Each and every piece of "vintage" Steiff has a wonderful story behind it. What collectors need to remember is that wool-eating bugs can enter their collection by way of a new purchase.  Since Steiff has become one of the hot items people look for in attics and packed boxes, you must check each and every piece you buy with great care.  Wool bugs can hide in small places like under felt coats and in joints of animals/bears.  The older the piece of Steiff, the more the chance that it might have been exposed to some bugs over the years.  Mohair loss in clumps can be a sign that a wool bug has been eating.  The best thing to do with a new purchase is inspect it closely in outdoor light.  Brush any loose particles from the animal and give them a good careful shake.  If you have a piece of Steiff that looks like it may have problems, you can freeze it to kill any bugs that might be alive inside the animal (I know, that is an awful thought).  Wool bugs cannot survive going from room temperature to sub zero and back again.  It is best to freeze the piece for 72 hours or more.  This will not hurt the item (as long as you have a good non-frost freezer).  It is best to have the item on a flat plate and not sealed in a bag where moisture can collect.  The button will not rust in this short period of time.   This will help you insure that the new piece for your collection will not harm other valuable items that it will sitting next to.  Like any good collection, Steiff is best behind glass or well dusted.  Check your collection every month or so and see if you find any problems.  Remember, wool bugs cause great damage in a very short period of time (sometimes days).  With just a little extra care, your Steiff treasures will make it to the next generation and further.  If this helps, please click on the "yes" button below so that other people can learn about this potential problem (or you can email me if I can help in any way).