The Beswick Price Guide: Price and Colour Guide to Beswick Pottery Collectables

Product Information

By that time, Dr. Herbert Dubler and Ars Sacra had already established a New York-based distribution company. Dubler brought a number of Hummel’s products from Germany into the United States market—postcards, folders, and later figurines. Goebel first started with TMK-1 (oldest) and moved all the way through TMK-8 (newest). Suffice to say, if you have a TMK-2 or a TMK-3, your Hummel is older and worth more. Some were in production for many years. Lesser known breeds, such as Galloways, had shorter runs and consequently rank high on the most-wanted list. From flamingo wall plaques to an outsize 'fireside' model of the popular penguin series, there are rarities in all subject areas. Some models were simply made in small numbers. Others are rare only in certain colours (the emergence of a model in 'trial' colours will always excite collectors) or in glaze variations (some figures were available in either matt or gloss finishes). You’ve probably seen a Hummel figurine atop somebody’s fireplace—a sweet child reading a book, playing music, or going about their daily task. These porcelain figurines embody the simple beauty of the early 20th century Bavarian countryside.

There is a good chance to sell your valuable Hummel figurines at a fair price, though you never know with auctions. Estate Sales It’s very easy to tell a forgery from an authentic Hummel figurine if you put them side by side and know what to look for. In addition to carrying the unique style and proportions of Maria Innocentia’s original drawings as well as its TMK mark and identification symbols, be on the lookout for the following when trying to decipher if your Hummel is authentic or not: Features Factory control number – a small 2-digit number hand-painted or incised used to signify who assembled the Hummel figurine. Realism and accuracy were key to their appeal: as the desirable characteristics of Hereford cattle changed over time so did Gredington's models of the breed.Larger versions range from 9 ½ to 10 inches tall and are permanently retired by Goebel. This makes them extra valuable if presented in good condition. Forever Friends (#2255) Prices three times those paid a decade previously were not uncommon and collectors were prepared to overlook damage to acquire scarce models. In 1939 Arthur Gredington was appointed chief modeller and they began producing farm animal figurines. Arthur Gredington’s range of 190 Rearing Horsemen is one of the largest (and most popular amongst collectors) ever produced by the company. Under decorating manager Jim Hayward, there was a shift towards lifelike animal pieces, including cats, dogs, farm animals, fish and wild animals. Continued expansion enabled the acquisition of the adjoining factory in 1945 to accommodate offices, warehousing and new potting and firing facilities. A boy or a girl figurine sitting on an apple tree branch. These can be sold individually or as a set. Some of the early models (tmk-1, tmk-2, and tmk-3) are among the highest-priced Hummel figurines ever. Modelled in 1987 by the studio's latter day chief designer Graham Tongue, it depicts a pit pony called Kruger who retired from the Chatterley Whitfield colliery in 1931. A run of four (or possibly five) was made to mark a royal visit to the colliery in 1987.

This piece was produced in 1000 units, which makes it an extremely rare Hummel figurine. It’s even more valuable with the porcelain identification plaque, which came with the original figurines. Where to Sell Hummel Figurines

Refine your search

Added to these are the surprisingly avant garde models by Colin Melbourne - the so-called CM series of the late 1950s - that have long polarised opinion in the collecting community. As cutting edge as Gredington was traditional, Melbourne is today much admired by the 'Festival of Britain' generation. One of the most popular Hummel figurines is “Adventure Bound.” The scene depicts six characters, equipped with a large spear and a lantern, venturing into the world. The Fine Art sale at Potteries Auctions on November 10 included a version of model 818 in Painted Gloss White. Larger figurines and those with a base also received M.I. Hummel’s signature. HUM Numbers and Other Nomenclatures

So, how can you tell if you have an authentic Hummel or merely a copycat? TMK Mark / Goebel Trademark Demand – Some figurines are just more popular than others, like Stormy Weather #71 and Merry Wanderer #7.Born in 1909 in Massing, Germany, Berta Hummel was encouraged by her parents to develop her artistic talent. When speaking of her creative insight, her mother, Victoria Hummel, said “… a bunch of pretty flowers, a pleasing child’s face, a beautiful evening mood, an autumnal forest. All these things could delight her and she would stand and look and look, for what seemed like an eternity.” Goebel produced the first Hummel figurines in 1935 and production continues until this day. Each one goes through a long, painstaking process involving multiple artisan sculptors, master mold makers, and painters. If you can, compare your figurine to a verified original, to ensure their features are the same. Weight

In the early 1930s, Hummel’s drawings were published as postcards by Munich-based publisher Ars Sacra. They soon caught the eye of Franz Goebel—master porcelain maker and owner of the W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik. Ironically the more commercially successful the model the less valuable it will probably be (as a general rule, chestnut brown horse models are common and therefore not as expensive as others) but even among easy-to-find figures collectors will make distinctions.

M.I. Hummel’s enticing designs made for lots of copycats, imitations, and pieces inspired by her drawings. In addition to the pieces made during World War II, Asian manufacturers have flooded the market with copies and reproductions, which are worth considerably less. After Hummel’s death in 1946, this right was transferred to an Artistic Board of the Sisters of Siessen, who continue to closely guard Hummel’s philosophy and artistic style to this day. Franz Goebel & Figurine Production Each Goebel-produced figurine is stamped with the company logo. Different logos were used in different periods, which makes it easy to identify how old your Hummel is.