How Much Is a Girl Reading Book Hummel Worth?

Y'all've probably seen a Hummel figurine atop somebody'southward fireplace—a sweetness kid reading a volume, playing music, or going nigh their daily task. These porcelain figurines embody the simple beauty of the early 20th century Bavarian countryside.

With their soothing pastel colors and ambrosial characters, the figurines amassed millions of Hummel collectors to this day.

While near Hummels become for $50, some of them are worth a few hundred dollars, and rare Hummels can sell for upwardly to 5-figures during auctions.

If you take a Hummel figurine, simply you're not sure what it's worth, stick around. It might be a hidden gem.

History of Hummel Figurines

Conceived past Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel—a prolific German artist and Franciscan nun—the outset figurines were produced by Franz Goebel in 1935.

Except for a few short breaks during Earth War II and in the early 2000s, the figurines have been in continuous production, breathing life into hundreds of M.I Hummel's drawings.

Thousand.I. Hummel's Life & Figurine Conception

Built-in in 1909 in Massing, Frg, Berta Hummel was encouraged by her parents to develop her artistic talent. When speaking of her creative insight, her mother, Victoria Hummel, said "… a bunch of pretty flowers, a pleasing child's face, a beautiful evening mood, an autumnal forest. All these things could please her and she would stand and wait and look, for what seemed similar an eternity."

Later on graduating with honors from the State Schoolhouse of Applied Arts in Munich in 1931, Berta joined the Franciscan Sisters of Siessen, where she was given the name of Maria Innocentia.

It was at the convent that sister Hummel started drawing sugariness children with rosy cheeks performing daily tasks. The drawings represented her childhood in Bavaria—scenes of innocence and sincerity.

In the early 1930s, Hummel'south drawings were published as postcards by Munich-based publisher Ars Sacra. They shortly defenseless the eye of Franz Goebel—master porcelain maker and owner of the W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik.

Goebel decided to render Hummel's drawings every bit porcelain figurines. After initial resistance, Grand.I. Hummel agreed, reserving the right to choose the official color palette and approve every unmarried figurine.

After Hummel's decease in 1946, this right was transferred to an Creative Board of the Sisters of Siessen, who go on to closely baby-sit Hummel'due south philosophy and artistic style to this twenty-four hour period.

Franz Goebel & Figurine Production

Goebel produced the first Hummel figurines in 1935 and production continues until this solar day. Each one goes through a long, painstaking process involving multiple artisan sculptors, primary mold makers, and painters.

The Goebel visitor carefully controls the production process in order to ensure that a Hummel figurine fabricated in 2010 is exactly the same as 1 made in 1950. Here'due south a brief overview of the process:

Showtime, an artwork of Maria Innocentia Hummel was selected for the new figurine. She was so prolific in her drawings, new figurines continued to be produced long afterwards her death.

A chief sculptor so created a clay figurine from the drawing, spending weeks perfecting the shapes, lines, and features in an endeavor to stay as close to Hummel's work equally possible. Once the sculpture was approved, a master model was made.

From the master, copies were produced, molding numerous figurine parts using liquid ceramic. Complex figurines are made from up to 40 individual pieces, which are molded separately and joined later.

Subsequently the figurines are assembled, they're fired iii times in a kiln, glazed, and fired in one case more than. The glazed blanks are finely painted using a palette of more 200 colors, all handpicked past Maria Innocentia Hummel way back in the 1930s.

The procedure to render the drawing into a completed porcelain figurine could accept months and each step received the approving of the Sisters of Siessen. With all the work that goes into making these figurines, information technology's no wonder that they're so highly prized.

World War 2 & Its Impact

When the Nazi government came into power, all religious schools, including the Sisters of Siessen, were closed downwards. M.I.

Hummel was personally attacked for her art. The Hummel figurines were banned in Germany and Goebel was forced to cease production.

The Dubler Figurines

By that time, Dr. Herbert Dubler and Ars Sacra had already established a New York-based distribution visitor. Dubler brought a number of Hummel's products from Germany into the U.s.a. market—postcards, folders, and afterward figurines.

In 1940, Germany stopped sending products for Dubler to sell. Faced with huge need, Dubler decided to create new products that closely followed the original art of 1000.I Hummel but were designed and manufactured in New York.

Thus the Dubler figurines were born. At that place may exist as many as 50 unlike figurines produced by Herbert Dubler Inc. These figurines are fabricated out of plaster-similar material and usually feature a copyright date, "B. Hummel" and either "Herbert Dubler, Inc." or "Ars Sacra" incised onto the base of the figurines.

