James D. Julia, Inc.

Advertising, Toy & Doll Division
Upcoming Auction.
Spotlight
Spotlight
This rare and historic 1904 Steiff "Rod" bear was one of the company's first, modeled after a live bear at a zoo near Stuttgart that Richard Steiff (nephew of Margarete) sketched as a model for production. More highlights
Click to see more highlights. 		  Notable Treasure
Notable Treasure
This adorable 20" 1906 Steiff white center seam bear comes complete with original trademark "Button in Ear."
Highlights
New Website Launch
by Mark Ford, CEO
I wanted you to be among the first to know that we have just welcomed 2014 with a new website designed to make your online visit to Julia's as efficient, fun, and informative as possible. The new site is handsomely designed, chock-full of world-class photos, simple to navigate, and makes it easier than ever to find the exact auction, item, or price information you need. It can be found as always at www. jamesdjulia.com. You have come to know our website as an essential resource for all of your auction needs. We are certain that our new website will continue as that and more.

The new website features a clean, updated design that reflects our traditional look, values, and legacy. It features an enhanced "about us" section, named "Inside Julia's," which will give you an insider's perspective on the almost 60 year background of our company, as well as an overview of our founding priorities as stated by Jim Julia himself more than 40 years ago! Our company's specialty divisions-Rare Firearms, Fine Art, Asian & Antiques, Lamp & Glass, and Advertising, Toy, & Doll-are each brought to life with wonderful, full color... read more.

What's It Worth
Rare 12in. 1928 Steiff Clown Bear One of only a handful known to exist, this rare 12" 1928 Steiff Clown bear in outstanding original condition still retains its original ear button and tag as well as its chest tag, which are most often missing.

If you have a rare toy, doll or advertising item and want to know "What's it Worth," please take a picture and email it to us at atd@jamesdjulia.com. We are always looking for consignments of rare and valuable items, as well as collections for our auctions.
Andrew Truman Andrew Truman is approaching his 13th year as head of Julia's Toy, Doll & Advertising division, having returned to the Kennebec Valley, where he was born and raised, after receiving his B.A. in English from the University of Oregon.
 
Steiff Titanic Mourning Bear, Just the Tip of the Iceberg
History has shown that nearly every generation experiences an event that defines that generation. Unfortunately, these events are oftentimes catastrophic in nature. These events vary in intensity, but are shared experiences nonetheless and burn themselves into our memory and help shape our collective consciousness. With few exceptions, we have all experienced such events, or have heard stories about them from our parents or grandparents, or at the very least seen documentaries that detail them, be it 9/11, the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger, the assassination of President Kennedy, the Hindenburg disaster, etc.

How many times have you heard someone say, "Where were you when...?" Sharing these experiences and talking about them are steps toward acceptance and eventual healing so we can focus on the many positive things life offers us as well. One of the biggest tragedies of the 20th century was the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 that resulted in the death of over 1,500 passengers and crew members on its maiden voyage from England to the U.S.
In commemorating the disaster and to help the healing begin, German company Steiff produced an unusual run of black mohair teddy bears to honor the memory of those lives lost. Designated the Steiff "Mourning Bear," their shoe button eyes were backed by red felt to signify tears, something the company had not done previously. Various sources indicate a total production of these bears to be approximately 650 in varying sizes and mohair style. The example in Julia's June auction is one of only approximately 75 ever created in the 12" size with short mohair (with far fewer surviving today in any condition). Add to its rarity its exceptional original condition including its original ear button, it makes for a once in a lifetime opportunity.

This splendid example joins approximately 120 other fine Steiff bears from the Chuck and (the late) Cathy Steffes collection of Galax, Virginia. Collected over several decades as a shared passion, it is the finest collection (and one of the largest) of its type in quality, condition and rarity to hit the auction market in many years.

12 in. Steiff Titanic Mourning Bear

It is now Chuck's wish to see their collection find new homes that will cherish them as much as he and Cathy did.


At James D. Julia, Inc. we are always seeking high quality antiques of all types for our year-round auctions. We offer the best seller commission rates in the industry, as low as 0% for high value items and collections. Please contact us directly at 207-453-7125 to learn more or if you are considering consigning one item, an entire collection or an estate to auction. All inquiries are confidential and without obligation.