joke around and have a laugh with his new friends with his fully functional tummy squeaker!
Circus Bear measures 12.5”/ 32cm tall and is in excellent condition.  He’s got his original ear button with white cloth ear tag numbered 401534 and comes with his original chest swing tag and certificate of authenticity.  He’s retained 100% of his beautiful long dark brown mohair coat, is stuffed with wood shavings just like the original and his vertically stitched nose, mouth, claw stitching and felt paws are all in excellent condition as well.  Circus Bear comes with his original box and outer trade carton which are in very good condition.
Based in Germany, Steiff is arguably the finest bear maker in the world and began with its first bears in 1902. Only the finest materials are used and the bears are subject to numerous quality and safety tests living up to their motto:  “Only the best are good enough for our children”. You can be assured you will get only the finest bears when you purchase Steiff!
This very entertaining bear is no exception and is very much looking forward to having fun with his new owner today! He also makes the perfect present for a special friend or family member.
Price: $275
Will consider offers

3) Steiff British Collectors 1909 Replica Bear 406058
This gorgeous 26” fully- jointed Steiff bear was sold as a Limited Edition in the British Collectors Collection in 1995. Modeled after a bear from 1909 he’s retained all of his beautiful curly mohair and his vertically stitched nose, mouth and felt paws are all in excellent condition. He roars loud and proud with his fully functional growler and comes with his original box and certificate of authenticity. Box is in good condition with one rumpled corner.
This giant, beautiful bear is the perfect addition to any teddy bear collection!
Price: $550
Will consider offers

4) Steiff 35PB Teddy Baerle 1904 Replica Bear 404108
Hi….my name is Barle! I am a replica of the smaller version of the very first jointed Teddy bear in the world made by Steiff in 1904. I was made in 1991/2, measure 16” and was issued as Limited Edition number 3069 of 6000. Like the original, I am jointed with string fastened disks, am stuffed with excelsior wood shavings and have a cute little nose made of sealing wax!
Baerle is in excellent condition, retain 100% of his mohair coat and comes with his original box and certificate of authenticity. Box is in good to fair condition, plastic cover is torn a small bit in 2 corners.
Consider owning a piece of Steiff history today!
Price: $350
Will consider offers

Sunday, August 21, 2011

New "Your Choice" Shipping Options at The Crowned Leopard

We know that when you buy an item online the shipping cost can add on a great deal to the total price. We at The Crowned Leopard are happy to announce we have just added "Your Choice Shipping" to our items at the online store! Depending on the size of the item and your location you can now choose the shipping option from the USPS that works best for you! Don't need your item right away and want to save a few dollars? You can choose the Economy shipping option. Can't wait to see your purchase in your home? Choose Priority Mail! Our hope is that our customers may now customize their purchase and have an even better shopping experience with us!

Friday, August 12, 2011

Wonderful Assortment of Steiff Teddy Bears: Make an Offer!

We have a lovely selection of Steiff bears in The Crowned Leopard Teddy Bear Corner who would love to find a new home! All are complete with buttons and tags in their ears, certificates of authenticity and boxes. Make us an offer and bring home a new friend today!

1) Steiff James Bear 654725-with Sterling Silver Pendant

Steiff James Bear for Christies 654725
Meet James, a Steiff teddy bear who was made especially for the prestigious Christie’s Auction House of London! Sold as a Limited Edition #1468 of 1766, the year Christie’s was founded, this fully-jointed bear was named after founder James Christie. He very proudly wears a hallmarked .925 sterling silver pendant embossed with the profile of James Christie himself. Have a look at this noble bear today before he is Going, Going, Gone! $175 or Best Offer


2) Steiff German Tourist Bear 671135

Steiff German Tourist Bear 671135
Guten tag! Sold as a Limited Edition in exclusive German toy shops in 2002, this adorable, fully-jointed 9.5” Steiff Teddy bear hails from Dusseldorf and is full of charm. How can you resist his smile! He’s got his original button and tags including a cloth ear tag numbered 671135 and he also comes with his original box and certificate of authenticity. He wears an embossed medallion featuring the Jan Wellem statue which stands at town hall in Dusseldorf as well as the city’s coat of arms. $125 or Best Offer