Because Ars Sacra was the commencement company to publish M.I. Hummel's work (the initial postcards) and held copyrights to her fine art, many consider the Dubler figurines as legitimate collector pieces.

But Herbert Dubler wasn't the just one to become later on the market gap left by Goebel during Earth State of war II.

The Beswick / English Pieces

As many as twelve dissimilar figurines be with a back postage stamp of "Beswick – England"—a well-known porcelain manufacturer. These are commonly marked with mold numbers 903 to 914.

Nonetheless, when the Beswick company was subsequently bought, no documentation, molds, or references for the Hummel figurines were discovered.

This is where history ends. Nobody can prove who really produced the Beswick figurines, but this is the magic of the collector market. Speculation and mystery always behave a good price.

Thus today, both the Dubler figurines and the Beswick figurines are much sought afterwards collector items, even though they are non "authentic" Hummel figurines.

How to Identify Authentic Hummel Figurines

Thou.I. Hummel'southward enticing designs made for lots of copycats, imitations, and pieces inspired by her drawings. In addition to the pieces made during World War II, Asian manufacturers take flooded the market with copies and reproductions, which are worth considerably less.

And then, how can you tell if y'all have an accurate Hummel or merely a copycat?

TMK Marker / Goebel Trademark

The first thing you need to practise is look for the Goebel trademark, also known equally a TMK, at the bottom of your Hummel figurine.

Each Goebel-produced figurine is stamped with the company logo. Different logos were used in different periods, which makes it like shooting fish in a barrel to place how onetime your Hummel is.

Goebel first started with TMK-one (oldest) and moved all the way through TMK-8 (newest). Suffice to say, if you lot take a TMK-2 or a TMK-iii, your Hummel is older and worth more.

As you lot tin encounter in the film to a higher place, it's easy to identify the shape and style of the bee and Five symbols. A total bee is typically depicted in older models, and the image pays homage to Hummel, whose proper name means "bumblebee" in High german.

Larger figurines and those with a base of operations also received M.I. Hummel'southward signature.

HUM Numbers and Other Nomenclatures

Each figurine has the and then-chosen Hummel or HUM number. It'south a 1 – iv digit number that identifies its model. For case, Take chances Bound is #347. Figurines produced in different sizes, also have designators appended to the HUM.

These numbers are usually cast with the figurine or incised in the soft porcelain, and then they are a permanent identification characteristic. Cantankerous-referencing the HUM number online volition hands tell you the name of the figurine and requite yous additional data about it.

Other markings you lot can detect on authentic Hummel figurines are:

Ornamentation designator – usually appended afterward the HUM/size number and painted or stamped.
Manufacturing plant control number – a minor 2-digit number hand-painted or incised used to signify who assembled the Hummel figurine.
Bottom etched number – used throughout the periods for signifying things similar production year or release year. Sometimes, it'southward just another manufacturing plant control number.

Signs of Forgery

It's very easy to tell a forgery from an authentic Hummel figurine if you put them next and know what to look for. In addition to carrying the unique style and proportions of Maria Innocentia's original drawings too equally its TMK mark and identification symbols, be on the lookout for the post-obit when trying to decipher if your Hummel is authentic or non:

Features

The faux figurine might have missing, added, or displaced features. For instance, the head is turned to the other side, the facial expression is different, or a patch of grass is missing.

If you tin, compare your figurine to a verified original, to ensure their features are the same.

Weight

Forgeries frequently weigh less than existent Hummel figurines. The Goebel company uses a specific porcelain mix which makes the final product feel rather solid. Copies frequently utilise cheaper materials like chalk, plaster, or even plastic.

If your figurine is fabricated out of plastic, it'due south not a 18-carat Hummel.

Colors

Finally, existent Goebel-fabricated Hummels use a specific color palette defined by Maria Innocentia herself. Fake Hummels are usually colored similarly, simply non quite the same, making information technology easy to spot a reproduction.

Look for any odd hues and shades on your figurine. If you can, reference the colors of a verified Hummel. It doesn't need to be exactly the same figurines. The colour palette tin can be recognized across 18-carat Hummel figurines.

Hummel Figurines Cost Guide

Nigh Hummel figurines are worth $50-$75. Some models reach several hundred dollars. Special individual Hummel figurines can be sold for thousands and fifty-fifty tens of thousands of dollars. For a good starting point, reference this Hummel Figurine Guide, merely note that prices can vary widely depending on certain factors.

