Buffy, the 24‑inch white Steiff teddy that first graced the Antiques Roadshow stage in Denver in 1996, now carries a $10 k auction estimate after a 2026 appraisal.
In the original assessment, Noel Barrett, a toy‑specialist for PBS, noted the bear’s size, long arms, hump‑backed shape, and rare white fur—features that set it apart from the more common brown or golden Steiff bears.
Barrett also highlighted the early‑design ear button bearing an "F", a hallmark of mid‑1920s German production that helped him date Buffy to around 1925‑26. The bear’s excellent condition—minimal wear, a small patch on the fur, and intact foot fabric—contributed to the $7 k‑$8 k estimate then.
The owner, who received Buffy from her stepfather’s side of the family after her father’s death, had kept the bear for six years before the 1996 show. She recalled being stunned when Barrett confirmed the bear’s value, joking that she suspected a prank.
The 2026 re‑appraisal reflects a broader rise in demand for well‑preserved Steiff bears, and auction houses will use the new figure to price similar pieces in upcoming sales.