Steiff Christie's Auction brings in over 1 million pounds

Christie's held their Once in a Lifetime Steiff Auction yesterday in London, and over 1 million pounds of Steiff pieces were sold from the largest private collection. Many pieces were rare and in excellent condition.

The collection belonged to Paul Greenwood, a hedge fund manager who was found guilty of fraud. Over 1,000 pieces were auctioned.

The most expensive bear was the one of a kind Harlequin bear, which sold for 38,000 pounds. The estimate was 50,000 - 80,000 pounds. You could bid in person, on the phone or online.

Here are some other highlights (the prices are all in British pounds and do not reflect the buyer's premium) in no particular order:

Hot Water Bottle Bear 15,000
1912 Black Bear 11,000
Basa the Sailor Bear 9,000
Lying Fox Terrier 6,000
Bonzo 13,000
1953 Black Original Teddy 24,000
Teddy Rose 7,000
Fox in a fur coat 17,000
Somersaulting Bear 6,000