3) Steiff Mohair Teddy Bear and Hardcover Book Gift Set 038884
Steiff Bear and Book Set 038884
This gift set is an absolute must have for any Steiff or teddy bear collector! Sold as a Limited Edition in 2002 to commemorate Steiff’s 100th year of production, this set was issued as number 1568 of 1902 pieces and includes an adorable 10”, fully jointed mohair teddy bear and the “100 Years of Steiff Teddy Bears” hardcover book written by esteemed Steiff expert Gunther Pfeiffer. $195 or Best Offer


4) Steiff Classic Series Girl Bear 028632
Steiff Classic Series Girl Bear 028632
Sold as part of Steiff’s Classic Series of 2002, this 9” fully-jointed, little girl Steiff bear was produced with original patterns and is full of such sweet charm. She’s got her original button and tags, including a cloth ear tag numbered 028632, and also comes with her original box. She wears an adorable spring floral dress and matching ear bow and is certainly ready to entertain her friends over a cup of tea! $125 or Best Offer


5) Steiff Baby Alfonzo Bear 653773

Steiff Baby Alfonzo Bear 653773
Meet Baby Alfonzo…a Limited Edition Steiff replica made in honor of the greatest tale of a girl and her bear there ever was! In 1908, the Grand Duke of Russia commissioned a 13” bear from Steiff to be made for his 4 year old daughter Princess Xenia Georievna which was named Alfonzo. Xenia and Alfonzo were quite inseparable. In the summer of 1914 the princess traveled to Buckingham Palace to for a visit with her English cousins, the family of King George V, and of course Alfonzo accompanied her. While visiting, her father was tragically assassinated in St Petersburg in 1919. Neither Princess nor bear ever returned to Russia and Alfonzo remained by her side her entire life as her best friend and the only connection she still had to her father.

Steiff created a Limited Edition replica of this incredibly special bear especially for Ian Pout’s Teddy Bears of Whitney shop in 1995 which is the home of the original Alfonzo. Only 5000 of this replica were made, one of which is offered for sale here! This “Baby Alfonzo” bear measures 9.5” and is stuffed with the traditional excelsior which the original Alfonzo was made with. He retains his button, ear tag numbered 653773, box and certificate numbered 4786 of 5000. He retains 100% of his beautiful red mohair and of his very dignified look! This bear is a must for any bear collector or lover! $205 or Best Offer

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Gorgeous Silver Pieces Just In and Ready for Your Dinner Table from The Crowned Leopard!

The Crowned Leopard has just received many sparkling silver pieces that are shined up and ready to make a statement at your next dinner party or on display in your home!

1)  Antique set of Ornate Continental Silver Ramekin Dish Holders

Silver Ramekin Dish Holder
Each piece of this exquisite set of antique continental silver handled ramekin holders features beautifully detailed silver work and comes complete with a white porcelain ramekin perfect for serving up an elegant brunch or dessert!  Crafted in c. 1910 in Vienna, Austria by Vincenz Carl Dub, 5 of the 6 silver holders are of .800 standard silver and beautifully designed with geometric heart shaped openwork. The 6th silver holder is .925 Sterling and made by Gorham with an identical design. Each holder is free of any monograms.  This elegant service set has recently been lightly polished and is ready to sparkle in your dining room today!

$575 or Best Offer


2) Pair of Gorham Sterling Silver Candelabras

Gorham Sterling Silver Candelabras
This beautiful pair of vintage Sterling Silver Gorham candelabras absolutely exudes elegance!  Created with .925 standard sterling silver in the popular ‘Puritan’ pattern, each piece features clean, classic lines and sweeping, curved arms.   Tall taper candles can easily be inserted into the 3 candle holders.  Each candelabrum measures 11.5” tall x 11.5” wide, fully assembled, and is weighted and reinforced with other metal to keep them firmly in place and lessen the chance of being easily knocked over.  This attractive set has recently been lightly polished to a sparkling shine and ready to be used at your next romantic meal or dinner party. Add a piece of sophisticated elegance to your home today!

