When Germany invaded Poland in 1939, Goebel was directed by wartime industrial policy to manufacture a variety of products, including insulators for communications lines, mess hall dinnerware and domestic markets dinnerware. In comparison, only a few M.I. Hummel figurines were created during the war years between 1939 and 1945.
This page was updated 11 September 2023.
Known as “The Internationals”, these figurine samples were created in 1940 by Arthur Möller and Reinhold Unger as examples of other European countries and the children’s clothing representative for possible sale in each of those countries. These are the only known figurines that are not typically German in their native costumes but rather developed from sketches by Sister Maria Innocentia of children around the world in their own dress. They were never put into production and only a few samples exist of each making them extremely rare. There are at least 33 different examples that have been discovered beginning with HUM 806 and ending with HUM 968 showing what we believe to be Slovak, Hungarian, Swedish, Bulgarian, Serbian and Czech clothing styles. Due, in part, to the events of World War II, production of this series was not initiated. If you find a very colorful Hummel with a mold number within these numbers, it may very well be an “International” and is considered extremely rare.
There is a letter written to Robert Miller by Ed Schlesselman about his visits to the Goebel factory when in Germany in 1943. He says,
“On my third or fourth visit, I asked Mr. Goebel whether he could have a set of Hummels in the costumes of some of the neighboring countries made for me. He replied that it would be no problem, and he would be happy to do so. Mr. Goebel was in another portion of Germany trying to re-establish outlets for Goebel products when I made my last two visits.
Shortly after my last visit I received orders to return to the United States. Needless to say that at that time these orders seemed more important than anything else and so ended my Hummel activity.” (Miller, R. L., & Collectors News, 1998)
In 1976, a gentleman in Vienna, Austria acquired several of these Hungarian styled Internationals from a lady in Budapest who in turn had purchased them at a weekly flea market one at a time over a six-month period. These initial eight boys and girls were then discovered by Robert Miller and he then purchased them through a classified ad in a collector publication as a gift for his wife, Ruth. Since then, several duplicates of some and variations of others have been located and were initially sold for as much as $10,000 to $15,000 each depending on their condition.
Some of these do not bear the M.I. Hummel signature but have been nevertheless documented to be the real thing. One of the foremost collectors of Hummel figurines was Donald Deeks who had a vested interest in the Internationals since he was able to find and purchase some beautiful examples of a number of these. Much of Mr. Deek’s collection was auctioned on 16 January 2021. Follow this link to see 496 examples of his collection from this auction. 
Here are the Internationals HUM 811, 851, 854 and 947.
Second attempt to offer the Internationals
Carl Luckey indicated there was a tentative plan to reissue 30 of the designs in a larger size. Instead of the typical five-inches in height, these would be more in the area of seven inches tall. This was reconsidered as it was thought there would be a negative effect on the exciting aspect of collecting Hummel figurines, the current Internationals and those yet undiscovered on the archive books. For the 50th anniversary of the Internationals in 1990, Goebel attempted to create examples of the Internationals again. They recreated versions of HUM 810 and HUM 811 once again and took them to the Convent for approval. The Convent said “NO” and supposedly returned the samples. Here are the two, that we know of, in comparison with the 1940 issue that were presented for reconsideration fifty years after the initial offering. They are shown in relative size to each other.
Hummel Chapter Presentation on the Internationals
A very enlightening presentation was provided by the Hummel enthusiast Dr. Bruce Miller on the Internationals at a local M.I. Hummel Chapter meeting. Thirty-three different designs are currently known with some variations within a few of these and are said to represent the following six different countries: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia, and Sweden. Much of this information is provided below in the PowerPoint style Acrobat formatted article.
Three of the International figurines, representing different countries and clothing designs, were shared with the audience which included (left to right) HUM 851 – Hungarian Boy with Staff, HUM 813 – Serbian Boy Playing Gusle and HUM 825 – Swedish Girl. There is so much we do not know about these beautiful, rare and colorful Hummels. Thus, a very important reason to create this page to accumulate as much information that is currently available and make it available to the general public in one place.
I created a 42-slide PowerPoint presentation on all of the information I could gather on The Internationals for the Chapter meeting and decided to share it with you as an Acrobat PDF file. It is a fairly large file but I think you will find it is worth downloading to provide you with a quick reference to these amazing and very rare figurines. The file will be updated as new information is added.
Knowing your M.I. Hummel figurine resources can come in handy when you run across one of these now that you know what they look like. Here are some that other people have found and there have been some additional variations of a few. They are far and few between but some have recently become available as indicated below. They are listed in numerical order by their mold numbers for your convenience. Click on the images for a larger view. Several of these were photographed at a serious collector’s showcase.
