Hummel figurines are among the most recognized and widely collected porcelain figures in the world. Based on the drawings of Bavarian nun Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, these charming depictions of rosy-cheeked German children have been produced by W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik since 1935. A single rare piece in mint condition can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, while common later pieces fetch just a few dollars. Knowing how to read the mark on the bottom is the most important skill any Hummel collector can have.
History of Hummel Figurines
Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel (born Berta Hummel in 1909) was a Franciscan nun and gifted artist who studied at the Academy of Applied Arts in Munich before entering the convent at Siessen. Her whimsical drawings of Bavarian children caught the eye of Franz Goebel of W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik in Rodental, Germany. In 1935, Goebel and Sister Hummel signed a licensing agreement and the first figurines were introduced at the Leipzig Trade Fair that same year. Sister Hummel died of tuberculosis in 1946 at just 37 years old, but her artwork continues to inspire new figurines. The Hummel Foundation in Germany oversees her artistic legacy and approves all new releases to this day.
How to Date Hummel Figurines by TMK Mark
The single most important factor in identifying and valuing a Hummel figurine is the trademark (TMK) incised or stamped on the bottom. Goebel changed its trademark mark multiple times, making it possible to date virtually any piece within a few years. Here is the complete dating guide:
- TMK-1 (Crown Mark, 1935-1950): The earliest and most valuable mark. Features a crown above a W inside a circle with a bee and the letter 'V'. Pieces marked TMK-1 are pre-WWII or immediate postwar and command significant premiums. Look for 'Germany' (not 'West Germany') on these pieces.
- TMK-2 (Full Bee, 1950-1959): A large stylized bee flying inside and above the letter V. Also called the 'Goebel Bee' mark. Very collectible; complete sets of early production numbers in this mark are especially sought after.
- TMK-3 (Stylized Bee, 1960-1972): The bee becomes more abstract and sits inside the V. The words 'W. Germany' often appear in conjunction with this mark. Still desirable but more common than TMK-1 and TMK-2.
- TMK-4 (Three Line Mark, 1964-1972): Goebel printed three lines of text below the V-bee during a transition period. Pieces can show TMK-3 and TMK-4 elements simultaneously.
- TMK-5 (Last Bee, 1972-1979): A small bee sits atop the 'G' in Goebel. The word 'Goebel' appears prominently for the first time. Values begin to drop with this mark as production increased substantially.
- TMK-6 (Missing Bee, 1979-1990): The bee is gone entirely. Simply reads 'Goebel W. Germany'. Most common mark found at estate sales and antique malls. Values are generally modest.
- TMK-7 (United Goebel, 1991-1999): Germany reunification removed 'W.' and the mark reads 'Goebel Germany'. Some pieces include a copyright year.
- TMK-8 (Goebel with Crown, 2000-2008): The crown returned to the mark above the Goebel name. Goebel sold its Hummel rights in 2008.
- TMK-9 (Manufaktur Rodental, 2009-present): New ownership introduced this mark. Modern pieces are collectible as first editions but have not yet developed secondary market premiums.
Most Valuable Hummel Figurines
Most Hummel figurines sell in the $10 to $75 range at today’s market. But certain pieces in early marks or from limited production runs command dramatically higher prices. These are the pieces every serious collector and estate sale shopper should know:
- Adventure Bound (HUM 347): A seven-figure group depicting children setting off on a journey. In TMK-2, this can reach $5,000 to $8,000. One of the largest and most complex Hummel pieces ever produced.
- The Mail Is Here (HUM 226): A rare stagecoach scene. TMK-2 examples have sold for $2,000 to $4,000 at auction.
- Ring Around the Rosie (HUM 348): Four children holding hands in a circle. Very complex to produce; TMK-3 examples fetch $1,500 to $3,000.
- Merry Wanderer (HUM 11): One of the most iconic Hummel designs, but value depends entirely on mark and size. A large (12-inch) TMK-1 example can reach $3,000, while a small TMK-6 piece sells for under $20.
- Little Fiddler (HUM 2 and HUM 4): Another early design where mark dramatically affects value. Crown mark (TMK-1) pieces in 11-inch size have sold for $1,200 to $2,500.
- Apple Tree Boy and Apple Tree Girl (HUM 142 and HUM 141): In large sizes (18-inch) with early marks, pairs can reach $1,500 to $3,000 together.
- Spring Cheer (HUM 72): Early examples of this girl holding flowers are deceptively valuable. TMK-1 examples regularly bring $800 to $1,500.
- International figures: Hummel produced a small series of figures in folk costumes from various countries. These low-production pieces in early marks can fetch $2,000 or more each.
Hummel Figurine Values by TMK Mark
As a general guide, here is how the trademark mark affects value for a typical common figurine design in excellent condition:
- TMK-1 (Crown Mark, 1935-1950): $200 to $2,000+ depending on size and design
- TMK-2 (Full Bee, 1950-1959): $75 to $600
- TMK-3 (Stylized Bee, 1960-1972): $50 to $200
- TMK-4 (Three Line, 1964-1972): $40 to $150
- TMK-5 (Last Bee, 1972-1979): $30 to $100
- TMK-6 (Missing Bee, 1979-1990): $15 to $60
- TMK-7 (United Goebel, 1991-1999): $10 to $40
- TMK-8 and TMK-9 (2000-present): $10 to $30 for most common pieces
How to Identify Authentic Hummel Figurines
Hummel figurines have been widely reproduced and imitated. Here is how to authenticate a piece before buying:
- Check the bottom mark first: Every genuine Hummel has a Goebel trademark incised or stamped on the base. If the bottom is blank or shows an unfamiliar mark, it is not a Goebel Hummel.
