c.1980s Steiff Children’s Koala Faux Fur Purse – Germany
A sweet 1980s Steiff children’s koala purse made from soft faux fur, featuring glass eyes and an original Steiff fabric tag, produced in Germany.
This charming koala-shaped purse was produced by Steiff during the 1980s, a period when the company expanded beyond traditional teddy bears into children’s accessories and novelty items. Designed specifically for young children, the purse is formed as a stylised koala face and made from soft, light brown faux fur, giving it the tactile appeal Steiff is known for.
The purse features classic Steiff details, including inset glass eyes and an original Steiff fabric tag, confirming authentic licensed production. While Steiff is best known for mohair bears, faux fur was commonly used in later children’s accessories for practicality and softness. Production in Germany during this era aligns with Steiff’s manufacturing history, prior to broader outsourcing in later decades.
A long fabric strap allows the purse to be worn cross body or over the shoulder, making it both functional and decorative. Items such as this were typically marketed as children’s handbags or keepsake purses rather than toys, they remain highly collectible today.
Features
Measurements: 140mm x 100 mm x 10 mm Strap length: approx. 700 mm
Condition: Excellent
Markings: OriginalSteiff fabric tag
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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