Knowing your M.I. Hummel figurine resources can come in handy when you run across one you have not see before. Here are a number of figurines that have been for sale with some being one-of-a-kind while others offer no explanation. I thought it would be fun to show some of what you might keep your eyes open for located on the Internet from time to time. Several include the asking price where this was provided along with the date found to give you some idea of the dollar range you might expect to see. This is just a sampling from the very many figurines you may run across upon your searching. They are listed in numerical order by their mold numbers for your convenience.
There were many examples of figurines created as prototypes with various colorization and poses to present as samples to the sisters at the Sießen Convent with only a percentage being accepted. Some of these samples made their way as gifts to the workers and were considered by them as “trinkets” as I was told. Other figurines may include small mistakes that were overlooked though this is certainly rare considering the strict parameters each piece went through before being ready to sell. You may find one of these if you keep your eyes open and books handy. The following figurines are some good examples of what to look that have recently become available. A few additional words, as a suggestion, you might wish to include in your routine search lists are: Arbeitsmuster, Archivmuster, Faience, Red Line, Progression Set, Masterpiece, Musterzimmer and Malmuster. Be sure to visit the What’s New web page to see what has been added to this site that you might have missed.
This page was updated on 2 October 2023.
See also the Hummels 100 on.
HUM 1 – Puppy Love
Height – 5″ to 5¼”
This is a rarely seen HUM 1 Puppy Love with the doll face, black hat, no necktie and a Double Crown (incised and stamped) mark TMK-1 figurine. Notice that the head is tilted up and the eyes are looking right at the dog. The eyes on other Puppy Love figurines are typically looking down and to the right with the left ear right above the violin. It is made of porcelain instead of ceramic used as the standard material. The usual paint scheme is used except for the flesh tones which show up as much whiter. The asking price for this rare figurine was $2,999.95 plus $34.95 shipping on eBay, 6 October 2020. The 2003 9th Edition Robert L. Miller catalog estimated value on this was $4,000 to $5,000 at that time.
This next figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $450.00.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $4,000 to $5,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $4,000 to $5,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $2,900
HUM 1 – Puppy Love, Terra Cotta
A very rare figurine, indeed, is this early sample, small version of the Puppy Love done in Terra Cotta, unpainted and unfinished, and very much sought after. Robert Miller’s Price Guide has this valued at between $5,000 and $10,000, if found. Any M.I. Hummel figurines you can locate for sale in this Terra Cotta material are extremely rare and typically one of the earlier 1930’s experimental versions.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $4,000 to $5,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $5,000 to $10,000
In contrast to one another, here are three of the HUM 1 – Puppy Love figurines as they were photographed in a private collection with a doll face version looking directly at the dog, the very rare and smaller Terra Cotta version and a Faience type with his cheek on the violin as you would see normally. This is a good comparison of the size and variations between these three “out of the ordinary” and seldom seen figurines. Click on the image for a larger view.
Beswick 909 – Puppy Love
This is the Beswick figurine, Puppy Love, stamped and incised “Made in England”. There is no M I Hummel signature on this figurine. The Beswick Company was located in England and made Hummel Figurines during World War II when the Hummel figurines could not be made in Germany. Some of the figurines made by them had the M I Hummel signature and some did not. This figurine measures approx. 5-inches tall and has the number 909 inscribed on the bottom. This figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $175.00.
HUM 2 – Little Fiddler
Height – 7¼”
Goebel produced a Limited Edition of only fifty pieces of the HUM 2/I – Little Fiddler in 1985 and these have a gold painted base. The 7¼-inch figurines were for a Goebel sponsored contest in Europe celebrating 50 years of M.I. Hummel figurines. There is a special round backstamp on the base with the expression ,”50 Jahre M.I. Hummel-Figuren 1935-1985″. These were valued at $1,500 to $2,000 in Miller’s 10th edition price guide. This one sold for $1,201.50 with 56 bids on 18 September 2016.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $1,500 to $2,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $1,500 to $2,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $300
HUM 2 – Little Fiddler (Faience)
Height – 5⅛”
Faience
Here is an unusual figurine that is very similar to the HUM 4 Little Fiddler with the exception of having a brown hat with an orange hat band rather than black and typically being of a larger size. You may have also noticed there are other colors that are quite obvious on this one as well. The old name in some of the earlier catalogs was “Violinist” or “The Wandering Fiddler”. The figurine in general was Temporarily Withdrawn (TW) on 31 December 1989.
A few sample pieces have been located decorated with bright colors and a glossy finish of the Faience technique as illustrated here. Robert Miller quotes a value in his 2003 price guide of between $5,000 and $6,000 depending on the size and condition. Notice the very pale face and hands. This one is rarely seen with the doll face, making it possibly, one of the very first from this model number. This figurine has a break at the neck just above the shoulders and is a noticeable repair. The only distinguishable mark on the bottom of the base is a green stamped Crown TMK-1 trademark. The figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 21 November 2020 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $1,900.00.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $5,000 to $6,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $5,000 to $6,000
HUM 4 – Little Fiddler
Height – 5⅛”
Here is a figurine that is very similar to the HUM 2 Little Fiddler with the exception of having a black hat rather than dark brown and typically being a smaller size. The original issue price was 40 cents in 1935 and the master sculptor was Arthur Möeller. Notice the very pale face and hands. This one is rarely seen with the doll face, and no trademark visible making it possibly, one of the very first from this model number. This piece is made of regular ceramic, not porcelain and has a baby face appearance. Notice that the head is tilted up and the eyes are looking right down the violin instead of to the right toward his right elbow as others have been made. According to Robert Miller, a very few early models like this one were made with the head tilted at a different angle and without a tie and were only made with the Crown TMK-1 trademark. The old style is considered extremely rare and commands a premium of between $1,500 and $4,000 depending on condition. The asking price on this figurine was $2,200 on October 9, 2020 on eBay.
The figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $700.00.
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered many beautiful examples of rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $250 and is reported to have no tie and have a white face and hands. There is evidence of an excellent repair to the umbrella and handle. The final auction winning bid was $260 plus an auctioneers fee.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $3,000 to $4,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $3,000 to $4,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $1,500
HUM 5 – Strolling Along
Height – 5”
Color variation
A very rare variation in color is found in this next figurine with shades of cream and light brown on the umbrella, vest piping, buttons and shoes. I have been looking for any literature to explain this very rare example of Strolling Along as a very early piece but have as yet to find anything. This one was photographed in a serious Hummel collectors display. See also another example with HUM 7/I from the same owners collection.
