Buzz
Berta Hummel, born in 1909, later known as Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, was a talented artist and a member of the Third Order of St. Francis. In 1933, she and her fellow nuns at the Convent of Siessen organized an art exhibition to display her sketches. By 1934, her artwork started appearing on postcards, leading her to collaborate with W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik, a nearby porcelain manufacturer, to produce a sculpture based on one of her designs.
Franz Goebel, a co-owner of the porcelain company, recognized the immense potential in crafting premium figurines and struck a deal with the convent. Hummel maintained ultimate creative authority, with each piece bearing the engraved signature M I Hummel to ensure authenticity. (Most figurines also feature Hummel mold numbers, or HUM numbers, as unique identifiers, though not all include this marking.)
After debuting at the 1935 Leipzig Fair, Hummel figurines soared in popularity, especially in the U.S., where American soldiers stationed in Germany frequently sent them home as cherished gifts for their families.
Despite her untimely death in 1946 at just 37 years old, Hummel's creations have continued to captivate enthusiasts for decades. Their enduring appeal has fostered a vibrant collector community. To cater to this growing interest, the Goebel Collector’s Club was established in the U.S. in 1977, later rebranding as the M.I. Hummel Club as it expanded globally. In 2009, the responsibility for designing and producing the figurines shifted to Manufaktur Rödental GmbH.
Some Hummel figurines, owing to their scarcity, can command prices in the thousands on the resale market. (This makes it crucial to know how to identify counterfeits.) Both buyers and sellers often belong to the collector community. Here are a few of the most sought-after Hummel pieces currently available on eBay.
Goebel Hummel Disney Collection // Valued Up to $17,500
Prior to divesting the Hummel brand in 2009, Goebel collaborated with Disney to produce a series of figurines blending Hummel's signature style with beloved Disney characters. This line featured sculptures of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, among others. A signed Mickey figurine fetched more than $17,500 in 2017, while a salt-and-pepper set sold for $1500 in 2013. Additionally, a well-preserved “Too Shy to Ask” Mickey and Minnie figure garnered $1200 in the secondary market.
Large Umbrella Boy (HUM 152) // Valued Up to $4000
The scarcity of certain Hummel figurines often enhances their worth. While numerous Hummel pieces depict boys with umbrellas, this particular figure stands out due to its larger size. It features an older style of HUM numbering, missing the typical letter a that usually follows the number. Additionally, it carries a TMK-1 mark, signifying its production in the 1940s (the design debuted in 1942). These unique attributes likely contributed to its eBay listing price of $4000 in May 2024.
Merry Wanderer (HUM 7/I) // Valued Up to $3000
Known affectionately as the Merry Wanderer figurine, HUM 7/I is among the most replicated Hummel designs. Originally introduced in 1935, this beloved figure has been reproduced in various forms and sizes. One edition fetched almost $3000 in 2021, while others, such as this 1971 version, sold for around $1000. The version shown above is exceptionally rare. As part of the Goebel-Hummel agreement, Goebel created sample sculptures for approval by Hummel and the convent before mass production. This particular sample was listed on eBay in 2024 for approximately $2500.
Autumn Time (HUM 2200) and Harvest Time (HUM 2190) // Valued Up to $2700
Limited-edition figurines, by their very nature, are harder to come by, making them more valuable to collectors. Goebel produced only 1000 units each of the Autumn Time and Harvest Time designs. A matching set in excellent condition, complete with original packaging, sold for $2700 on eBay in July 2024.
Bee Creative (HUM 2365) // Valued Up to $1200
This Bee Creative figurine, part of the exclusive Moments in Time series, is both charming and evocative of nostalgia. A 1999 edition of this piece sold for nearly $1200 on eBay in 2023. Another version, in flawless condition with no cracks, chips, or glaze imperfections, fetched around $1000 in January 2024.