Factors That Influence Value

Historic period – Vintage Hummels are unremarkably more valuable. Historic period tin can be determined by the TMK marking way.
Size and complexity – Bigger and more sophisticated models are usually worth more.
Status – Manifestly any impairment, scratches, fading, etc will reduce the figurine's value. A pristine figurine in its original box tin be worth ten times more than the aforementioned model without its packaging.
Rarity – Some Hummels were manufactured for decades, others were limited edition or special series. Obviously, the latter are more valuable.
Demand – Some figurines are only more popular than others, like Stormy Weather #71 and Merry Wanderer #vii.

Most Valuable Yard.I. Hummel Figurines

Here are some of the almost valuable Hummel figurines on the market place. Bigger models tend to exist valued at higher prices.

Risk Bound (#347)

One of the nearly popular Hummel figurines is "Gamble Bound." The scene depicts vi characters, equipped with a large spear and a lantern, venturing into the world.

Hummel'due south estimated off-white market value: $1,630.33
Suggested retail price: $iv,900

Apple tree Tree Boy and Apple Tree Girl (#142/1 & #142/1)

A male child or a daughter figurine sitting on an apple tree co-operative. These can be sold individually or as a set. Some of the early models (tmk-one, tmk-ii, and tmk-three) are among the highest-priced Hummel figurines ever.

Hummel's estimated off-white market value: $120.00
Suggested Retail Price: $369.00

Large versions with Hummel numbers #142/X and #141/X can exist valued at $26,000 or more, co-ordinate to experts.

Film Perfect (#2100)

A young photographer snaps a film of three children with their toys and dog. This is a complex scene with a number of characters and pocket-sized details. But 2,500 of these were produced, which is the chief cost- forming factor.

Hummel'due south estimated fair marketplace value: $1,163
Suggested retail cost: $3,495

Ring Around the Rosie (#348)

Produced for the 25th anniversary of the Hummel figurine, "Ring Around the Rosie" depicts 4 little girls belongings hands and playing in a circle.

Hummel'southward estimated off-white market place value: $1,063.67
Suggested retail price: $3,200

Schoolhouse Boys and School Girls (#170/Three & #177/Three)

These figurines brandish a grouping of school boys and a group of schoolhouse girls, respectively. Each figure depicts the students continuing together with their school supplies.

Hummel's estimated fair market value: $ane,063.67
Suggested retail price: $three,200

Larger versions range from 9 ½ to 10 inches tall and are permanently retired past Goebel. This makes them extra valuable if presented in good condition.

Forever Friends (#2255)

Ii children peek over a fence, watching a beautiful swan and it' goslings.

Hummel'south estimated fair market value: $913.67
Suggested retail price: $ii,750

This piece was produced in 1000 units, which makes it an extremely rare Hummel figurine. Information technology's even more than valuable with the porcelain identification plaque, which came with the original figurines.

Where to Sell Hummel Figurines

Once you're certain of the blazon, authenticity, and you have a ballpark of information technology's worth, it's time to brand some cash. Here are the virtually popular ways you can sell your Hummel figurines:

Auction Houses

A skilful way to liquidate the value of your Hummel figurine is to sell information technology at an auction. Most sale companies organize collectible auctions, advertised to networks of knowledgeable collectors and traders.

There is a good chance to sell your valuable Hummel figurines at a fair cost, though you never know with auctions.

Estate Sales

If the Hummel figurines are part of an estate that yous inherited or need to clear, consider organizing an estate sale. If advertised properly, the Hummel figurines can be the main selling point of the event and concenter collectors who might buy other items also.

With an estate sale, you fix the price so y'all tin ensure they volition sell at fair market value. That said, you should exist wary of who appraises your collection of Hummel figurines. It's easy to underprice one, since even minuscule details can dramatically alter the price.

Internet Websites

Of class, the most obvious options to consider are popular online marketplaces, similar Craigslist and eBay. While these websites go millions of visitors every day, buyers are often looking for cheap deals and may not be collectors willing to pay what your figurine is worth.

There are more specialized websites focusing on antiques and collectibles of value, like Ruby Lane. This website is popular among serious collectors and professional art and antiques traders. While it receives less traffic, visitors are more targeted and likely to treat your Hummel figurines appropriately.

That's a Wrap

Hopefully, this article has been a good introduction to the world of Yard.I. Hummel and her darling figurines. Her legacy and vision of the pastoral German countryside volition live on through the Hummel figurines.

This guide tin aid you identify your Hummel figurine and it'southward worth, however, information technology's not exhaustive. If you believe yous accept an extraordinary case, it's best to contact experts in antiques and collectibles.

True Legacy Homes can assistance you lot identify and assess Hummel figurines and other valuable items in your estate.

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Source: https://www.truelegacyhomes.com/hummel-figurines/#:~:text=Most%20Hummel%20figurines%20are%20worth,tens%20of%20thousands%20of%20dollars.