HUM 6 – Sensitive Hunter
Height – 7.9”
Crown TMK-1
Arbeitsmuster
This figurine is a very rare example of an early Crown Arbeitsmuster or working sample and has the extremely rare additional stamp “Org. Arb. Sample” beneath the glaze under the base. It is signed by the Master Painter Louis Knauer (LK) was modeled by Master Sculptor Arthur Möller in 1935 and is 20 cm high. This figure is the old version with the red rabbit whereas newer figures have a brown rabbit. It has an incised “Kronenmarke” Crown TMK-1 having been manufactured between 1935 and 1949. The figure also has the original working sample metal seal with the inscription “Arbeitsmuster * W.Goebel – Oeslau”. This work sample comes from the Goebel archive and was not intended for sale. Goebel stopped producing this figure in this size on December 31, 1984. With a height of about 20 cm or 7.9 inches, this is the largest and rarest version of the little hunter. It is also slightly larger than newer figures with this model number. These are only about 18.5 cm high. His “little brothers” Hum 6/2/0, Hum 6/0 and Hum 6 / I are only about 10 cm, 12 cm and 14 cm high respectively. The figure is in perfect condition, 1st choice, without any defects. In the area of the rifle point and the hat, it has been professionally restored.
HUM 6/2 – Sensitive Hunter
Height – 7”
Double Incised Crown TMK-1
Here is a very unusual figurine with, not just one, but two incised Crown trademarks, the first I have personally seen. The first incised mark can be seen inside the “donut hole” and the second one is toward the bottom. It is not uncommon to see an incised plus a stamped version which is called a Double Crown, but it must be extremely rare to have any example with two incised marks.
This remarkable figurine sold on eBay on 22 November 2021 for $128.50 plus a shipping charge of $11.50 from Barnegat, New Jersey. I am not able to find any documentation relating to two incised trademarks in any of the publications but a friend says he was able to obtain an example with an incised Crown TMK-1 plus an incised Full Bee TMK-2 trademark. Now, that is even more strange to have two incised trademarks from two different time periods. But, they do exist!
HUM 7/I – Merry Wanderer (Faience)
Height – 7½”
Faience
Crown TMK-1
This piece has a very different appearance due to what they call the Faience finish. These were old lead and cadmium based paints. They did not cure evenly and weren’t used in production models. You may also notice that this Hummel has a seldom seen step base. It has an Incised Crown TMK-1 trademark and is from the Robert L. Miller Collection. The 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.
Values:
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $4,000 to $7,000
HUM 7/I – Merry Wanderer
Height – 7½”
Crown TMK-1
This is another figurine that has a very different appearance due to a creamy finish with very light tones other than the black hat, buttons on his vest and shoes. This is an extremely rare figurine which also has the stepped base and is shown here beside the Faience version for comparison. It is highly unlikely that you will ever see another like this with the color choices as it was more than likely a sample kept in the Goebel archives. These two reside together in the collection of a serious M.I. Hummel enthusiast.
HUM 7/I – Merry Wanderer
Height – 7½”
Red Line
Stylized TMK-3
Perhaps the most iconic figurine in the entire M.I. Hummel line is that of the Merry Wanderer. This beloved figurine is found in more sizes than any other and includes the special six-foot version created by master sculptor Gerhard Skrobek and placed in front of the Goebel factory in Rodential in 1971 to commemorate Goebel’s 100th anniversary. In 1987, an eight-foot model created by Skrobek was placed in front of the former headquarters of the Goebel Collector’s Club in Tarrytown, NY.
This little Red Line example of the Merry Wanderer also has an additional feature I have not seen before. Interestingly, just beneath the bag on the side of the base are some letters in faded red that are very difficult to discern. It looks to have inked in the letters “Hunnt!” but it certainly could be something entirely different. There is also the possibility this was a test example and the word is Humid! (same in German as English) indicating it was placed in a more humid environment to see what the effects would be long term. Why this is added to the figurine at the factory is not known at this time. I would appreciate any feedback as to whether you may know or have a similar situation on one of your figurines. Feel free to click on the image for a larger view.
This 7½-inch version would be more typical of what you could expect to find than those above but is special in that it has the Red Line around the base indicating it is an artist’s model in which to duplicate other figurines in the same way this was painted. In other words, the perfect figurine. It is further denoted by a metal tag attached with a wire onto the handle of the bag with the embossed words ARBEITSMUSTER on one side and the word RODENTAL on the other side. Looking beneath the base is the incised HUM number 7 / I as well as the year of copyright. Most, if not all Red Line versions also have their number inked in along with the master painter’s signature. In this case, it appears the figurine was painted in November of 1960 by master painter was Frank Knoch.
HUM 9 – Begging His Share
Height – 5½”
Double Crown TMK-1
Molded by master sculptor Arthur Möeller in 1935, this next piece was also known at first as “Congratulatory Visit”. This rare Hummel was created to be used as a candle holder where later models did not have a hole in the cake for a small candle and unlike the one previous, this one has a standard oval base on which the boy and dog are placed. The little boy has brightly colored socks in this different figurine very much like the one above. Other than having a base as normal HUM 9 figurines have, this one is very much like the previous one with the baby face and colorful socks. The Hummel measures approximately 5½ inches tall with an incised Crown TMK-1 as well as a stamped Crown TMK-1 trademark (Double Crown). The figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $100.00.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $750 to $900
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $750 to $950
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $550
HUM 9/II – Begging His Share
Height – 8”
Yellow Bee TMK-9
The 75th Anniversary of Goebel was celebrated with several important figurines, one of which was this eight-inch HUM 9/II – Begging His Share. Limited to only 750 copies at a an introductory price of $1,000, this figurine will surely rank with others as a rare Hummel to take pride in the ownership of for generations to come. Along with the accurate detail of this large figurine is included a separate ceramic 75th Anniversary plaque and a copy of the artist’s sketch of the Begging His Share picture on an easel.
Values:
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $1,000
HUM 9 – Begging His Share
Height – 5¼”
No base
Crown TMK-1
Even more rare is this figurine created without a base to be used as a candle holder. Molded by master sculptor Arthur Möeller in 1935, this piece was also known at first as “Congratulatory Visit”. Notice how the earlier faces appear more round and the eyes and mouth on this one are smaller. The figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $650.00. The figurine is now in a private collection.