- Look for the HUM number: Authentic pieces have an incised model number beginning with 'HUM' or just the number alone. Common reproductions omit this entirely.
- Feel the mold quality: Genuine Hummels have crisp detail with no blurring. Reproductions often have soft, indistinct facial features and muddy clothing folds.
- Check the color palette: Authentic Hummels use Goebel's characteristic pastel palette. Bright, saturated colors or an overly glossy finish are warning signs.
- Beware of 'Hummel-like' figurines: Erich Stauffer, Goebel's own 'Berta' line, and many Japanese-made pieces depict similar children but are NOT Hummel. They have their own collector markets but are worth far less than genuine Hummels.
- Box and certificate: Post-1970 pieces sold with original box and certificate of authenticity command a 20-30% premium over unboxed examples at auction.
Hummel Plates
In addition to three-dimensional figurines, Goebel produced a highly popular series of annual collector plates beginning in 1971. The first plate, ‘Heavenly Angel’ (1971), is by far the most valuable in the series, selling for $500 to $900 in mint condition with box. Subsequent annual plates (1972 to 1995) are generally valued between $20 and $60 each. The key factors for Hummel plate values are: the 1971 first edition commands the largest premium, plates must be in perfect condition with no chips or crazing, and original boxes and certificates add 20-30%. A complete run of all annual plates is a significant collection that attracts serious buyers.
Condition Standards for Hummel Figurines
Condition is the second most important factor after mark in determining Hummel value. The standard grading terms used by dealers and auction houses are:
- Mint in Box (MIB): Never displayed, original box and paperwork intact. Commands the highest price, 30 to 50% above excellent for earlier marks.
- Excellent: No chips, cracks, repairs, or fading. Light crazing on the glaze is acceptable on pre-1960 pieces. This is the standard for most auction house estimates.
- Very Good: Tiny base chip (visible only when picked up) or minor color fading. Reduces value by 20-40% from excellent.
- Good: Visible chip, hairline crack, or obvious color loss. Reduces value by 50-70%. Still collectible for very rare pieces.
- Repaired/Restored: Professional repair detected under blacklight or magnification. Reduces value by 60-80%. Disclosure of restoration is required by reputable dealers.
- Poor: Major damage, missing elements, or heavy crazing. Generally only suitable for display at very low prices.
Where to Buy and Sell Hummel Figurines
The Hummel market has shifted dramatically since the collecting peak of the 1980s and 1990s. Common TMK-6 and later pieces sell readily on eBay for $10 to $40, making it easy to find current market prices. For rarer early-mark pieces, Skinner, Morphy Auctions, and local regional auction houses that specialize in decorative arts will achieve the best results. Estate sales remain one of the best sources for finding underpriced early-mark figurines, as heirs often do not know the significance of the mark on the bottom. Antique malls and dealer shows frequently have Hummels priced by retail guide books from the 1990s, which were written during a period of much higher prices. Always check recent completed eBay sales before paying any guide-book price.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hummel Figurines
Are Hummel figurines worth anything today?
Most Hummel figurines with TMK-5 marks or later (made after 1972) are worth $10 to $50 in today’s market. The collectible boom of the 1980s drove prices far above current levels. However, early-mark pieces (TMK-1 through TMK-3) and certain rare designs remain genuinely valuable, with the rarest examples selling for $2,000 to $8,000 at auction.
How do I know if my Hummel is valuable?
Flip the piece over and look at the bottom. Find the Goebel trademark mark and match it to the TMK dating guide above. A Crown Mark (TMK-1) or Full Bee (TMK-2) indicates a pre-1960 piece worth researching further. Then check the size: larger figurines (8 inches and up) are always worth more than the standard 4 to 6-inch size. Finally, search the HUM number on completed eBay listings to see recent actual selling prices.
What is the most valuable Hummel figurine?
Adventure Bound (HUM 347) is generally considered the most valuable production Hummel, with TMK-2 examples selling for $5,000 to $8,000. The piece depicts seven children, making it the most complex and expensive to produce. Ring Around the Rosie (HUM 348) and The Mail Is Here (HUM 226) are also among the top value pieces.
Where can I sell my Hummel figurines?
eBay is the most efficient marketplace for common TMK-5 through TMK-8 pieces. For early-mark and rare pieces, regional auction houses that specialize in decorative arts will attract serious collectors and achieve better prices than online marketplaces. Local antique dealers will typically offer 30 to 50% of retail value if buying outright. The Hummel Collectors Club maintains an active membership with a buy-sell network.
Are there fake Hummel figurines?
Yes, many imitation Hummel-style figurines exist. The most common are Japanese-made pieces from the 1950s through 1980s, Erich Stauffer figurines, and various Goebel-produced non-Hummel lines. These are not worthless, but they are not genuine Hummels and should not be priced as such. Always look for the Goebel trademark and the incised HUM model number to confirm authenticity.
What does the bee on a Hummel mean?
The bee was part of Goebel’s trademark from 1950 onward. The ‘V’ and bee together were Goebel’s corporate logo during this period, representing the company’s connection to its hometown of Rodental. The presence, size, and style of the bee is the key to dating pieces from 1950 through 1979 using the TMK system. After 1979, the bee was removed from the mark entirely.