 Steiff was founded by Margarete Steiff, who was born July 24th, 1847. She became ill with polio at the age of 1 and was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Despite her illness, Margarete Steiff never stopped enjoying life. In 1877, Margarete began to sell garments and household items that she made herself, and then in 1880 she created the first Steiff animal which was an elephant made of felt. The elephant became very popular with children who really enjoyed playing with it. She sold 5,170 elephants by 1886 and other animals were added to the product range.
Later other Steiff family members joined and expanded the company. The concept of the teddy bear and the classic Steiff "Button In Ear" trademark were established. Today, Steiff has the distinction of being the oldest toymaker in the world, just celebrating the company's 125th anniversary.
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