Page 11 - March 2022

called the mudra. In PH: In 1892, the first illustrated Steiff catalog
this instance, the figure included stuffed animal monkeys, donkeys,
is displaying the horses, camels, pigs, mice, dogs, cats, hares,
Bhumisparsha mudra or giraffes, and character figures. During the
earth-touching hand 1910s and through WWI, adjustments
position; it is believed were made in the catalog based on demand
that this mudra helps and available materials, including wood and
bring about a transfor- paper. The popularity of plush figures waned
mation in us from rage but came into vogue again in the 1920s,
and anger to wisdom. particularly the dog figures.
Prices are all over the The figure in this listing is a dwarf, named
map concerning Buddha Puck, which was produced between 1914 and
figures. A very similar 1925. He is one of a group of dwarf figures
figure in size, material, produced; others identified include Snak,
and style was sold at Snik, & Sneak. The Puck version appears at
Freeman’s Auctions in auction from time to time–I found eight
October 2021 for reported selling since 2016, all of which sold
$8,190. Ascertained age, in Europe at Ladenburger Spielzeugauktion
condition, size, material, Auctions. All of those reported sold have the
and origin all play into same yellow mohair conical hat and blue felt
the value of these figures. coat but with some variation in the color of
Depending on those pants, shirt, and shoes.
factors, the figures can Prices realized are recorded from $240 to
be less than $10 or as much as $1,650,000 for a 14-inch gilt bronze sold $2,500 depending on condition. One mem-
in 2020 at Alex Cooper Auctions. bership auction database revealed that Puck is
no stranger to eBay; sales of the early Puck
were reported between 2015 and 2021 with prices running from $230 to
$5,499 (16 bids, 6 bidders): Antique Steiff felt & mohair gnome troll $1,000, in varying conditions and excluding the $5,499 Puck figure here.
elf. I acquired several Steiff items from the estate of a woman from Given those numbers, our seller should be ecstatic. This early figure should
Germany. This 9-inch-tall figure is a dressed male with a long white beard not be confused with the newer “Pucki” dwarf figure.
and hair. I do not know if he is a troll, gnome, or elf! He has the button
in his ear. This fella is dusty but appears complete, but I do not know if he Philip Hawkins, ISA AM, AAG is an accredited member of the International Society
is complete. (photos courtesy of eBay seller burnsantiques502.) of Appraisers and a founding member of the Appraisers Association of Georgia. He
can be reached via the ISA website or at 404-320-7275.

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