Steiff Leo the Lion Value Guide

The Steiff Leo the Lion is a cornerstone of mid-century German toy craftsmanship, representing the company's post-war resurgence in high-quality plush production. This miniature version is highly collectible due to its intricate hand-painted accents and the iconic use of natural mohair and excelsior stuffing.

What affects the value of Steiff Leo the Lion?

• Presence of the original yellow ear tag and silver-toned raised script button significantly increases the $45-$50 base value.
• The vibrancy of the hand-painted airbrushed spots and facial detailing, which can fade over time with light exposure.
• Physical condition of the mohair, specifically looking for 'balding' patches or thinning in the bushy mane.
• Overall structural integrity and cleanliness of the wool felt pads and cotton embroidery.

How to Identify Steiff Leo the Lion?

• Check for the signature 'Button in Ear' trademark or evidence of a previous attachment point in the left ear.
• Verify the presence of authentic glass eyes and hand-stitched cotton thread detailing on the nose and claws.
• Examine the mane for the specific texture of long-pile mohair contrasted against the shorter mohair body and wool felt paw pads.
• Confirm the internal excelsior (wood wool) stuffing, which gives the lion a firm, crunchy feel characteristic of 1950s Steiff pieces.

History of Steiff Leo the Lion

Leo the Lion is one of Steiff's most enduring wild animal designs. This specific miniature version was produced in the mid-20th century, following the company's post-war resurgence. Known for their 'Button in Ear' trademark, Steiff animals from this era were prized for their craftsmanship and use of high-quality mohair and excelsior stuffing.