2020 – Germany – Steiff – Disney Bambi Plush Figure
A licensed 2020 Steiff Disney Bambi plush figure featuring the traditional “Knopf im Ohr” trademark and original identification tags.
This plush representation of Disney’s Bambi depicts the young deer in a reclining pose with softly shaded brown and cream synthetic plush, embroidered facial detailing, sculpted hooves, and stitched white back markings. The figure retains its yellow Steiff ear tag and fabric ‘Knopf im Ohr’ button in ear trademark, along with original Disney and Steiff swing tags.
Steiff, founded in Germany in 1880, is internationally recognised for high-quality soft toys and its long-established identification system. The ‘Button in Ear’ (Knopf im Ohr) trademark has been used since the early 20th century as a mark of authenticity. This example forms part of Steiff’s licensed Disney collaborations, combining German plush craftsmanship with iconic animated characters.
Designed primarily as a collectible plush rather than a traditional nursery toy, this Bambi figure appeals to both Disney collectors and Steiff enthusiasts. Its reclining pose and character accuracy reflect contemporary production standards focused on display, branding, and cross-generational collectability.
Features
Measurements: 200 mm high x 270mm x 120 mm deep
Condition: Excellent
Markings: Original tag Handmade by Steiff Knopf Im Ohr
Date Note: Date is an estimate based on available research and stylistic features. If you have additional information, please contact usto help update our records.
Made from the following materials
Textiles have played a fundamental role in human history, serving both practical and expressive purposes across cultures and time periods. Historically, textiles were among the earliest manufactured materials, created through processes such as spinning, weaving, felting, knitting, and later industrial mechanisation.
Natural fibres including wool, cotton, linen, and silk were used for centuries to produce clothing, household goods, and toys, with techniques and patterns often reflecting regional traditions, available resources, and social status. The Industrial Revolution marked a significant shift in textile production, introducing mechanised looms, mass manufacturing, and new dyeing methods, which made textile goods more affordable and widely available.
In the context of dolls and toys, textiles were essential for creating soft bodies, clothing, and accessories that mirrored everyday dress and domestic life. Early dolls were often constructed from cloth or fabric-covered forms, while the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the introduction of specialised plush and mohair textiles for soft toys, particularly in Europe. These materials were chosen for their durability, tactile appeal, and ability to hold shape, contributing to the emotional comfort associated with childhood play. Textile use also allowed for detailed costuming, enabling dolls to reflect contemporary fashion, occupational dress, or cultural identity.
Over time, textile production expanded to include synthetic fibres such as rayon, nylon, and polyester, which became increasingly common from the mid-20th century onward. These materials offered greater consistency, lower cost, and easier care, influencing the design and manufacture of mass-produced toys and accessories. Today, historical textiles in toys and dolls provide valuable insight into manufacturing techniques, trade networks, and social change. Differences in fibre type, weave, and construction help researchers date objects, identify regions of origin, and understand evolving standards of craftsmanship, making textiles a key material category within museum and collection documentation.
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