Crafted by Steiff, this rather exceptional North American Exclusive, commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the legendary JC Penney store chain. JC Penney (James Cash Penney) opened his first store on April 14th 1902 in Kemmerer, Wyoming. (The date April 14th 2002, was used to mark and cease, the production of this special piece). He named his premiere store – The Golden Rule – the rule being, that you should treat customers, in the way, they wish to be treated. This has become synonymous with JC Penney as a brand.
JC Penney is 37cm tall and fully jointed. He has been sewn from a luxurious mohair with wool felt paw pads. His right hand features an embroidered signature copy of JC Penney, whilst his right foot, has been embroidered with the 100th Anniversary. He is dressed wearing a black, buttoned waistcoat, with a golden watch chain, leading into his pocket, plus a white collar and black bow tie. He wears black arm garters, as was the fashion for shop keepers at that time.
His bespoke box is highly unusual and a collectable in itself. It has been made to look like a shop front, with the Golden Rule above the door frame and the 100th Anniversary upon his shop counter front. The Bear is placed behind the counter, looking as if he is ready to sell his wares.
This magical piece is very, very hard to come by and is considered to be quite rare. This North American Exclusive is a Limited Edition, that closed production on April 14th 2002.
Box shows some slight age.