Values:
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $7,000 to $8,000
HUM 10/I – Flower Madonna
Height – 7¾” to 9½”
TMK-2
This is a very clean M.I. Hummel figurine Flower Madonna with the HUM number 10/I and a Full Bee TMK-2 trademark made in Germany visible under the base. This model was initially created by sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1935. What is so unusual with this figurine is the beautiful deep green cloak over the purple dress of the Madonna. Notice also the special paint treatment of the halo. Compare the visual effect of this figurine with the following one. The asking price for this figurine on eBay was $4,000 plus $49.95 shipping from Waterloo, Iowa.
The Stylized Bee TMK-3 example shown here to the left is not mentioned in any book I was able to find with this color. Notice also that the Madonna’s dress is also different in color as is the clothing of the child Jesus as well as the bird. Based on the fact there is no readily available public information on this color, I can only speculate that the owner on eBay, who has it for sale, is correct that it can be considered rare. I found this one on 6 January 2022 with a Buy It Now price of $2,999.95 and a shipping charge from Waterloo, Iowa of $49.95.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $2,500 to $3,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $2,500 to $3,500
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $500 more than usual
HUM 10/III – Flower Madonna
Height – 11”
Red X
TMK-3
This is the M.I. Hummel figurine Flower Madonna with the HUM number 10/III under the base in black letters. This model was initially created by master sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1935 and the first 10/III versions were actually 12 to 13 inches tall in the Crown TMK-1 and Full Bee TMK-2 versions. The figurine was produced in a variety of colors with white over-glaze, pastel blue cloak, brown cloak, ivory cloak and a pastel yellow cloak. The pastel blue is found in all trademarks but the other colors, according to Heidi Von Recklinghausen, are only found in the Crown TMK-1 and the Full Bee TMK-2 trademarks making this Stylized Bee TMK-3 version a rarity. Her head is also tilted more to the right than photographs of other show. This beautiful Madonna with child has a RED X under the base. There is no incised copyright date but there is the master painter signature showing B 5/67 making reference to master painter Klaus Böhm in May of 1967 along with the trademark TMK-3 Stylized Bee. The seller indicates that this shows this certain figurine is a MASTERPIECE. The seller has it listed on eBay with an auction that terminated on Sunday, 6 December 2020 with a very low price of $100.00 with a shipping charge of $60 from Germany when last viewed.
A similar figurine as part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida sold for $325.00 while another with a Double Crown TMK-1 and cloak of reddish-brown terra cotta finish and open halo sold for $400.00.
Another located on eBay on 1 August 2021 was this HUM 10/3 Flower Madonna Crown TMK-1 shown on the left with a deep red cloak and light blue dress, quite rare. This beautiful figurine actually had 11 bids and sold for $2,550.00 plus $89.35 shipping from Westwood, Massachusetts.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $3,000 to $3,500
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $2,500 to $3,500
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $500 more than usual
HUM 11 2/0 – Merry Wanderer – 7 button version
Height – 4¼” to 4½”
A very popular figurine is the Merry Wanderer and can be found in more sizes than any other M.I. Hummel figurine. One item to watch for on this size is a rarer version of this item with either six or seven buttons on the shirt in place of the typical five. The buttons appear to be painted on and the painter evidently lost count when applying them uniformly on the shirt. You can count on this figurine being worth between 10% and 25% more than the usual 5-button version. This little figurine was located on eBay on 7 June 2021.
Values:
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – 10-15% higher
HUM 13/II – Meditation, with Flowers
Height – 7″ to 7½””
A very popular figurine and produced in four sizes, this second to largest of the HUM 13 – Meditation figurines comes in at between 7 and 7½” inches. It was initially designed by Reinhold Unger in 1935 with a basket half full of flowers located on the back side of the basket. There were two sizes introduced in 1935, a smaller 13/0 at 5 to 6 inches tall and the larger 13/II as shown here. The figurine was originally designed with flowers in the back half of the basket but in 1978, it was restyled by master sculptor Gerhard Skrobek with no flowers at all. This figurine was “Temporarily Withdrawn” (TW) on 31 December 1989 and may be found with either the HUM 13/II or HUM 13/2 inscribed. Notice the different placement of the flowers in the basket in comparison to the larger version immediately below. The basket here is half full whereas the larger version below is full of flowers. This certain figurine was located on eBay the later part of July of 2023 from gorgasnegras in Germany. It has the TMK-3 Stylized trademark and an incised 13/2 mold number.
HUM 13/V – Meditation, with Flowers
Height – 13¼” to 14″
The largest of the HUM 13 – Meditation figurines at just over 13 inches, this was designed by Theo A. Menzenback in 1957 with a basket full of flowers. The size HUM 13/V was originally designed with flowers filling the entirety of the basket. Compare the flowers with the smaller version preceding. In 1978, it was restyled by master sculptor Gerhard Skrobek with no flowers at all.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $3,000 to $5,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $1,700 to $5,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $1,325 to $2,500
HUM II/13 – Meditation, with Pot
Height – 5½”
Closed Edition
Crown TMK-1
Information located in an old Goebel product book indicates that master sculptor Reinhold Unger produced samples of Meditation in 1935 in the 13/0 size with a round attached pot and another with an oblong bowl. It is now a Closed Edition (CE). This pot has no markings other than an incised Crown TMK-1 and the M I Hummel signature on the figurine. This piece was purchased at the Robert and Ruth Miller auction where he valued it at $8,000. This figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $2,000.00.
HUM 16 – Little Hiker, with Pot
Height – 5″
Closed Edition
Crown TMK-1
This piece was purchased from the Robert L. Miller collection auction. Bob Miller told Mr. Deeks that he paid $10,000.00 for this piece. It has Miller label on bottom. Hummel measures approx. 5″ tall, TMK-1, Hum 16. No cracks, chips or repairs. It is now a Closed Edition (CE). This figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $1,300.00.
Values:
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $5,00 to $10,000
HUM 17/2 – Congratulations
Height – 8¼”
Closed Edition (CE)
Double Crown TMK-1
This figurine was first modeled in 1935 by master sculptor Reinhold Unger and called Congratulate in the old catalogs. The older models through the Three-line trademark did not have any socks and were added by master sculptor Gerhard Skrobek in 1971 with a new design. The larger 8¼ inch (21 cm) HUM 17/2 figurine shown here was only made in the Crown TMK-1, Full Bee TMK-2 and Stylized Bee TMK-3 trademarks and is now considered by the company as a Closed Edition (CE). This would be a good one to add to your list to keep an eye out for as a good investment as these are now showing a substantial value certainly worth learning more about. The Crown and Full Bee trademark versions have the handle of the horn pointing to the back and allow for them to be more easily to differentiate at a glance. There was one sample created by Reinhold Unger in 1935 with an attached pot but was not approved by the Sießen Convent.
The figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $325.00.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $4,500 to $8,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $4,500 to $8,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $1,500 to $2,000
HUM 19 – Prayer Before Battle, ashtray
Height – 5½”
A very rare figurine to watch out for is this white glazed Prayer Before Battle ashtray. Originally modeled by master sculptor Arthur Möeller, the Goebel factory book of models has this listed as “Big round tray with praying child (with flag and trumpet) standing at wooden (toy) horse. Prayer Before Battle, modeled by A. Moeller – June 20, 1935.” There is another note in the book that states that this item was not accepted by the Convent at Siessen. The ashtray appears to be of a different material than most M.I. Hummel figurines. The figurine present here is an important part of a private collector’s assembly of rare and important Hummels.
A second HUM 19 – Prayer Before Battle, ashtray is documented in Robert Miller’s 10th edition price guide as being located on the East Coast of the United States and having the M.I. Hummel signature scratched in by hand. The owner of this other ashtray erroneously washed this rarity in their automatic dishwasher thus removing much of the paint. Do not wash any of your Hummel figurines in the dishwasher! These are the only two of this type of Hummel ashtray currently known about.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $5,000 to $10,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $5,000 to $10,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $5,000 to $10,000
HUM 20 – Prayer Before Battle
Height – 4¼”
Red Line
Stylized TMK-3
Originally modeled in 1935 by master sculptor Arthur Möeller and listed for $7.50 in the old 1955 price list. The most noticeable difference in the old and new versions would be that the newer versions are typically a bit smaller. This figurine was purchased at the Disney Hummel Convention auction and signed by Christian Goebel there. This is a painters sample with the red line around the base and has the metal tag designating it as so. Painted in July 1964 by master painter Otto Sommer with his initials and date on the base. The horn on this one is open (horn is deep, new pieces horn is flat & painted) and the colors on the flag are reversed. Notice the left shoe is painted to indicate that it is coming apart. This favorite figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $175.00.
The postcard that reflects the actual sketch of Sister Hummel shows how close the master sculptor and the Chapel nuns wanted to accurately depict her artistry in the third dimension.
HUM 21/0 – Heavenly Angel
Height – 4¼”
Full Bee TMK-2
This certain size and trademark are provided in the 2003 Miller’s Price Guide but not in the 2013 Recklinghausen Price Guide which shows it as HUM 21/I only and not HUM 21/0 for the 4¼ inch size. Here is one example of the exception to show that there may be others. The photograph is a bit fuzzy but, by clicking on the image, you can see the Full Bee TMK-2 stamp and the incised 21/0 mark along with early Germany stamp making this a pre-1945 figurine.
The little angel was found on 31 December 2020 with a Buy It Now price of $607 and $8.50 shipping from Birmingham, Alabama and the seller indicated they would entertain a reasonable offer.
Values:
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $225 to $275
HUM 24/III – Lullaby, candleholder
Height – 6”
Archivmuster (working sample)
Red X
This M.I. Hummel figurine has the trademark TMK-3 with the MASTERPAINTER signature PW 6/62 which indicates Werner Pohlein in June of 1962. Also, under the base of the figurine is a red X which indicates that this is a MASTERPIECE. The size of this figurine is 8.27 inch long (21 cm) and has a metal tag which is written ARCHIVMUSTER W.GOEBEL OESLAU and means it is a working sample from Goebel in Oeslau which is the old name for the city of Rödental which changed in the 1970. This one was located on the website WorthPoint reportedly selling on eBay on November 23, 2014.
HUM 27 – Joyous News
Height – 2¾” and 4¼”
First modeled by Reinhold Unger in 1935, the Crown TMK-1, Full Bee TMK-2 and Stylized TMK-3 versions are difficult to find in good condition with the larger 27/III size due to the ease of which the horn is broken off or cracked. The Stylized version of the figurine shown here was located on eBay on 11 May 2021 as advertised, “Excellent condition with no chips, cracks or repairs!” for a beginning price of $40.00 with no bids and less than a day to the end of the auction. Heidi Von Recklinghausen, in her 2nd edition has this item valued at $675.00.The smaller size 27/I was only made in the first two trademarks as a candleholder and is very difficult to locate as well. The smaller 2¾-inch size is very similar to two-inch tall HUM III/40/I – Angel, Joyous News with Trumpet, Candelholder and is hard to differentiate unless they are clearly marked due to the small base.
Carl Luckey mentions in his 1984 price guide about the larger size that, “This piece is considered to be fairly scarce. As far as is presently known, there are somewhere between 25 and 50 in collector’s hands.” He then says, “The smaller size is extremely rare with only four examples known to exist.” The larger size was temporarily withdrawn (TW) on January 1999. There is no record mentioned in any reference I can find of a 27/II size.
Values of TMK-1 through TMK-3:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $750 to $2,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $750 to $2,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $675 to $750
HUM 30/1 A – Ba-Bee Ring
Crown TMK-1
No mold number
The pair of Ba-Bee Rings were a part of the original collection released in 1935 and were modeled by master sculptor Reinhold Unger. They were initially called Hummel Rings and were sold as a set with a boy facing to the right and a girl facing to the left. The rings painted in red are very difficult to locate and the little girl has a blue hair ribbon instead of the orange typically found. This individual piece with a stamped Crown TMK-1 trademark does not appear to have a mold number incised which if that were the case would possibly make this a prototype to be considered as a sample presented to the Sießen Convent sisters for their approval. The item you see here was found on eBay on 16 December 2020 with a Buy It Now price of $2,999.95 plus a shipping charge of $34.95 delivered from Waterloo, Iowa. A matching set of these were part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $425.00.
Values for the pair of 30/0 and 30/I:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $6,000 to $7,000, $8,000 to $9,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $6,000 to $7,000, $8,000 to $9,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $3,500, $3,700
HUM 30/1 B – Ba-Bee Ring
Crown TMK-1
This is the second of the pair with the little girl in the red ring. This apparently is the match for the one above and was found on eBay on 5 May 2021 with a Buy It Now price of $3,999.95 plus a shipping charge of $34.95 also delivered from Waterloo, Iowa. Notice that the ribbon in the little girl’s hair is light blue in color. See preceding for value estimates.
HUM 31 – Silent Night with White Child (glazed)
Height – 3½”
Crown TMK-1
The figurine was modeled in 1935 by Arthur Möeller but was not produced in quantity. The child on the left on Hum 31 is molded with an earring and bare feet with toes showing. On most Hum 31’s this child is painted black. Hummel is mold 31 and is not painted. The black child figure has bare feet and molded an ear ring. The Hummel measures approximately 3½ inches tall. Notice the white sticker with a price written on it. This 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.
