Peter Consalvi, Sr.

is a renowned toy industry sales representative and was associated with Reeves International, a distributor of Steiff bears and animals in the United States. Like all true collectors at heart, Peter remembers the initial spark in February 1970, that led to his becoming a teddy bear enthusiast. This was the year he attended his first New York Toy Show as a buyer for a unique hardware and toy store in Paoli, Pennsylvania. His only instructions were to buy what he liked and not be concerned with prices.

Consalvi recalls a feeling of awe sweeping over him when he entered the Reeves International Showroom filled with the most magnificent stuffed animals he had ever seen. A variety of bears ranging from large studio pieces to small animals were purchased that day.

"In the back of my mind I had hoped we had the clientele to resell these magnificent pieces. Not only did we sell them but we reordered every year!" exclaimed Consalvi.

After eleven years of selling retail, Consalvi was invited to join the firm of Gary & Riedel Co. which represented Reeves International. This position was to last for a short time as within two years, Consalvi was offered a position to represent Reeves directly. It was a position that he could not refuse and one that led him to an enjoyable and profitable eleven years selling Steiff bears and animals. Having represented Steiff at hundreds of shows, the author is amply qualified to comment and price the new popular American editions and museum collections.