$550 or Best Offer


3)  Towle Silver plate footed covered serving dish

Towle Silver plate Serving Dish
This large, vintage Towle silverplate footed serving dish will add quite a statement to your dinner table!  This piece features a beautiful domed lid and is complete with a Pyrex glass liner.  The surface shines, is free of monograms and a beautiful scrolling design trims the edges of the dish and the handle of the domed lid.  This serving piece measures 21” long x 12.5” wide x 7” tall including the handle and will certainly hold up well with regular use with its very sturdy construction.  This piece has been recently polished up to a beautiful shine and is ready to sparkle in your dining room as an attractive display piece or an elegant way to serve up a great side dish at your next dinner party!

$150 or Best Offer

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

New Markdown! Beautiful Vintage White Mohair Fechter Teddy Bear

This big beautiful boy has just been newly marked down at the Crowned Leopard online store and ready to come home with you today!

Gorgeous White Mohair Fechter Bear
Produced in Austria, this fully-jointed 18” Fechter teddy bear is in immaculate condition and how could you resist his adorable expression! He’s got his original red bow, original orange glass eyes and retains his cloth ear tag embroidered with the Fechter logo and “Fechter Styria” in brown stitching which likely places his date of manufacture to the early 1970’s. He’s retained all of his gorgeous and rare white mohair and his distinctive heart shaped stitched nose, open mouth with black outlined top lip, red felt tongue and downturned felt paws are all in original condition.  He also loves to have a good chat with his fully functioning growler…he growls loud and proud! The quality of Fechter teddy bears rival that of Steiff and you will not find a higher quality bear of this size at this price.

Was $550....Now $495

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Much Ado about Silent Auctions!

There are many different types of antique auction houses out there offering anything from high- end fine art and furniture to small collectible pieces.  Places that hold a silent auction alongside the live auction are great fun!  Oftentimes the silent auction will showcase items that were just not quite high end enough or arrived too late to be offered at the live auction.  I have found plenty of beautiful silver plated house wares, costume jewelry and even a Cartier handbag available at the silent auction ay our local auction house here in Seattle…you never know what you will find at a bargain price!  This is also a fabulous place to find great gifts for housewarmings or dinner parties.
The Steiff culprits of the commotion!
These silent auctions can and do create quite a bit of excitement as everyone scrambles to snatch up a deal.  While there are great bargains abound, it is all too easy to get caught up in a bidding frenzy in the last moments before the closing of an auction.  Just last month I was literally trampled over for a lot of Steiff monkeys as I was bidding on art books on a shelf below!  From my experiences I offer the following tips for the next time you find yourself at a great silent auction:
1)   Be sure to preview each item you bid on examining it carefully for hidden damages or to determine how easy it would be to clean or restore the item.  If the item carries too much damage don’t bid on it no matter what price it is going for!
2)   Set your max bid just as you would for an item at a live auction. With this firm price in mind you won’t be as enticed to enter into a last minute bidding frenzy and pay too much for an item.  STICK TO THIS MAX BID! I guarantee the 5 people outbidding each other for the Steiff monkeys as I was crouched below them had thrown their max bids out the window and ended up overpaying.
3)   Look for items that may be in a corner or on a low shelf.  Other bidders may overlook these areas leaving it for you to obtain at a great price!
4)   Wait until the closing minutes of the auction to write in your bid. This leaves less chance of being outbid or driving up the price.  If there are 2 items that you are interested in, have a friend or spouse write in a bid on one item while you enter one for the other.
5)   Don’t bid someone up just to spite them…it may be tempting but it’s such bad karma!
6)   None of these tips apply to charity auctions…its good karma to support these causes by bidding and therefore donating as much as you can J
7)   Have fun and happy bidding!

Monday, May 30, 2011

Crowned Leopard Loves... Home-Cooked, High-Class Brunch (and 3 Day Weekends!)

Each week The Crowned Leopard showcases a new find, special offers or a piece we think is extra special and that our customers will love!