Values:
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – extremely rare
HUM 31 – Silent Night with White Child
Height – 3½”
Crown TMK-1
The figurine was modeled in 1935 by Arthur Möeller but was not produced in quantity. The child on the left on Hum 31 is molded with an earring and bare feet with toes showing. On most Hum 31’s this child is painted black. On this piece this child is painted white, which makes it rare. Incised crown. The figurine was purchased from Robert Miller as evidenced by the sticker on the bottom. The Hummel measures approximately 3½ inches tall. This 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.
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered many beautiful examples of rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $200 and is reported to have had excellent repair on the right angel. The final auction bid did not receive any activity and was passed over.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $20,000 to $25,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $10,000 to $15,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $12,000
HUM 31 – Silent Night with Black Child
Height – 3½”
Double Crown TMK-1
The figurine was modeled in 1935 by Arthur Möeller but was not produced in quantity. It was also sold with all white children and they too are considered extremely rare. This certain item is probably the best known of all the rare M.I. Hummel figurines with the black child having an embossed earring and bare feet. The rest of the figurine is similar to HUM 54 – Silent Night, candleholder. According to factory representatives, a few HUM 54 were produced with a black child, but wearing shoes instead of bare feet or without shoes with white marks to indicate toes. This figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $1,600.00.
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered many beautiful examples of rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid was set for $500 and is reported to have a wing tip missing. The final auction winning bid was $500 plus an auctioneers fee.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $20,000 to $25,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $20,000 to $25,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $12,000
HUM 33 – Joyful, Faience ashtray
Crown TMK-1
Height – 3¾”
Faience
First modeled by master sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1935, this piece is a true rarity with the Faience technique using a finishing method of tin based glazes with a narrow range of color having the bright colors and glossy finish. Robert appraised this style at between $3,000 and $5,000. The size is 6.30 inches long (16 cm long). The seller has it listed on eBay with an auction to terminate on Sunday, 6 December 2020 currently showing a very active auction ending with a purchase of $1,025.00 with a shipping charge of $60 from Germany.
This figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $550.00. As of 17 March 2021, I found the very same figurine on eBay with a Buy It Now price asking $2,999.95 plus $34.95 shipping from Waterloo, Iowa.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $3,000 to $5,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $3,000 to $5,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – very few produced
HUM 38 – Joyous News Angel with Lute
Crown TMK-1
Height – 2”
This was first modeled by master sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1935. Early pieces, like this little candle holder, did not carry a size designator due to the small size. The color you can expect to find this HUM 38 in would be in an medium blue dress with tan colored shoes but this one shown clearly has the dress painted in a deep shade of red and red shoes. The seller says he purchased it at the closure of the M.I. Hummel Museum in Massing from Alfred Hummel and believes it may be a Faience version due to the white colorization of the face. Compare the glossy appearance with HUM 33 above. The eBay Buy It Now asking price is $1,750 along with a shipping charge of $60 from Germany.
HUM 40 – Joyous News Angel with Trumpet
Crown TMK-1
Height – 2”
First modeled by master sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1935. Early pieces, like this little candle holder, did not carry a size designator due to the small size. The color you can expect to find this HUM 40 in would be in an orange dress with tan colored shoes but this one shown clearly has the dress painted in a shade of blue and blue shoes. The seller says he purchased it at the closure of the M.I. Hummel Museum in Massing from Alfred Hummel and believes it may be a faience version due to the white colorization of the face. The eBay Buy It Now asking price is $1,750 along with a shipping charge of $60 from Germany.
HUM 42/0 – Good Shepherd
Crown TMK-1
Height – 5¾” to 6¼”
Factory sample
Originally modeled by master sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1935, the factory sample of the small size 42/0 has a light blue gown instead of the usual rust-colored gown. There are several examples in private collections and here is one from such a collection. Robert Miller values this at between $2,000 and $3,000. For comparison, to the left is the 42/I TMK-1 Crown trademark at 7¼ inches from the same owner’s collection.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $750 to $900
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $750 to $900
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $450 to $600
HUM 42/I – Good Shepherd
Crown TMK-1
Height – 7¼” to 7¾”
Closed Edition (CE)
Locating the largest of the HUM 42 Good Shepherd with the Crown TMK-1 trademark would be considered a true treasure find. This figurine was modeled by master sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1935 with a rust-colored gown and the large size was discontinued with the Stylized Bee TMK-3. There are two additional colored gowns found only on the 42/0 Crown TMK-1 and Full Bee TMK-2 figurines with a blue gown and a white gown with blue stars rather than the brownish-red. This certain figurine was located on eBay with a Buy It Now asking price of $2,585 plus $27 shipping on October 29, 2020. The second edition of Heidi Ann Von Recklinghausen’s price guide values it as between $4,200 and $5,500.
This figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $375.00.
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered many beautiful examples of rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid for this Crown TMK-1 figurine was set for $500 and is reported to be in mint condition. The final auction winning bid was $500 plus an auctioneers fee.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $7,000 to $8,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $7,000 to $8,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $4,200 to $5,500
HUM 48/V – Madonna, wall plaque
Height – 10½”
Full Bee TMK-2
Master sculptor Reinhold Unger has been credited with the design of this bas-relief plaque in 1936. The large, 10½ inch, Crown version is considered rare in the color version but the white overglaze piece sold in Belgium is considered even more rare and was discontinued with the Stylized Bee TMK-3 trademark as the last. This size is sometimes found with the mold incised with a 48/5 instead of the 48/V mark. Reinhold Unger also created HUM 222 very similar to this one in 1952 with a metal frame around it. The latest value places on this certain Full Bee version is between $750 and $900 and the Crown at $900 and $1,200. The one pictured here was found on eBay with a Buy It Now of $700 on October 29, 2020.
This figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $125.00.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $1,250 to $1,500
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $1,250 to $1,500
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $750 to $900
HUM 51 3/0 – Village Boy
Height – 4”
Crown TMK-1
This little figurine was first modeled by master sculptor Arthur Möller in 1936 and listed in the earlier catalogs as “Country Boy” and stands about four inches tall. This figurine is occasionally found in the small size in Crown TMK-1 trademark with red or yellow tie and a blue jacket and may have orange socks. Robert Miller placed a value in 2003 at between $1,500 and $2,000. This little boy has a yellow tie, blue jacket and dark red/orange socks. This figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $225.00.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $350 to $450
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $400 to $450
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $210 to $270
HUM 51/0 – Village Boy
Height – 6”
Crown TMK-1
This little figurine was first modeled by master sculptor Arthur Möller in 1936 and listed in the earlier catalogs as “Country Boy” and stands about six inches tall. This size, 51/0, was restyled by Theo R. Menzenbach in 1960 but that would not apply to this version that predates that. Considered rare in this size in the six inch version and the value reflects that. Compare him to the smaller version above and notice the differences in clothing color.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $700 to $900
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $700 to $900
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $420 to $540
HUM 52/0 – Going to Grandma’s
Height – 5”
Crown TMK-1
This little figurine was first modeled by master sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1936 and is listed in the earlier catalogs as “Little Mothers of the Family.” The objects in the cone are candy. The little girl with the basket has a pink petty coat under her blue dress which is barely visible. The girl with the cone has a thin blue hemline under her red dress. This figurine is marked “U.S. Zone Germany” under the square base with the M I Hummel signature on top of the base. The Hummel measures approximately 5 inches tall. This figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $225.00.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $750 to $1,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $800 to $1,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $450 to $600
HUM 53 – Joyful
Height – 3½” to 4¼”
Double Crown TMK-1
This little figurine was first modeled by master sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1936 and listed in the earlier catalogs as “Singing Lesson” as well as “Banjo Betty” which can be found in the 1950 catalog. The model for this has been used, due to its popularity, in a number of different ways based on the sketch of a little girl having fun strumming a string instrument. One has her in HUM 33 – Joyful as an ashtray with another later on as HUM 216 – Joyful as an ashtray but without the cigarette holder, HUM III/53 – Joyful as a candy box, HUM 120/A – Joyful as one of a set of bookends and this one as illustrated with just the little girl playing the string instrument. Earlier trademarks 1 through 3 may be larger than 3½ inches and will be valued at 20% to 25% more depending on the size.
The figurine you see here is rare in a couple of ways. It is considered a Double Crown TMK-1 with both the incised as well as the stamped trademark with both located under the base. The second item that makes it especially rare is the fact that the dress on her is the color of orange which can be found only on the earliest of the Crown trademarks. Her shoes have also been found in either blue, purple or brown in color. These shoes appear to be closer to brown but also have a bit of pink showing through. The typical color found on Joyful is a blue dress with a red collar and matching red shoes and the instrument is a darker shade of brown. The figurine is listed as Temporarily Withdrawn (TW) as of January 1999.
This one was located 31 December 2020 on eBay with a Buy It Now asking price of $1,200 with $35 shipping located in Budapest, Hungary. The seller has the book value listed as between $2,000 and $3,000 and will entertain any serious offer.
A more recent auction with the Stein Auction Company on 10 August 2022 offered many beautiful examples of rare figurines in one place, all total from one collection. The starting bid for the Double Crown Joyful in an orange dress was set at $150 and was reported to have an excellent repair to the neck. The final auction with the single winning bid was $150 plus an auctioneers fee. A second Double Crown HUM 53 – Joyful in an orange dress and blue shoes in mint condition which was offered with a starting bid of $200. This was also the winning bid amount since it was the only bid.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $3,000 to $5,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $2,000 to $3,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $1,800 to $2,100
HUM II/53 – Joyful with Pot
Height – 4”
Crown TMK-1
This little figurine was first modeled by master sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1936 and stands about four inches tall. According to the Goebel factory product book, fourteen figurines with pots or bowls were produced in the years 1935 through 1936 as samples but were not approved by the Sießen Convent for production. The factory did not retain any of these samples for their archives. Joyful is attached to a ZF 9 pot. For this example, the figurine has an incised Crown TMK-1 trademark and the pot shows a stamped Crown TMK-1 trademark. Robert Miller places a value from his 9th edition Price Guide between $5,000 and $10,000. This figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $900.00.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $5,000 to $10,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $5,000 to $10,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $3,000 to $6,000
HUM 54 – Silent Night, candleholder
Height – 3½”
Crown TMK-1
This candleholder was first modeled by master sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1936 where the candle socket is smaller than later versions. Also, the Crown versions are usually very light in color and the wings of the angel are known to have some color variations. It is almost identical to HUM 31 – Silent Night with Black Child with the exception of the embossed earring and bare feet. Factory representatives say that a few of this mold number were painted with a black child in the standing position, usually wearing shoes but also found with bare feet and painted toes and a painted earring rather than being embossed. There was also one located with two black children which is even rarer. This figurine was listed as Temporarily Withdrawn (TW) on January of 1999 and was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $125.00.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $850 to $1,100
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $850 to $1,100
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $510 to $665
HUM 54 – Silent Night, with 2 Black Children
Height – 3½”
Full Bee TMK-2
Another figurine, very similar to HUM 31 – Silent Night, is the version with a black child in the standing position, usually wearing shoes but also found with bare feet and painted toes and a painted earring rather than being embossed. An even more rare version is this with two black children. One is standing and the other is leaning toward the Christ child. When compared to the one preceding, there are differences in the children’s skin tones and hair color but the mold appears to be the same. You may also note that some of the clothing is painted a different color. This piece is of the Full Bee TMK-2 trademark. The HUM 54 – Silent Night figurine was temporarily withdrawn (TW) on January of 1999. This figurine shown here was offered on eBay on 9 September 2022 with a Buy It Now for $4,749.50 plus a shipping charge of $65.00 from Heideck, Germany.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $10,000 to $15,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $10,000 to $15,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $6,000 to $9,000
HUM 55 – Saint George
Height – 6¾”
Crown TMK-1
Modeled by master sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1936, this figurine was quite a departure from the usual items selected to represent Sister Hummel’s sketches. The original drawing for this figurine was reproduced in the 1934 German edition of “Das Hummel Buch, ” that was published by Emil Fink of Stuttgart, Germany. This early Crown is the rarest variation in that it has a bright red-orange saddle on the horse and brings anywhere from $1,500 to $1,800.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $2,500 to $3,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $2,500 to $3,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $1,500 to $1,800
HUM 55 – Saint George
Height – 6¾”
Color variation
Modeled by master sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1936, this figurine is quite noticeably different from the one immediately above due to the rare coloring of being a white glazed version. My photograph of this item does not lend itself to the actual beauty and purity exemplified by this very rare figurine. This certain one resides in a private collection in stark contrast right next to another HUM 55 with a red saddle as seen previous.
