414 - Steiff ride-on ladybird, pull-along and ride-on toy on wheels, plush on metal frame, circa 1960

Steiff ride-on ladybird, pull-along and ride-on toy on wheels, plush on metal frame, circa 1960 Plush and metal, the firm Steiff, ride-on ladybird, pull-along and ride-on toy on wheels, circa 1960. Oval beetle body of red plush with black spots and blue lower edge, black head with light accents and black eyes. Black lacquered metal frame with large round handle bar as grip, two antennae at the front, four wheels with red lacquered rims and light tyres, pull cord with red disc. Condition commensurate with age, played with, paint partly rubbed, one antenna with loss, traces of corrosion. 56x33x33 cm (LxWxH). Margarete Steiff (1847-1909) from Giengen an der Brenz started a felt clothing business in 1877; her felt elephant, intended as a pincushion, the "Elefäntle" of 1879, became her first commercial success, followed in 1893 by registration as a felt toy factory. Her nephew Richard Steiff designed the "Bär 55 PB" in 1902, the first plush bear with movable limbs, and since 1904 the "Knopf im Ohr" (button in ear) has identified the brand's animals.