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

Product Information

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 After graduating with honors from the State School of Applied Arts in Munich in 1931, Berta joined the Franciscan Sisters of Siessen, where she was given the name of Maria Innocentia. 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.

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. 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 decided to render Hummel’s drawings as porcelain figurines. After initial resistance, M.I. Hummel agreed, reserving the right to choose the official color palette and approve every single figurine.As you can see in the picture above, it’s easy to identify the shape and style of the bee and V symbols. A full bee is typically depicted in older models, and the image pays homage to Hummel, whose name means “bumblebee” in German. Produced for the 25th anniversary of the Hummel figurine, “Ring Around the Rosie” depicts four little girls holding hands and playing in a circle.

Forgeries often weigh less than real Hummel figurines. The Goebel company uses a specific porcelain mix which makes the final product feel rather solid. Copies frequently use cheaper materials like chalk, plaster, or even plastic. 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 FigurinesIn 1940, Germany stopped sending products for Dubler to sell. Faced with huge demand, Dubler decided to create new products that closely followed the original art of M.I Hummel but were designed and manufactured in New York. 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. From the master, copies were produced, molding numerous figurine parts using liquid ceramic. Complex figurines are made from up to 40 individual pieces, which are molded separately and joined later. Conceived by Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel—a prolific German artist and Franciscan nun—the first figurines were produced by Franz Goebel in 1935.

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.First, an artwork of Maria Innocentia Hummel was selected for the new figurine. She was so prolific in her drawings, new figurines continued to be produced long after her death. Once you’re sure of the type, authenticity, and you have a ballpark of it’s worth, it’s time to make some cash. Here are the most popular ways you can sell your Hummel figurines: Auction Houses