HUM 65/0 – Farewell
65/0 – 3¾”-4″
Modeled by master sculptor Arthur Möeller in 1937, this figurine was known as “Son Long” and “Good Bye” in some of the older catalogs. It was restyled in 1964 by master sculptor Gerhard Skrobek. The smaller size, typically found at 3¾ to 4 inches, was modeled by Skrobek and is extremely rare since only a few samples were produced in the Full Bee TMK-2 and the Stylized Bee TMK-3. Robert Miller has these appraised in his tenth edition price guide as being $6,000 to $8,000 and $5,000 to $6,000 respectively. The example shown here is a painter’s sample by which to see how to paint a new figurine and is in a private collection. Notice that it is also called a “Red Line” figurine for the obvious line around the base.
HUM 71 – Stormy Weather
Height – 6¼”
Designed in 1937 by master sculptor Reinhold Unger, it was initially called Under One Roof. The list price in 1955 for this figurine was suggested as $16.50. It is reported that a Crown TMK-1 trademark has been found without a kerchief on the little boy but no other major changes have been found according to author and expert Heidi Ann Von Recklinghausen.
Both of the Stormy Weather figurines shown here are of the Crown TMK-1 trademarks and are part of my personal collection. However, there are some definite variances between the two even though they were produced in the same time period and these became quite evident when positioned side by side. The major ones for the one on the left were the unique orientation of the umbrella handle turned up, the fact that the boy does not have the vertical lederhosen straps in relief or painted, the base is substantially smaller with the girls feet close to the edge, the boys thumb is pointed straight up on a much larger hand, the flower at the bottom of the walking stick is flush with the base, the walking stick is moved slightly forward, the hairstyles are a bit different and the umbrella is held closer with their heads tilted a bit more forward. I noticed that the smaller and newer HUM 71 2/0 version now has the umbrella handle pointed up making it different from the larger version.
I took these two figurines to a local club meeting for discussion on why one was so different and one of our respected authorities suggested that it may have been one of the earlier samples that had been put on a back shelf before the war and forgotten. After the war, Goebel needed all of the items they could sell due to the sudden demand by the American soldiers and rediscovered this one which would explain why it has the black stamped “Made in U.S. – Zone Germany.” Finding rare figurines like this one with a possible history behind it makes this “treasure hunt” all the more exciting.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $1,100 to $1,350
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $1,200 to $1,350
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $660 to $785
HUM 72 – Spring Cheer
Height – 5″ to 5½”
Designed in 1937 by master sculptor Reinhold Unger and released soon after the initial issue of HUM 46 Madonna without Halo, this figurine was originally called Spring Flowers. It was modeled from the artwork called Just for You, H 271. There have been some significant variations in Spring Cheer over the years of its production. It was initially released wearing a yellow dress and no flowers in the right hand. During the period of the Stylized Bee TMK-3, the figure was produced with a green dress and flowers in the right hand having been restyled in 1965 by master sculptor Gerhard Skrobek who added the flowers to the right hand. This is the way later versions are found. Some of the old versions without flowers were left over and were painted with a green dress to match the newer models. This is the rarest of the two green dress models and is worth $1,200 to $1,500 in 2013 prices according to Von Recklinghausen. Records show that this figurine is Temporarily Withdrawn (TW) from production as of December 31, 1984. The suggested retail price for Spring Cheer was $55 in the 1984 price catalog. This certain little figurine shown sold on 11 October 2020 for $70. This proves that there are still some good examples of rare Hummels at affordable prices available!
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $1,200 to $1,500
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $1,500 to $2,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $1,200 to $1,500
HUM 76 A – Doll Mother, Bookend
Crown TMK-1
Closed Edition
Designed by master sculptor Arthur Möeller, this figurine was part of a set of two bookends, the other being HUM 76 B – Prayer Before Battle, bookend. Robert Miller says “No known examples other than this half of set which was located in Goebel factory.” The factory note indicated “Not produced after 28 February 1938.” This one half of the set is considered to be extremely rare and Robert Miller put a price value on it at between $10,000 and $15,000. This figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and was sold for $375.00.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $10,000 to $15,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $10,000 to $15,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $6,000 to $9,000
HUM 77 – Holy Water Font, Cross With Doves
Height – 6½”
Crown TMK-1
Designed by master sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1937, this figurine is an extremely rare Hummel, Holy Water Font with cross and doves and were made as samples only and never put into production. There are only 10 known examples in existence per Robert Miller’s price guide 9th edition. The Hummel measures approximately 6½ inches long and 2¾ inches wide.
This figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and was sold for $700.00.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $5,000 to $10,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $5,000 to $10,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $3,000 to $6,000
HUM 80 – Little Scholar
Height – 5¼”
No trademark
Designed by master sculptor Arthur Möeller in 1937, this figurine has a shiny finish and dark brown shoes. The Crown TMK-1 and the Full Bee TMK-2 trademark versions both have dark brown shoes instead of the lighter color of those produced later. The cone in the figurine’s right arm is called the Schultute or Zuckertute, a paper conical tube containing school supplies and other goodies and only the earlier figurines have a hole in the pretzel in the cone. Only crowns and some early “full bee” pieces have this. Later pieces are solid. This piece has no trademark under the base with only the word “Germany.” showing stamped in black ink. The Hummel measures approximately 5¼ inches tall. This figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $150.00.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $650 to $800
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $700 to $800
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $390 to $480
HUM 81 – School Girl
Height – 4¼”
Crown – TMK-1
Designed by master sculptor Arthur Möeller in 1937, this figurine was initially called Primer Girl and Little Scholar. Robert Miller says, in his price guide, that the early Crown TMK-1 trademark examples are sometimes found with orange color skirt and blouse rather than the normal dark colored blouse. The example here to the left is in a dress all in red, darker socks with a glossy finish. It was reported as having been manufactured between 1936 and 1937 and sold on eBay July 9th, 2020 for $150. For comparison, the one on the right in the orange dress and dark blouse is also a Crown TMK-1 but more closely resembles those that followed later in coloration. You may also find a few examples where the little girl is looking straight ahead instead of to the right side.
