This charismatic piece is in remembrance of Iron Gustav, a nickname belonging to the legendary, coach (horse and carriage) driver Gustav Hartmann. In 1928 he was Berlin's oldest driver, who in protest against the arrival of the car, crossed through Germany to France, healing the scars of war in the two countries as he travelled, with many considering it to be a great triumph. The Iron Gustav Teddy Bear, was made as an Exclusive for the German Wertheim Department Store in Berlin, by the very talented artisans at Steiff.
Iron Gustav is 36cm / 14" tall and fully jointed. He has been sewn from a decadent, curly golden brown mohair, with glossy eyes and a smart hand stitched nose, mouth and claws. He is finely dressed and therefore easily recognisable as a coach driver of the time. White shirt with a black bowtie, plus black trousers and long coat in luxurious black wool felt. The front of his smart coat is fastened with smooth silver buttons, whilst his elegant white felt hat is decorated by a black band, with a stylish silver hoop and ribbon rosette, in the colours of red, white and blue. Around his neck, upon a silver chain is his lucky, silver horse shoe with 1928 – 1996. In his hand his horse/driving whip, a wooden baton with a red and white twisted lash, adding that final nostalgic touch.
Released in 1996, this fine piece of transport history is an Exclusive to the German Wertheim Department Store in Berlin and a Limited Edition of just 1,500 Bears. He comes boxed with his certificate of authenticity attached to his left paw.
