$30000 bear

[SmartWombat]

I was rather limited by in-shop lighting and using the Minolta A2 instead of the 20D.
But I did manage to capture my wife holding what must be the most expensive new teddy bear in the Steiff range.

Fur: mohair with gold silk threads woven in by hand
Eyes: central sapphire on gold, surrounded by 20 diamonds (each eye)
Nose: not gold thread, mould made from sewn nose, cast in 24ct Gold
Ear: knopf in ohr, is a 24ct gold button

Yes that's right, it costs today 2/3 of what I paid for my house.
Or 50% more than I paid for my new car !
No, it's not going in her collection
A bear that comes with its own lighted security glass case, and you have to hold with white golves - well it's not a bear to be hugged and loved. Which is what we collect.


Now I'll get to the point, which is the best?
Eyes Left
Eyes Right
Eyes Front
... cast your vote now

[jar_e]

Wow,

Expensive little thing! I'd go for the eyes front and centered. Looks like a great, little, quirky fun thing! Nice shots and the color is just amazing with the golden feel! Nicely done!

Jared

[payn817]

Nice shots. I prefer the first one due to fine details. Be scared to even hold the thing. Neat subject.

[GB1]

I like the exposure of the front photo the best, but the third one shows the expensive eye better. The three other than the front seem a tad bit overexposed on my monitor.

I guess if a car costs that much, why not a bear?

[Chunk]

#3 for the sparkle in its eye.

[readingr]

I vote for all for different reasons

1. The detail in the face
2. for the cheeky fun look
3. for the glint in the eye
4. for the memory it must give you.

Great shots.

[villenadecorte]

Wow, they all have such different expressions...
wonderment in the last, kind of a happy bear (come snuggle me) look in the second, and more of a surprise in the first.
They are all great for their different qualities, but overall, first is my favorite.
Great find!

[SmartWombat]

Thanks everyone !
Seems there's no clear winner

Needless to say, we didn't buy that one
We bought the signed gallery special limited edition, signed by the designer.
More affordable, and can be cuddled without gloves !

I didn't include this one, becuase I pinched his nose at the edge of the frame.
But I think it captures the sparkle well.