STEIFF Tiger Hand Puppet ~ ALL IDs 1952-58 Rare!

Steiff, the legendary German plush toy company, is famous for its artistry, beauty, and lasting quality. They produced amazing stuffed animals of every type, including super fun hand puppets. And this Tiger puppet is even more special because it is an early model #317 and retains all its IDs. The coloring is vibrant and it is in excellent condition, like it was never used. As other vintage Steiff toys, Tiger was expertly handmade in Germany from 1952 to 1958 using the finest mohair plush. The amazing airbrushing work gives this character a vibrant and eye-catching appearance that everyone loves. It has endearing glass eyes, embroidered nose and mouth, and nylon whiskers. Its head is stuffed with excelsior (wood wool) and has a cardboard finger tube for movement. Little tiger hand puppet can't wait to be a special part of your vintage toy collection! A curious fact about Steiff's tiger hand puppet is that a similar toy was used by Fred Rogers on his first episode of “The Children’s Corner” in 1954. Originally, a bird was supposed to come out of the cuckoo clock but instead Fred used a puppet he received as a gift from WQED Station Manager, Dorothy Daniel. He named the tiger puppet Daniel after her. Very few people know that Fred’s first famous and beloved Daniel the Tiger puppet was a Steiff hand puppet similar to this one! Condition: Pre-owned vintage puppet. Complete with ALL IDs and tags. Great coloring. Appears not to have been used. Please determine the condition by yourself, taking a close look at all pictures and asking questions. Origin: Germany Brand: Steiff ID: complete with chest tag, button and yellow flag #317 Year: 1952-58 Size: 9in/23 cm tall Materials: finest mohair plush, glass eyes, excelsior The puppet stand is not included WARNING: This vintage puppet does not comply with current safety standards and is intended for adult use only.