Known International Figurines
806 Bulgarian Boy with Horn Resembles HUM 85 – Serenade
807 Bulgarian Girl with Rooster Resembles HUM 199 – Feeding Time
808 Bulgarian Boy Playing Bagpipe Similar to HUM 85 – Serenade
809 Bulgarian Girl Feeding Chickens Similar to HUM 199 – Feeding Time
810 Bulgarian Girl Dancing Similar to HUM 811 – Bulgarian Boy Dancing
810 Bulgarian Girl Dancing Updated version not accepted by Sießen Convent.
811 Bulgarian Boy Dancing Similar to HUM 810 – Bulgarian Girl Dancing
811 Bulgarian Boy Dancing Updated version not accepted by Sießen Convent.
812 Serbian Girl (A) Dark brown dress
812. Serbian Girl (B) Dark blue dress, light blue apron and red vest.
813 Serbian Boy Playing Gusle Entirely different from any known Hummel design.
824 Swedish Merry Wanderer (A) The same as MEL 24, HUM 7 – Merry Wanderer
824 Swedish Merry Wanderer (B) Similar to HUM 7 – Merry Wanderer
825 Swedish Girl with Letter (A) The same as MEL 25, like HUM 13 – Meditation
825 Swedish Girl (B) Similar to HUM 13 – Meditation without the letter
831 Slovakian Boy Playing Horn The horn appears to be a type of flute.
832 Slovakian Girl (A) Similar to HUM 13 – Meditation
832 Slovakian Girl with Letter (B) Similar to HUM 13 – Meditation holding letter up.
833 Slovakian Boy Playing Bagpipe Similar to HUM 85 – Serenade playing a bagpipe
834 Slovakian Little Fiddler Similar to HUM 2 – Little Fiddler
841 Czech Boy Holding a Lamb Similar to HUM 68 – Boy Holding Lamb
842 Czech Goose Girl (A) Similar to HUM 47 – Goose Girl (one goose)
842 Czech Goose Girl (B) Similar to HUM 47 – Goose Girl (one goose)
851 Hungarian Boy with Staff Similar to HUM 16 – Little Hiker
852 Hungarian Girl (A) Girl has on a blue dress
852 Hungarian Girl (B) Girl has on a red dress
853 Hungarian Boy (A) Unlike any other current Hummel figurines
853 Hungarian Boy with Dog (B) Similar to HUM 317 – Not for You
854 Hungarian Girl Girl has on a green dress with white apron, red vest
Similar to girl on right of HUM 176 – Happy Birthday
904 Serbian Little Fiddler Similar to HUM 2 – Little Fiddler
913 Serbian Meditation Similar to HUM 13 – Meditation holding a letter
947/0 Serbian Goose Girl Similar to HUM 47 – Goose Girl (2 geese)
968. Serbian Lost Sheep Similar to HUM 68 – Lost Sheep
Wolfgang Schwatlo’s book “M.I. Hummel Collector’s Handbook, Part I: Rarities and collector pieces” has an estimated price for each of the figurines considered to be one of The Internationals. The following prices are estimates for the year 1994 when the book was published. As a relative comparison of the values of each figurine, current conversions for the DM are: 1 German mark = 0.6309 US dollar
5,000 DM = $3,015.68
10,000 DM = $6,031.35
15,000 DM = $9,047.03
HUM 806 – Bulgarian Boy with Horn
International
Crown TMK-1
Similar to HUM 85 – Serenade
Molded by master sculptor Arthur Möller in 1940, this figurine starts off an impressive list of figurines that began as an idea to show off the beautiful children of different countries in their country’s native clothing and resulted in a very limited and sometimes unique presentation of a set of multicolored pieces of German craftsmanship.
With his dark complexion, black hair, blue jacket and brown hat, pants and shoes of a Bulgarian boy, this little figurine appears to know how to play the flute his is holding and resembles the current HUM 85 – Serenade.
The figurine is five inches tall with a faint Crown TMK-1 stamped trademark and incised number 806 beneath the base. This International figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $1,600.00.
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo)
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to be in mint condition. The final auction winning bid was $1,200 plus an auctioneers fee.
HUM 807 – Bulgarian Girl with Rooster
International
Crown TMK-1
Similar to HUM 199 – Feeding Time
This five-inch tall figurine is well decorated for the Bulgarian dress of a young lady. Modeled by master sculptor Arthur Möller in 1940, it has the M I Hummel signature, an incised number 807 and a stamped Crown TMK-1 trademark. This figurine is entirely different from other known Hummel designs and could be a redesign of Feeding Time. The under dress is a deep red covered with another of brown with a multicolored apron and a long sleeve white blouse. She is holding a rooster in her left hand and what appears to be flowers in her right.
This International figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $2,100.00.
Value – 5,000 DM for 20-50 figurines created (Schwatlo)
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to be in mint condition. The final auction winning bid was $1,200 plus an auctioneers fee.
Another example of this figurine was located on eBay in February 2023 with a Buy It Now price $3,799.99 and a shipping cost of $50.00 from Heideck, Germany. The seller added the following notes on this certain figurine, “Height about 12.5 cm (about 5 inches). TMK 1 “Crown Mark era”. The figurine was made around 1940 as a prototype. It has under the base NO trademark. The “M.I. Hummel” signature is incised on top of the base.” Also noted are the master painter’s initials showing as Louis Knauer.
