Cox: Trademark can help date Hummel figurines
by Larry Cox on Sep. 05, 2008, under Uncategorized
Hummels items are collected throughout the world.
Question: I bought my first Hummel figurine while visiting Germany during the 1950s. Since then, I have found several dozen in shops and at garage sales. Do you think they are still viable as collector items and have values increased in recent years? Can you also recommend a good reference book so I can determine values for the various issues I now have.
- Dorothy, Green Valley
Answer: Hummel figurines were created in 1935 by Berta Hummel, a Franciscan nun also known as Sister M. Innocentia. The first issues were crafted and marketed by Franz Goebel of Goebel Art Inc., Rodental, West Germany. In addition to figurines, he offered plates, plaques and candy dishes in the line. Most pieces can be easily dated by the trademark. For example, Hummels crafted between 1935 and 1949 are identified with an incised or stamped “Crown WG” mark. The “Full Bee in V” mark was used until about 1959. The Schmid Brothers of Randolph, Mass., introduced the figurines to America and became Goebel’s U.S. distributor. In 1967, Goebel began marketing Hummels in North America, triggering several nasty lawsuits involving both companies. German courts eventually had to settle the legal mess.
There are two excellent reference books that I especially like.
Luckey’s Hummel Figurines & Plates: Identification and Price Guide by Carl F. Luckey and updated by Dean A. Genth (Krause, $27.95) features more than 3,000 listings for Hummel-related collectibles. The guide includes full descriptions with current production status, identification information and pricing for figurines, plaques, pins, patches, postcards, calendars, jewelry and miniatures. There are also tips on how to recognize fakes and forgeries.
The second reference, M.I. Hummel: Figurines, Plates, Miniatures & More by Robert L. Miller (Portfolio Press, $24.95) is considered by many to be the Hummel collector’s bible. Both guides are user-friendly and reflect current values.
Hummels are still a good investment but I have some advice: It is always better to invest in one or two superb pieces than acquire six or seven others that are just so-so. Hummel pieces issued before 1949 continue to climb in price, making them an excellent investment, especially if you purchased below book value.
Two of the better clubs for collectors are M.I, Hummel Club, Goebel Plazas, Route 31, P.O. Box 11, Pennington, NJ 08534; and Hummel Collector’s Club, Inc., 1261 University Drive, Yardley, PA 19067.
I have several letters written by the old silent screen star, Mary Miles Minter. Where can I sell them?
- Mark, Tucson
Roger Krueger is a collector and might be interested in your letters. His address is P.O. Box 741, Oak Park, IL 60303.
I have three handkerchiefs that were made during World War I and sold to soldiers as souvenirs. Is there a market for them?
- Bobby, Sierra Vista
Howard Averbach buys, sells, and collects patriotic/military silk embroideries and is the go-to person for information about this field of collecting. His address is 1919 Delaware Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15218.
In addition to his work for the Tucson Citizen, Larry Cox writes book reviews and a weekly collectibles column that are syndicated by King Features and distributed throughout the United States and Canada. E-mail: contactlarrycox@aol.com.
