c.1960s – West Germany – Steiff – Plush Cat with Mouse
A mid-20th century Steiff plush black cat accompanied by a small brown mouse, retaining its original ear stud but lacking the paper identification tag.
This Steiff plush cat is constructed in black mohair with contrasting facial detailing and a red ribbon tied at the neck. The accompanying small brown mouse features a slender tail and soft plush body. The cat retains its original metal Steiff earstud (“Knopf im Ohr”), although the paper swing tag is no longer present.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Steiff of West Germany produced a wide range of expressive animal figures in mohair plush. By this period, the metal ear stud identification system had become firmly established as Steiff’s mark of authenticity. Even when paper tags were lost through play or age, the ear stud remained an important indicator of original manufacture.
This cat and mouse pairing was designed for both nursery play and decorative display. Character animals of this type encouraged imaginative storytelling while showcasing Steiff’s reputation for high-quality textile craftsmanship and durable construction.
Features
Measurements: 330 mm high x 200 mm wide x 100 mm deep, 50 MM HIGH X 130 mm wide X 90 deep
Condition: Good - no taG
Markings:
Date Note: Date is an estimate based on available research and stylistic features. If you have additional information, please contact us to 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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