HUM 808 – Bulgarian Boy Playing Bagpipe
International
Crown TMK-1
Similar to HUM 85 – Serenade
Here is a very rare M.I. Hummel indeed. The seller indicates this is “with the mold number HUM 808. The design is a Bulgarian boy playing a bagpipe and was designed by the master sculptor Arthur Möller and painted by the decorator with the initials IK (possibly that of Gabriel Louis Knauer). The figurine that I have available is 100% authentic and marked only with the painters initials IK which is found on other Hummel figurines from this pre World War 2 time period. The figurine I’m offering does also have a professional neck restoration that is visually perfect. The underside of the base is stamped in Bulgarian translates to “Bulgaria Forward” indicating that it was allowed to forward or leave the country because the figurine was not manufactured in an Eastern European Russian controlled country.”
Similar to Serenade, this figurine showed up on eBay and was asking for $3,900 Buy It Now with free shipping from Palatine IL, with shipping to within the United States only. A great opportunity for someone to pick up a truly rare artwork treasure destined to increase in value in years to come!
An even better deal was made at the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $1,100.00.
Another example of HUM 808 showed up on eBay on 20 December 2021. This figurine was reported to have the two ends of the bagpipe broken off and there appears to be a hairline crack at the neck. It does have the M.I. Hummel signature on the backside of the base and is very similar to the one above with the exception of the bag having a color more along the shade of the face and hands and less yellow. The bottom of the base has an inscribed Crown as well as a bluish stamped Crown with the incised number 808. This piece is offered at an ongoing auction from Menen, Belgium with a shipping price of $40.
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo) – blond hair boy
Value – 5,000 DM for 20-50 figurines created (Schwatlo) – brown hair boy
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to have an excellent repair to the base and neck. The final auction winning bid was $1,000 plus an auctioneers fee.
The Stein Auction Company offered this figurine again on 28 August 2023 with a starting bid of $1,100. As shown above in the first example, the underside of the base has the inscription of “Bulgaria Forward” as well, possibly the same figurine as there are no more than five of this example known.
HUM 809 – Bulgarian Girl Feeding Chickens
International
Crown TMK-1
Height – 5⅛”
Similar to HUM 199 – Feeding Time
Originally molded by either master sculptor Arthur Möeller or Reinhold Unger in 1940, International Hummel 809 – Bulgarian Mädchen mit Huhnern is similar to HUM 199 – Feeding Time and the same as International MEL 9, except the girl has blonde hair instead of black hair as MEL 9. MEL 9 has Bulgarian writing on the bottom, whereas Hum 809 does not. MEL 9 is Double Crown TMK-1 trademark. Hum 809 is incised Crown only. Hum 809 has M I Hummel signature. MEL 9 does not have M I Hummel signature. This figurine measures 5⅛ inches tall. This figurine was located on the liveauctioneers.com website.
This same figurine was located at the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 21 November 2020 and sold for $1,900.00 and then again at a second auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for the same price of $1,900.00.
A second HUM 809 figurine showed up on eBay on 20 December 2021. The asking price was $2,999.00 with a shipping charge of $25.00 from Sofia, Bulgaria. This one is a Double Crown TMK-1, incised with a green stamped trademark, with an incised HUM number 809 with a dot following and is the second to show up on eBay from the city of Sofia this month. The painter’s initials in faded red ink are larger than usual while the name of the painter has not been identified yet. This piece has a number of damaged areas and at this price would certainly be worth the purchase to have it restored since there are so few of this certain figurine available. Wolfgang Schwatlo estimates that there could be as few as only three in the world. Opportunities for any of the Internationals showing up for purchase do not typically happen very often so this would be a great addition to any collection.
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo)
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. Among these was another MEL 9 – Bulgarian Chick Girl represented. This figurine had lighter colored hair than the previous Mel version, a deep red bonnet with a matching red underdress. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to have no M.I. Hummel signature and the rooster tail and neck glued. The final auction winning bid was $900 plus an auctioneers fee.
HUM 810 – Bulgarian Girl Dancing (A)
International
Missing Bee TMK-6
Unlike any other current Hummel figurines
This five-inch tall figurine is well decorated for the Bulgarian dress of a young lady. In 1990 Goebel tried to make Internationals again. They made an 810 & 811 and took them to the convent for approval. The convent said “NO” and supposedly returned the samples. Here is the HUM 810 – Bulgarian Girl Dancing, like the HUM 811 – Bulgarian Boy Dancing sample that was not approved but is a beautiful example of an attempt to bring the very colorful figurines of different countries to the enthusiastic collector.
In 2002, Dorothy Dous went to Germany and found one sample of each. Dous sold them to Steve Cordes, who sold them to Donald Deeks. This is supposed to be one of only two in the world in TM6. Painted by “Ki” 9/1990.
This International figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $1,200.00.
A more recent appearance of a second HUM 810 was made on eBay on 10 September 2023 with this figurine. It is listed with a Buy It Now price of $4,700 and free shipping from Latrobe, Pennsylvania. This figurine was painted by Franz Kirchner on September of 1990 based on the inked information below the base.