The figurine presented here has a green stamped Crown TMK-1 trademark and in the center of the base doughnut on bottom there is a gold label with the words “ER Inc, Est 1886, ERPHILA” and also says “Made in Germany.” The girl’s face on the initial items may appear more babyish than that of the later models. The article on this one also indicates that the little girl is standing an inch taller with a measurement of 5¼ inches. The figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $100.00.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $600 to $750
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $600 to $750
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $360 to $420
HUM 82 – School Boy
Height – 5″
Double Crown – TMK-1
Designed by master sculptor Arthur Möeller in 1938, this figurine was initially called Primer Boy, Little Scholar and School Days. It is occasionally found having the decimal point size designator in the Crown version. This piece has a doughnut base and what appears to be the same label as on HUM 81 – School Girl above which has been partially removed to expose the green stamped Crown TMK-1 trademark. It also has an inscribed mold number 82 and the words “Made in Germany” on base. This piece has a high gloss finish and more vivid coloring than typical on other pieces. The neckerchief is on his left side instead of in the middle as on other pieces as well. This figurine was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $100.00.
Values:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $625 to $775
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $625 to $775
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $375 to $465
HUM 84 – Worship
84/0 – 5″ to 5½”
84/V – 12½” to 13¼”
Crown – TMK-1
Originally modeled by master sculptor Reinhold Unger in 1938, this figurine was known in some of the older catalogs as At the Wayside or Devotion. The small size was sold in Belgium in white glaze and would be considered rare. Older models of the larger size have the M.I. Hummel signature on the back of the base while newer models have it on the back of the shrine. This is a good side-by-side comparison and contrast between the two sizes. The large size 84/V was Temporarily Withdrawn (TW) from production on 31 December of 1989.
Values for 84/0 and 84/V:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $475 to $625, $2,000 to $3,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $500 to $600, $2,000 to $3,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $315 to $375, $1,200 to $1,800
HUM 93 – Little Fiddler, Plaque
Height – 4½” X 5″
Crown TMK-1
Modeled in 1938 by master sculptor Arthur Möller the example shown to the left is the more common HUM 93 Little Fiddler in that the background is showing six buildings instead of four in the even more rare version. It is also very similar to the HUM 107 which is within a wooden frame. The Little Fiddler plaque was Temporarily Withdrawn (TW) from production on 31 December 1989. This certain example is a Crown TMK-1 in very good condition and was part of the Donald Deeks Collection held at auction on Saturday, 16 January 2021 in Clearwater, Florida and sold for $200.00.
This is the example of the extremely rare version with only four uncolored buildings showing which also bears the Crown TMK-1 trademark. As seen on 4 February 2022, you could purchase this Double Crown version on eBay with a Buy It Now price of $856.26 and a shipping charge of $13.70 from Heideck, Germany. As a comparison in price, Robert Miller’s Price Guide from 2003 has the first plaque priced at between $450 and $575 while this second, more rare version is appraised at between $3,000 and $4,000.
Values for the extremely rare version:
2003 Lucky’s Hummel Figurines & Plates, 12th Edition – $3,000 to $4,000
2006 The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines… – $3,000 to $4,000
2013 The Official M.I. Hummel Price Guide 2nd Edition – $1,800 to $2,400
HUM 94 3/0 – Surprise
Height – 4½”
Archivmuster
Masterpiece
Red Line
This is a very popular M.I. Hummel figurine being created by Arthur Möller and Reinhold Unger in 1938. You may have already noticed that it has the HUM number 94 3/0 under the base with black inked-in numbers. This nice figurine of little children has a RED LINE circling the base and a metal tag that has the embossed lettering ARBEITSMUSTER W.GOEBEL OESLAU (Oeslau was the first name before in the 1970s with the name thereafter being changed to Rödental). There is no incised copyright date but there is a MASTER PAINTER signature of Ki 2.67 which shows that master painter Franz Kirchner painted it as an example in February of 1967 and has the trademark TMK-3. The seller, from Germany, indicates that this figurine is a MASTERPIECE and had it listed on eBay with an auction on Sunday, 6 December 2020 selling for the price of $122.50 with a shipping charge of $60 from Germany.
HUM 99 – Eventide
Height – 4½”
Archivmuster (working sample)
Malmuster (painting sample)
Masterpiece (figurine from master painter/sculptor)
Musterzimmer (showroom sample)
This figurine was crafted by a collective of sculptors, very similar to HUM 28 Wayside Devotion but without the shrine. There are three rare versions of this figurine that have been found to keep a lookout for: 1) without sheep, 2) white overglazed and 3) sheep on the left/middle. The proper placement is shown in the figurine represented here. This sample might be considered the “perfect” modern example of what the figurine should look like due to having three muster marks on it. On the base from this figurine is the M.I. Hummel signature and the word MALMUSTER defining it as a painting sample, under the base is the word MUSTERZIMMER means a special show room example. It has the incised number 99. filled in with black color and the MASTERPAINTER sign Ki 6.71 showing it as master painter Franz Kirchner in June of 1971. According to the person selling Eventide, this shows us that this figurine is a rare MASTERPIECE, a figurine from the hands of a master painter and sculptor. Also is on this figurine a metal tag there is written ARCHIVMUSTER RÖDENTAL W.GOEBEL which specifies it as a working sample. This rare figurine is 4½ inches high ( 11.5 cm) and has the trademark TMK-3 but no copyright date. Illustrated behind the figurine is an old postcard that shows how closely the figurine was made like the original sketch by Sister Hummel. This one sold on eBay on February 1, 2015.
A rare version of Eventide with a Crown trademark has the two lambs centered in front of the two children. This rare version would command a premium on the secondary market. A similar version of Eventide also appears as HUM 90 A paired with Adoration (with the shrine) as 90 B, bookends and the sheep are centered in front of the children here as well. Sister Hummel’s original drawing, which includes the omitted shrine, is owned by Verlag Ars Sacra, who have reproduced it in postcard #4971. The white overglaze examples are usually in catalogs and are considered rare.
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References
Anonymous (2021). Private collection.
Arbenz, P. (1976-1978). Hummel Facts. Pat’s Columns Reprinted from The Plate Collector.
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). Blackwell Auctions. 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/
gorgasnegras (2021). Gorgasnegras store on eBay. Retrieved from https://ww.ebay.com/usr/gorgasnegras?_trksid=p2053788.m1543.l2754
Luckey, C. F., & Genth, D. A. (2003). Luckey’s Hummel figurines & plates: Identification and price guide. Iola, Wis: Krause.
Miller, R. L. (2006). The no. 1 price guide to M.I. Hummel: Figurines, plates, more. 10th Edition. Cumberland, MD: Portfolio Press.
Miller, R. L., Ehrmann, E. W., & Pfeiffer, W. (1989). M.I. Hummel: The Golden Anniversary Album.
Recklinghausen, H. A. V. (2013). Official M. I. Hummel Price Guide, 2nd edition.
WorthPoint (2020). WorthPoint, Discover, Value, Store. Retrieved from https://www.worthpoint.com/