Hummel figurines are one of the most identifiable porcelain collectibles in the world. The children are based on the drawings of Sister Maria Innocentia, Berta Hummel (1909-1946) that was. She was educated in applied arts, and she taught drawing in the local schools. Her drawings depict the children and their activities in early Twentieth Century Bavaria. Eventually the drawings were published, and came to the attention of Franz Goeble, founder of the Goeble Porcelain Company. After working out terms with the convent, Goeble was given exclusive rights to create 3-D figurines based on the Sister’s drawings. The first was produced in 1935, and production continues today.

The charm of these boy and girl figures is the window they give us to a different way of life, where the book satchel was an important possession and children had farm chores. I had a couple of these figurines from early childhood, and I had a hard time relating to them until I got considerably older. Once I was old enough to recognize the source of the activities was another time and place, then the figurines began to mean more to me. Unfortunately, it was after a shelf crash rendered them non-mint condition, but now I wouldn’t sell them anyway.

This brings up a couple of technical matters. Make sure you buy the real thing. Other manufacturers, most notably in Japan and China, emulate these figures because they are so popular. The real figurines do not shine. The process used in creating them leaves a matte finish. Also, true Hummels will have the trademarks. A little research will let you know the true marks so you can be sure of the manufacturer. Also, buy from reputable merchants to be sure they are authentic. The merchant should have a 100% money back guarantee if you are not satisfied, whether you buy online or locally.

Leave all paper labels on the figurine, and where they were placed by the manufacturer. If you display the figurine, make sure the furniture or shelf is stable (learn from my mistake), and glass enclosed is better. If your figurine gets dirty, consult with someone knowledgeable before you clean it. If it gets broken, have someone in the porcelain repair business do the repair, after you have seen examples of their work.

There have been so many Hummels made that the best bet for the collector today is to join the official collectors club. The official web site is: http://www.mihummel.com/. If you are interested in older Hummels, learn the marks, then buy the ones you like. They may never be worth more then you pay for them, but if you like them, that doesn’t matter. There are lots of books about the figurines, and you should compare the prices listed before you decide on a fair price for a figurine you are looking at buying.

If you like depictions of children in their innocence, then Hummels are for you. Hummels also make nice birthday gifts for both boys and girls, although they will be disappointed in not being able to play with them. In the long run they may be a better choice than regular toys that get worn or broken and are thrown out.

Visit my Hummel Collectibles lens to see Hummel figures currently for sale, and books about Hummel collectibles.

* * * Look for Hummel ceramic canisters for your kitchen. * * *

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