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo) – brown haired girl
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo) – brown haired girl variation
HUM 810 – Bulgarian Girl Dancing (B)
International
Double Crown TMK-1
Unlike any other current Hummel figurines
This five-inch tall figurine is well decorated for the Bulgarian dress of a young lady. Here is the HUM 810 – Bulgarian Girl Dancing, like the HUM 811 – Bulgarian Boy Dancing sample that was not approved but is a beautiful example of an attempt to bring the very colorful figurines of different countries to the enthusiastic collector. Entirely different from other known Hummel designs, there are four distinct paint variations to be found with this one.
This International figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $3,250.00.
Value – 5,000 DM for 20-50 figurines created (Schwatlo) – blond girl
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to have an excellent repair to the ankle. The final auction winning bid was $1,050 plus an auctioneers fee.
HUM 811 – Bulgarian Boy Dancing
International
Double Crown TMK-1
Unlike any other current Hummel figurines
Modeled in 1940 by Reinhold Unger, this 5¼ inch figurine is a sample that was not produced and as with all the Internationals, are considered rare. This Double Crown TMK-1 with both the incised and green stamped trademarks has the M I Hummel signature on the back of the base, an incised number 811 and is free of cracks, chips or repairs. This one is entirely different from any other known Hummel design. Notice the very next figurine below as a copy made from this one in 1990.
This International figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida sold for $1,600.00.
Value – 15,000 DM for 1-3 figurines created (Schwatlo)
A recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to not have a M.I. Hummel signature on the base and evidence of repair on the arm and neck. The final auction winning bid was $750 plus an auctioneers fee.
Located on eBay this past December of 2022, was a nice example from Waterloo, Iowa with a respectable Buy It Now price of $8,499.95 and an expedited shipping price of $49.94 within the United States only. This piece has an inscribed Crown TMK-1 trademark and an inscribed 811 . (dot) evident on the bottom similar to, but different from, the first one above. Notice this one does not have the stamped Crown TMK-1 trademark.
HUM 811 – Bulgarian Boy Dancing (updated)
International
Missing Bee TMK-6
Unlike any other current Hummel figurines
In 1990, Goebel tried to make the Internationals again. They made an HUM 810 and a HUM 811 and took them to the Sießen Convent for approval. The Sisters said “NO” and supposedly returned the samples.
Here is the HUM 811 – Bulgarian Boy Dancing sample that was not approved but is a beautiful example of an attempt to bring the very colorful figurines of different countries to the enthusiastic collector. In 2002, Dorothy Dous went to Germany and found one sample of each (HUM 810 and HUM 811). Dous sold them to Steve Cordes, who sold them to Donald Deeks. This is supposed to be one of only two in the world in TM-6 Missing Bee trademark. Painted by “K” 9/1990. Compare how similar this one is to the original and see if you can detect the differences.
This International figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $1,100.00.
HUM 812 (A) – Serbian Girl
International
Unlike any other current Hummel figurines
There is not much known about this figurine other than the fact that this one shares the same number as another Serbian girl with a similar pose holding a water jug in her left hand and her apron in her right hand but different clothing. A color photograph will be added when one is located.
Value – 15,000 DM for 1-3 figurines created (Schwatlo) girl with brown dress
HUM 812. (B) – Serbian Girl
International
Double Crown TMK-1
Unlike any other current Hummel figurines
This colorful figurine was modeled by master sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1940 and has the M I Hummel signature, an incised Crown TMK-1 and stamped Crown TMK-1 trademarks along with a deep incised number 812 with a period at the end. It is 5¾ inches tall with a medium blue dress and deep red blouse top and white sleeves. Her bonnet is dark blue and she has brown shoes and a green water jug. This one is entirely different from any other known Hummel design.
The figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $3,750.00.
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo) girl with blue dress
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to be in mint condition. The final auction winning bid was $2,600 plus an auctioneers fee.
HUM 813 – Serbian Boy Playing Gusle
International
Double Crown TMK-1
Unlike any other current Hummel figurines
Master sculptor Reinhold Unger modeled this figurine in 1940 and has him playing a string instrument local to the country called a gusle. He is dressed in the country’s native clothing with an ornate white shirt, a dark brown vest, pants and hat and an orange waist band and light brown shoes. This one is entirely different from any other known Hummel design. The base has the doughnut shape with a Double Crown TMK-1 incised and stamped trademarks, incised number 813 and HA as the artist signature.
This figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $2,200.00.
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo)
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to have an excellent repair to the neck and base. The final auction winning bid was $1,200 plus an auctioneers fee.
HUM 824 (MEL 24) – Swedish Merry Wanderer
Height – 5″ to 5¼”
Double Crown TMK-1
Similar to HUM 7 – Merry Wanderer
The two figurines MEL 24 and MEL 25 started off with a MEL designation as many of the earlier figurines did in 1940. With the number 24, you would expect there to be the possibility of finding several more of these early figurines. There are actually at least the probability of finding 54 with this highest number being located so far. This Double Crown TMK-1 highly sought out figurine was modeled by master sculptor Arthur Möeller in 1940 as a Swedish representation and has the same appearance as that of HUM 824. Robert Miller places a value in his 2003 Price Guide at between $10,000 and $15,000. There is one that surfaced recently and has been reported by Eagles of War as being sold for $6,175.
This International figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $1,700.00.
