The aura of the innocent cherubs and the human figures made up of porcelain has always fantasized many. These charming collectable figurines manufactured under the name of Hummel figurines are a dream possession for the collectors worldwide. There are many who have just begun with the passion of collecting antiques. The name Hummel Figurines, its history and its worth is unknown for these beginners. If you want to know more about the much talked about figurines then continue reading since these figurines are worth enough to keep you hooked onto it.
Flashback
Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, through whom the Hummel Figurines got its name, was an artist residing in Germany during the 1930s. Her drawings mainly comprising of the postal drawings of children was popularized by the Swiss art publisher as – ‘the art cards’. Franz Goebel, the chief of W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik, was a proficient porcelain maker. He was so much inspired by the innocence and freshness of the drawings that he acquired the rights from Sister Maria Hummel to give her drawings the form of porcelain figures. On January 9, 1935 the agreement was signed between Sister Hummel and Goebel. The first Hummel porcelain figurines were introduced in the market in 1935 at the Leipzig Spring Fair. The porcelain making skills of Goebel popularized the figurines even more than the drawings. But the popularity of these figurines during those times was limited only to the German immigrants in U.S. During the World War II the manufacture of the figurines was considerably reduced. Post World War II the American soldiers posted in Germany purchased these figurines and began sending them home as gifts! Since then the figurines have been a favorite collecting item. The price of these figurines saw its peak in the market during the 1970s. Currently, these figurines are still considered prestigious to be owned by the passionate collectors and are manufactured by Manufaktur Rödental.
At the age of 37, Sister Hummel passed away. The Convent of Siessen where Sister Hummel lived appointed an Artistic Board as the guardian of the brilliant legacy of Sister. Drawings for these figurines are still sketched at the Convent of Siessen with the same dedication and love.
Current Status
Currently Hummel Figurines are not priced as high as it once used to be. In fact some of these porcelain figurines may even be worth less than $50. If you are thinking to sell one of your prized porcelain figurines, you should check out its current rate. Any professional appraiser can tell you the current value of the figurine. Moreover, you can check and compare its value online. There are clubs dedicated to help the Hummel collectors to come together and expand their collections. But unfortunately, over the years many have lost their passion for these figurines.
The prices of these figurines are dependent on factors such as its age, rarity, condition, originality, etc. The current pricing trend of the new manufactured porcelain figurines of Hummel also varies the prices of the old antique figurines. Hence it is always safer for you to consult the latest price trend existing in the market.
Checking the authenticity
Every antique collector is often worried to think of the originality of his collections. How do you check for the authenticity of the Hummel Figurines? Every figurine bearing the name of the Hummel possess a stamped signature of Sister Maria along with the trademark of the manufacturing company, W. Goebel. Though, a few of the antiques miss out the stamped signature since there is no adequate space to display it. But, the trademark of the Goebel Company- its stamp would always stay on the figurine as a mark of its approval. Another confusing factor about the credibility is the trademark of the Goebel Company since it has changed many a times. But it becomes easier to differentiate the fake ones since all the stamps on the figurines manufactured by Goebel under the name of Hummel except the very first one possess a component which has never changed over the years – a small bumble bee. In German the word ‘Hummel’ means a bumble bee. Hence the bee on your porcelain figurine is the first basic measure to check for the authenticity of the figurine.
Handling the figurines
It is fairly an easy job to take care of the antique pieces of Hummel. You can always showcase your prized Hummel collection and boast of its classic beauty. But it is important that you dust it every now and then so as to maintain its quality and keep it clean. If it’s a real old porcelain figurine you can clean it using high pressurized gas which is also used to clean computers and electronic appliances. If there is any damage to the figurine, it can be repaired but of course, the repair would decrease the price of the piece when you are looking forward to sell it.
A quality product
These figurines are products manufactured in high quality. The drawings are approved by the board and are manufactured with elegance. Its more than 75 years since these remarkable pieces of arts were created. There are people who have lost their interest in the work of arts and do not grade these pieces highly yet there are a lot many collectors who are passionate about these figurines and love to showcase them. Many people have inherited these figurines or have received them as gifts. Hummel lovers are determined to continue the legacy for the love of these figurines.