How to Identify Hummels

Adorable figurines, most depicting children with pudgy cheeks and angelic eyes, the ceramic creations manufactured by Franz Goeble in Germany, take their inspiration from the distinct artistry of a Franciscan nun, Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel. Over the years, the identifying markings of a Hummel have changed but there are still well-known patterns.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Determine the age of a Hummel produced between 1934 and 1950 by looking at the bottom of the figurine for one of two different markings. The first is the name “Goebel” stamped in cursive handwriting with a simple crown above the name. The second features the same crown but underneath is an abstract pattern resembling a wide “W” with the letter “G” superimposed on top.
2. Search for additional ink stamps on early figurines that include the letter “V” with a distinct bumblebee within its lines. The word “Germany” appears stamped in small letters on some pieces but not all.
3. Look for a limited manufacturing run on select figurines, revealed by a stamped number on the bottom in addition to the company markings. Goebel produced limited editions of some figurines he felt were highly collectible.
4. Find a base rim signature on a few Hummel figurines produced around the time of WWII, that read “M. I. Hummel ©” followed by the wide “W” marking. Only a small number of these figurines that identify the contribution by Sister Hummel are in existence.
5. Observe the addition of the phrase, “W. Germany” either beside or under the “V” and honeybee symbol. For a couple of years before 1972, this phrase appeared on some figurines.
6. Identify various Hummel figurines, produced after 1972 by the inclusion of the name, “Goebel” and the traditional honeybee appearing above the name.
7. Notice that after 1991, the initial “W” disappeared from figurines that bore the “W. Germany” stamp, two years after the fall of the Berlin wall when the West and East portions of Germany were reunited.

Tips & Warnings

• The distinct artistry of Hummel figurines is as much a trademark as the identifying stamps that appear on the bottoms of the figures.