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo)
A somewhat similar version of the HUM 824 that was up for auction at the same time was the MEL 24 as shown following. With his right leg held high as if marching, this figurine is seen holding his umbrella under his arm. Other differences noted are the buttons on his jacket and not his vest, the bag is a bit darker, the socks are grey instead of white, and he appears to have smaller, squinting eyes. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to be in mint condition. The final auction winning bid was $1,450 plus a 25% auctioneers fee.
HUM 824 – Swedish Merry Wanderer
Height – 4¾″
Crown TMK-1
Similar to HUM 7 – Merry Wanderer
Modeled by master sculptor Arthur Möeller in 1940, this figurine appears to be a Swedish Merry Wanderer with the M I Hummel signature and an incised 824 under the base but no trademark. Very similar clothing as the MEL 24 above but with a noticeable different stride in his step and facial appearance is quite different as well.
This International figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $2,000.00.
Value – 15,000 DM for 1-3 figurines created (Schwatlo)
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. This figurine has a starting bid of $500 and is reported as having the umbrella tip glued and an excellent repair of the hat feather. The final auction winning bid was $1,000 plus an auctioneers fee.
HUM 825 (MEL 25) – Swedish Girl with Letter
Height – 5″
Double Crown TMK-1
Similar to HUM 13 – Meditation
Modeled by Arthur Möeller in 1940 and very similar to the International HUM 832 – Slovakian Girl with Letter in the idea of having a basket on one arm and holding a letter in her hand, this very colorful figurine is instead showing a MEL 25 on the bottom of the base as a possible, early sample to consider. Robert L. Miller has in his 9th Edition of the Price Guide on page 438 that this was also showing up with the markings of a HUM 825 (B) figurine.
Similar to Meditation, this figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $3,500.
Value – 15,000 DM for 1-3 figurines created (Schwatlo)
An auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International frare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. One figurine offered was another version of the MEL 25, very similar to the one seen above. A quick check beneath the base confirms they are different. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to be in mint condition. The final auction winning bid was $3,600 plus an auctioneers fee.
Another example was auctioned on 20 May 2023 and this one is a bit different in that it has not only the inscribed MEL 25 beneath the figurine but also has the inscribed M I Hummel signature on the back of the base. This is the only one that I have personally seen to date with both markings. This figurine also has the incised as well as the stamped Crown TMK-1 trademark, commonly called a Double Crown. There is repair of the left hand holding the letter at the wrist where it had a “clean” break and was re-glued. The auction hammer fell at 872 EUR with a total of fifteen very active last minute bids.
HUM 825 – Swedish Girl
Height – 5″
Double Crown TMK-1
Similar to HUM 13 – Meditation
Modeled by Arthur Möeller in 1940 and very similar to the International MEL 25 – Swedish Girl with Letter in the idea of holding a basket on one arm and having very similar clothing. She is also somewhat similar to the original HUM 13 – Meditation except for the clothing and missing the letter.
This figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $3,000.00.
A second figurine, very much like the one above has surfaced and is just a beautiful. Notice the differences in the paint on the apron where each one is unique from another. The one above is painted with the bottom curve of the apron whereas this one is more straight across. This one comes from a long-time collector and you can tell they are as proud of it today as the day it was located. The owner says it was found in a group of other Hummels so be sure to keep a look out in case you might overlook one you could have purchased.
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo)
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to have a short hairline crack on the edge of the base. The final auction winning bid was $1,300 plus an auctioneers fee.
HUM 831 – Slovakian Boy Playing Horn
International
Similar to HUM 85 – Serenade, this figurine was modeled by master sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1940 of a Slovakian boy playing a horn. He is 5¾ inches tall, has a hollow base with no trademark evident and some minor crazing but no chips or cracks. There was some minor repair done to the feather as has been the case with one other of this model.
This figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida sold for $1,300.00.
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo)
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to be in mint condition. The final auction winning bid was $1,300 plus an auctioneers fee.
HUM 832 (A) – Slovakian Girl with Letter
International
Similar to HUM 13 – Meditation
Master sculptor Reinhold Unger modeled this figurine.
There is very little available on this figurine other than there being very few figurines at present. Compare the style of dress to that of the similar figurine following. A color photograph will be added when one is located. Still researching.
Value – 15,000 DM for 1-3 figurines created (Schwatlo)
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to be in mint condition. The final auction winning bid was $4,300 plus an auctioneers fee.
HUM 832 (B) – Slovakian Girl with Letter
International
Crown TMK-1
Similar to HUM 13 – Meditation
This beautiful little International figurine is shown in Robert L. Miller’s 9th Edition of his Price Guide on page 435 as HUM 832 (A) as there is another, HUM 832 (B) by Reinhold Unger about 1940 with a different print dress but the same design.
There is also a similarity with this figurine and one of the first released, HUM 13 – Meditation since both are holding a letter in their right hand pointing to it with their left and have a basket hung over their left arm. Exceptions are clear in that this one is holding the letter high, she has long sleeves, a larger scarf and the clothing is quite a bit more ornate, of course.
This was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $3,000.00.
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo)
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International frare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to be in mint condition. The final auction winning bid was $1,300 plus an auctioneers fee.
