Hummel- the World’s Most Famous Collectible
Mention the word Hummel, and almost everyone can conjure up a mental image of a rosy cheeked cherubic child involved in a homespun activity like herding chicks or playing a fiddle for a puppy. Possibly the most successful collectible of all times, Hummel figurines are produced by the Goebel Company based upon the drawings of Franciscan nun Berta Hummel (Sister Maria Innocenti). Introduced in 1935 by the company located in Bavaria, Germany, the figurines were an almost instant success.
Endless Varieties of Hummels
In the years since their introduction, over five hundred different models have been created. Popular figures are sometimes reissued in subsequent years, so will have different manufacturer’s marks. Factor in the various size options, and variations in colorways, and the collecting possibilities are practically unlimited.
Early Hummels Have Highest Values
The most valuable pieces in the Hummel universe tend to be the earlier releases, especially those issued in the 1930’s and 40’s. These include “Puppy Love”, “Strolling Along, and Merry Wanderer, and barring condition problems, can be worth as much as $500. As a general rule, figurines produced between 1935-1950 command the highest prices, but the problem with general rules is that they don’t allow for rare color and/or form variations that drive values even higher. Because so many examples exist, a wise buyer or seller makes use of a good Hummel reference.
Hummel Factory Marks Provide a Timeline
Fortunately for collectors, Goebel issued their figurines with a variety of marks that can be used for precise determination of vintage:
1935-1949: a crown with the initials GW underneath, OR a single line that reads: M.I. Hummel copyright symbol and GW.
1950-1955: the letter V with a bee inside OR an outlined V with bee OR same as previous with name W. Goebel in script above OR V with bee with copyright symbol to left and W.GOEBEL underneath.
1956: V with smaller Bee
1957: V with higher Bee
1958-59: V with tiny Bee
1967-60: V with Bee, both inside concentric circles
1960-63 V with Bee and words W. Germany on right
1964-72: V with Bee and 3 lines of type on right reading copyright by W. Goebel W. Germany
1977-79: 2 lines of type reading Goebel W. Germany
Today: Goebel with Bee above e & b in Goebel
Today’s Hummels
New Hummels are still being issued, and in the 4-6” size cost anywhere between $120-250 or so, although Goebel also periodically issues special, limited editions of figures which may have a production run or 1,200 only. These can cost $1,000 or more and only time will tell if they retain investment value.
Hummel Value is Conditional
The highest prices are paid only for those figurines in excellent condition. Collectors should check carefully for cracks, chips, missing fingers, or the like. And because the figures are so easily damaged, Hummels with lots of protruding parts in mint condition are eagerly sought and often bring the biggest money.