This weekend was Memorial Day weekend and there is nothing Crowned Leopard loves more than 3 days off!  The weather here in Seattle was less than stellar so there was no better way to remember those who served our country than over a home-cooked, high-class brunch.  Crowned Leopard rolled up his sleeves and cooked up quite the feast and pulled out all his best wares.  High- Class meant served up on the best china, salami, cheese and fresh fruit presented on a pedestal cake tray and fresh juicy berries served in his newly acquired antique Austrian silver ramekins which were once owned by the US Ambassador to Austria (soon to be on sale at the Crowned Leopard Online Shoppe!).  All in all it didn’t take much more effort to turn breakfast into one classy and relaxed event.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

New Markdown! Beautiful Cut Crystal Dresser Jar with Sterling Silver Lid

We’ve just marked-down a beautiful cut crystal dresse jar currently for sale at the Crowned Leopard online shoppe…you’ll surely want to have a look!

This Foster and Bailey cut crystal vanity jar is absolutely sparkling! The pattern cut into the crystal features a fan and diamond type pattern that reflects the light beautifully.  The lid is sterling silver and is clearly hallmarked with the Foster and Bailey flag mark and also reads “Sterling 3006”.  There are beautiful, swirling botanical details around the top edge of the lid as well as an ornate script monogram in the center which appears to read JCS.  The jar has quite large, globular shape and measures 3.5 inches x 4.5 inches.  This is a very beautiful, solid piece which would be a stunning addition to any home or collection!

Was $225 NOW $179!! SOLD!!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Crowned Leopard Loves... Ludlow! The lovely Antique Steiff Teddy Bear who used to be hard of hearing…


Ludlow: Antique Steiff Bear
Each week The Crowned Leopard showcases a new find, special offers or a piece we think is extra special and that our customers will love!

This week we feature Ludlow….remember Ludlow? He’s a lovely antique Steiff teddy bear we featured in February who came to us missing one of his ears! While just a bit hard of hearing, he was an absolute sweetheart and we sent him to the bear hospital for an ear replacement. He recently returned looking dapper and he is now available for purchase at The Crowned Leopard Online Shoppe!

Ludlow measures 13.5” standing, is fully jointed, stuffed with excelsior and has a small hump at the top of his back, all typical features of Steiff bears from this era. The shape of his head, elongated nose and position of the ears on the head are featured in many bear books as features of a c. 1920 Steiff. His arms are a long sweeping curve shape and come down past his knees while standing and just past his feet while sitting. He appears to retain his original felt paw pads and about 3 of his original claws. There are some spots of wear on his paws where the excelsior stuffing is showing through which is very common on bear of this age. He has a vertically stitched nose and this and his mouth are likely re-stitched.

He has a fairly full coat of mohair considering his age (he retains about 80%) and when you push his tummy he squeaks! Squeakers were common on older bears but most of the time you will find they no longer work due to years of squeezing and chatting.

Ludlow is such a special bear and will make someone a wonderful new friend. He’s the perfect addition to any collection so please consider bringing him home today! $595  SOLD!!

Click here to view Ludlow at the Crowned Leopard online shoppe!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

This week Crowned Leopard Loves... Vintage Silverplate 3 piece tea set by Sheridan Silver Co

Each week The Crowned Leopard showcases a new find, special offers or a piece we think is extra special and that our customers will love!


In honor of the recent Royal Wedding, this week we feature a stunning Mid 20th century silverplate 3 piece tea set made by the Sheridan Silver Company Inc of Taunton, MA.  This set just arrived and includes a tea or coffee pot, a sugar bowl with lid and creamer.  Each piece is silver plated on copper, has clean round lines and features beautiful scrolling handles and legs with a floral design.   The lid of the teapot is hinged, opens and closes with ease and is topped off by an ornate finial.  The sugar bowl features a similar removeable lid.



Whether for a spot of tea with the queen or with friends this is the perfect piece for the person who loves to entertain.  Consider purchasing today and be entertaining in style in no time! Available for purchase at The Crowned Leopard online store.

USD $75