HUM 833 – Slovakian Boy Playing Bagpipe
International
Similar to HUM 85 – Serenade
Very similar to HUM 831, this 5½ inch figurine was modeled by master sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1940 of a Slovakian boy playing a bagpipe. He is 5¾ inches tall, has a hollow base with no trademark evident and does not have the M I Hummel signature on the back of the base.
Similar to Serenade but with a different instrument, this figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $1,900.00.
Value – 15,000 DM for 1-3 figurines created (Schwatlo)
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to have no M.I. Hummel signature and an excellent repair of the feather, tip of the bag pipe and a flake on the base. The final auction winning bid was $1,550 plus an auctioneers fee.
HUM 834 – Slovakian Little Fiddler
International
Similar to HUM 2 – Little Fiddler
1 of no more than 5 known
Created by either master sculptor Arthur Möller or Reinhold Unger in 1940 with the proper name of Slovak Jung emit Geige, there are less than a total of five of this figurine known. Very little is known about any of the International figurines of which this is considered to be one. The factory is not sure who the actual sculptor was for this figurine. According to the factory product-book, the sculptor was Arthur Möller but the sculpting diary reflects that it was Reinhold Unger.
Two other figurines have been located with this design, one had the number 834 written in pencil on a paper sticker with no other markings but both were described as being in badly damaged condition (Miller, 2003, p440). The owner says the following of this extreme offering, “this figurine is identical to the example shown (Miller, 2003, p440) and also the example in the Mayor Donald Stephens Hummel Museum in Rosemont, Illinois not far from where I live. Also an auction that took place over 20 years ago had an example of this figurine which sold in excess of $18,000. The figurine I’m offering does also have neck and ankle restoration. The restoration appears to have been done years ago and could use a bit of touch up on the cheeks.” This may be only the third or fourth known example, which makes it extremely rare and highly sought after. This M.I. Hummel International figurine was found on eBay on 16 December 2020 with a Buy It Now price of $7,900 (reduced to $5,900) with free shipping located in Palatine, IL.
This figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 21 November 2020 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $2,200.00.
Another of HUM 834 was located on the Stein Auction Company set to be auction on 28 August 2023 with a beginning bid of $2,500 plus fees. This one had the feather in the hat repaired but was reported in otherwise mint condition.
Value – 15,000 DM for 1-3 figurines created (Schwatlo)
HUM 841 – Czech Boy Holding a Lamb
Height – 5¾”
Crown TMK-1
Similar to HUM 68 – Boy Holding Lamb
Modeled by master sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1940, and very similar to HUM 68 – Boy Holding Lamb, this piece has the M I Hummel signature on the base, the incised mold number 841 is clear and there is a stamped Crown TMK-1 trademark. The little boy has on a shiny black jacket, red bow tie and brown pants tied just below his knees with white socks and black dress shoes topped off with a regional brown and green hat.
This figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida sold for $1,600.00.
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo)
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to repair to the ankles. The final auction winning bid was $675 plus an auctioneers fee.
HUM 842 – Czech Goose Girl
International
Crown TMK-1
Similar to HUM 47 – Goose Girl
This piece has the M I Hummel signature and a stamped Crown TMK-1 trademark, and an incised 842 is clearly marked on the bottom. The Hummel figurine measures approximately 5¾ inches tall, and there are no cracks but there is some crazing present. Although it is called a Goose Girl, this figurine has only one goose where the HUM 47 – Goose Girl has two. According to the previous owner, Donald Deeks, the left arm was repaired.
This figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $1,600.00.
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo)
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to be in mint condition. The final auction winning bid was $3,400 plus an auctioneers fee.
HUM 851 – Hungarian Boy with Staff
International
Crown TMK-1
Similar to HUM 16 – Little Hiker
Master sculptor Arthur Möller is credited with the creation of this little Hungarian boy with the stamped Crown trademark and M I Hummel signature. Similar to the Little Hiker, he strikes a formal pose in his red and green cape, yellow pants, black knee high boots, green top hat and walking stick. There is no mold number but according to Robert L. Miller’s 9th Edition Price Guide, this should be HUM 851 – Hungarian Boy.
This figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida. The figurine sold for $1,300.00.
Value – 5,000 DM for 20-50 figurines created (Schwatlo)
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to be in mint condition. The final auction winning bid was $1,200 plus an auctioneers fee.
HUM 852 (A) – Hungarian Girl
International
Crown TMK-1
Unlike any other current Hummel figurines
This is a figurine of a Hungarian girl in the country’s dress at the time holding her blue skirt with both hands under a white apron, boots and contrasting orange hair bows and is entirely different from any other Hummel of that time period. The figurine has the transitional incised Crown TMK-1 trademark.
Value – 15,000 DM for 1-3 figurines created (Schwatlo) with boots
HUM 852 (B) – Hungarian Girl
International
Transitional
Crown TMK-1
Unlike any other current Hummel figurines, these two figurines are quite a departure from other known Hummel designs other than the 852 (A) shown above. This is the five-inch tall figurine of a Hungarian girl in the country’s dress in 1940. She is holding her red and blue skirt with both hands under a white apron with matching red hair bows and is entirely different from any other Hummel of that time period. The figurine below has the transitional incised Crown TMK-1 as well as the stamped Full Bee TMK-2 trademark. In 1940, Goebel decided to make international figurines, some were made, but production never started due in part to World War II.
This figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $2,300.00.
A second example, but with a Double Crown trademark instead (incised and stamped), showed up on 25 May 2021 on eBay with a Buy It Now price of $2,800 plus $63.00 shipping from Sofia, Bulgaria. 
This one however, had a break at the neck, was professionally repaired and is a good example of how certain Hummel figurines more than hold their value due to the respect for quality and the scarcity of such a fine example. Whereas, many of the Internationals do not have the M.I. Hummel signature on the base, this one does.
Notice the subtle differences between these two figurines, mainly with the painted features of the dress. These differences come in handy if you have to identify a stolen figurine should it ever happen. On this second example, there are fewer blue dots on the ends of the sleeves, there is one less blue stripe (11) near her right hand, the socks have more blue on them and the shoes appear to be a bit darker. Also, this second one has shorter eye lashes and the hair tied in the red ribbons appears much darker. There is one other very important difference earlier noted. Do you remember what it was?
This figurine showed up on eBay once again on 1 December 2021, and this time was purchased for a lesser amount. She now resides in a serious collectors growing array of some of the more rare figurines from the Goebel company produced in their earlier years. There may be many more out waiting for you to find, but only if you have a sharp eye and are familiar with these, and many more, rare M.I. Hummel figurines.
Value – 5,000 DM for 20-50 figurines created (Schwatlo)
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to have excellent repair to the neck. The final auction winning bid was $1,050 plus an auctioneers fee.
HUM 853 (A) – Hungarian Boy with Flowers
International
Unlike any other current Hummel figurines
This one is quite different from the rest with a very large black top hat and holding flowers in his right arm. Designed by Master sculptor Reinhold Unger, there is very little additional information on this figurine. Notice that it shares the same HUM number as the Hungarian Boy with Dog but is a unlike the other figurine with different clothing and no dog.
Value – 15,000 DM for 1-3 figurines created (Schwatlo)
HUM 853 (B) – Hungarian Boy with Dog
International
Double Crown TMK-1
Similar to HUM 317 – Not for You
Very similar to HUM 831 as well as HUM 317 – Not for You, this figurine was modeled by master sculptor Arthur Möller in 1940 of a Hungarian boy and his dog. He is 5 inches tall, has an oval doughnut base with a Double Crown TMK-1 trademark as incised and green stamped and does not have the M I Hummel signature on the back of the base. There are no cracks, chips, crazing or repairs evident.
This figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $3,000.00.
Another example of this figurine was located on eBay in February 2023 with a Buy It Now price $3,999.99 and a shipping cost of $50.00 from Heideck, Germany. The seller added the following notes on this certain figurine, “Height about 13 cm (about 5 1/4 inches). TMK 1 “Crown Mark”. The figurine was made around 1940 as a prototype. It has under the base an incised, as well as a stamped, TMK 1 “Crown Mark”, is a so-called double crown mark figurine. The “M.I.Hummel” signature is on top of the base. Incised “853.” under the base.” Instead of having 8 shirt buttons like this one shown, the more recent example shows only 6 shirt buttons.
Value – 5,000 DM for 20-50 figurines created (Schwatlo)
HUM 854 – Hungarian Girl
International
Double Crown TMK-1
Similar to HUM 176 – Happy Birthday
Master Sculptor Arthur Möller is credited with creating this figurine in 1940. Similar to the girl on the right of HUM 176 – Happy Birthday, here is an International Hummel, Hungarian girl smelling flowers. The girl has green and white striped dress and very bright red boots. She is smelling a flower in left hand and holding a bouquet of flowers in right hand. This figurine has the M I Hummel signature.
This figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $1,600.00.
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo)
HUM 904 – Serbian Little Fiddler
International
No trademark
Similar to HUM 2 – Little Fiddler
Master sculptor Reinhold Unger created this 5-inch International figurine in 1940 which is similar to HUM 2 – Little Fiddler. It does not have a trademark on the base but is considered to be a Crown TMK-1 and does have the M I Hummel signature. There is an incised number 904 on the inside of the base and this corresponds to the reference provided in Robert L. Miller’s 9th Edition Price Guide on page 439.
This International figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $1,400.00.
Value – 5,000 DM for 20-50 figurines created (Schwatlo)
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo) color variation
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to be in mint condition. The final auction winning bid was $1,450 plus an auctioneers fee.
Another example of this figurine was located on eBay in February 2023 with a Buy It Now price $3,499.99 and a shipping cost of $50.00 from Heideck, Germany. The seller added the following notes on this certain figurine, “Height about 13 cm (about 5 1/4 inches). TMK 1 “Crown Mark era”. The figurine was made around 1940 as a prototype. It has under the base NO trademark, NO mold number and it has also NO M.I.Hummel signature. It has in red the initials of Goebel’s master sample painter (one of 3 at that time) Louis Knauer (“LK”).”
