How to Find Hummel Prices

The distinctive look of M.I. Hummel figurines was conceived by Berta Hummel, who began drawing as a child and honed her skills at the Munich Academy of Applied Arts in 1927. After becoming a Franciscan nun, Sister Hummel's popular drawings were printed as postcards. In 1935, the Goebel porcelain company translated her work into three-dimensional figures. Today, these figurines with humble origins have become hot collectibles with some pieces worth thousands of dollars. Learn how to use a variety of resources to determine the value of your Hummel collection.

Instructions

1. Determine the age of your Hummel. Older figures are highly collectible and buyers are often willing to pay more for them. Determine the age of your piece using the Goebel maker's mark found on the underside of the piece. The maker's mark has changed over the years, from 1935's stylized symbol to the current mark which clearly features the name "Goebel." Match the mark on your figure to the chart of Goebel manufacturer's marks found at the Antique HQ website.

2. Know the model and size of your figurine. The underside of a Hummel figure is marked with a model number (HUM) and the size (shown in Arabic and Roman numerals). When researching the price of a Hummel, make sure you reference these numbers. That way you can be certain the price given is for the same model and size in which you are interested.

3. Look through pricing guidebooks. Take a trip to a local bookstore or library to find Hummel collectors' books that include pricing information. Look for the most current publication dates available, as prices do fluctuate. Some examples of pricing guides are "The Official Hummel Price Guide" by Heidi Von Recklinghausen, "No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines, Plates, Miniatures, & More" by Robert L. Miller, or "Bakertowne's Price Guide For M.I. Hummel" by Tammy Kahn Fennell, Matthew Fennell and Lou Kahn.

4. Consult an online price guide. Internet price guides are a convenient and quick resource. Many guides list both the original retail price of Hummel items and current fair market value. While there are price guides that only list Hummel items, the website Kovels.com is a good general pricing resource.

5. Check the marketplace. Any Hummel figurine is worth only as much as someone is willing to pay. The website WorthPoint is a resource for finding completed auction prices, and also includes how much items have sold for at online antiques stores. Be aware that this site is a subscription service.

References

• About M.I. Hummel
• Value of Your Hummel: Antique HQ
• Don's Collectibles: Hummel Authentication and Trademarks Explained
• "The Official Hummel Price Guide"; Heidi Von Recklinghausen; 2010
• "No. 1 Price Guide to M.I.Hummel Figurines, Plates, Miniatures, & More"; Robert L. Miller; 2006
• "Bakertowne's Price Guide For M.I. Hummel"; Tammy Kahn Fennel, et al; 2008

Resources

• M.I. Hummel Figurine and Collectibles Value Guide
• M.I. Hummel Price Guide
• Antique & Collectibles Price Guide: Kovels.com
• Antiques, Art and Collectibles: What's It Worth: WorthPoint
• A Hummel History