HUM 913 – Serbian Meditation
International
Crown TMK-1
Similar to HUM 13 – Meditation
Master sculptor Reinhold Unger modeled this figurine in 1940 and created it along the idea of HUM 13 – Meditation but in the clothing of a Serbian girl. She has on a blue dress with red, white and yellow decorations in front. She has brown hair wrapped in a blue scarf and holding a basket with flowers on her left arm while holding a letter in her right hand. There is no incised number on the bottom of the base but it does have an incised Crown TMK-1 trademark and the M I Hummel signature on the back of the base.
This figurine, or one like it was auctioned on eBay in February of 2013 for $5,100. Later on, this International figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $1,100.00.
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo)
Value – 15,000 DM for 1-3 figurines created (Schwatlo) color variation
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to be in mint condition. Notice the subtle differences between these two such as the silver “dots” on the dress above in contrast to the darker ones below. The final auction winning bid was $1,750 plus an auctioneers fee.
HUM 947/0 – Serbian Goose Girl
International
Double Crown TMK-1
Similar to HUM 47 – Goose Girl
One of the more popular M.I. Hummel figurines is the Goose Girl. Here is a very similar one to HUM 47 – Goose Girl with the two geese except the girl is dressed in Serbian clothing with a dark blue dress and red and orange apron and orange scarf. The figurine has an incised Crown TMK-1 as well as a green stamped Crown TMK-1 trademark. The model number is HUM 947/0.
This figurine is part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $1,500.00.
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo) HUM 947
Value – 15,000 DM for 1-3 figurines created (Schwatlo) HUM 947/0
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to have an excellent repair to a chip on the base. The final auction winning bid was $1,250 plus an auctioneers fee.
HUM 968. – Serbian Lost Sheep
International
No trademark
Similar to HUM 68 – Lost Sheep
Master sculptor Reinhold Unger modeled this figurine in 1940 similar to HUM 68 – Lost Sheep which measures 5½ inches high and carries the last number, 968, for all the International figurines. The clothing is very similar to figurine HUM 904 – Serbian Little Fiddler. 
There is no trademark apparent on this figurine but it does have the M I Hummel signature on the back of the base. Other than a few tiny chips on the edge of the base, the figurine is in exceptional condition with no cracks, crazing or repairs.
The figurine to the right was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $1,900.00.
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo)
Value – 10,000 DM for 3-20 figurines created (Schwatlo) color variation
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered as many as twenty-four beautiful examples of the International rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to have an excellent repair of a flake on the lamb’s ear. The final auction winning bid was $1,200 plus an auctioneers fee.
Another example of this figurine was located on eBay in February 2023 with a Buy It Now price $3,499.99 and a shipping cost of $50.00 from Heideck, Germany. The seller added the following notes on this certain figurine, “Height about 14 cm (about 5 3/4 inches). TMK 1 “Crown Mark era”. The figurine was made around 1940 as a prototype. It has under the base NO trademark. There is incised the mold number “968” and it has also the M.I.Hummel signature at the back. It has in black the initials of Goebel’s painter Max Meyer.”
There will be additional information on the Internationals when located.
Have fun collecting!
References
Anonymous (2021). Private collection
Auction.net (2022). The Stein Auction Company. Hummel Figurines, Breweriana, Beer Steins, Porcelain, Glass, Wood Carvings and more. Retrieved from https://tsaco.auction.net/auctions/catalog/id/91 on 10 August 2022.
Blackwell Auctions (2021). Rarest Hummels: The Donald Deeks Collection. Retrieved from https://www.gotoauction.com/sales/view/254997.html
Eagles of War (2020). Eagles of War, M. I. Hummel Figurines Catalog / Reference Book. Retrieved from http://www.eow1.com/default.aspx
Hummel Gifts (2020). M.I. Hummel Gifts, The Official Shop. Retrieved from https://hummelgifts.com/
Live Auctioneers (2021). Live Auctioneers, Hummel Prices. Retrieved from https://www.liveauctioneers.com/price-guide/hummel/26096/
Luckey, C. F., & Genth, D. A. (2003). Luckey’s Hummel figurines & plates: Identification and price guide.
Miller, R. L. (2003). The no. 1 price guide to M.I. Hummel: Figurines, plates, more. 9th Edition. Cumberland, MD: Portfolio Press.
Miller, R. L., & Collectors News. (1998). Hummels 1978-1998: 20 years of “Miller on Hummel” columns as published in Collectors news, p177-178. Grundy Center, IA: Collectors News.
Miller, R. L., Ehrmann, E. W., & Pfeiffer, W. (1989). M.I. Hummel: The Golden Anniversary Album.
Miller, R. L., Woodworth, D., & Woodworth, B. (2006). The no. 1 price guide to M.I. Hummel: Figurines, plates, more. Cumberland, MD: Reverie Publishing Company.
Recklinghausen, H. A. V. (2013). Official M. I. Hummel Price Guide, 2nd edition.
Schwatlo, W. (1996). M.I. Hummel collector’s handbook with prices: Part II. Niedernhause, Germany: Schwatlo.
WorthPoint (2020). WorthPoint, Discover, Value, Store. Retrieved from https://www.worthpoint.com/