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

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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

In 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. 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 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. Produced for the 25th anniversary of the Hummel figurine, “Ring Around the Rosie” depicts four little girls holding hands and playing in a circle. When the Nazi regime came into power, all religious schools, including the Sisters of Siessen, were closed down. M.I.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. If the Hummel figurines are part of an estate that you inherited or need to clear, consider organizing an estate sale. If advertised properly, the Hummel figurines can be the main selling point of the event and attract collectors who might buy other items as well.

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. Each figurine has the so-called Hummel or HUM number. It’s a 1 – 4 digit number that identifies its model. For example, Adventure Bound is #347. Figurines produced in different sizes, also have designators appended to the HUM. 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. There is a good chance to sell your valuable Hummel figurines at a fair price, though you never know with auctions. Estate SalesExcept for a few short breaks during World War II and in the early 2000s, the figurines have been in continuous production, breathing life into hundreds of M.I Hummel’s drawings. M.I. Hummel’s Life & Figurine Conception A good way to liquidate the value of your Hummel figurine is to sell it at an auction. Most auction companies organize collectible auctions, advertised to networks of knowledgeable collectors and traders. Larger figurines and those with a base also received M.I. Hummel’s signature. HUM Numbers and Other Nomenclatures We are now inviting entries for our forthcoming sales. If you have items you would like to consign, please request a free valuation using the link below.

A master sculptor then created a clay figurine from the drawing, spending weeks perfecting the shapes, lines, and features in an effort to stay as close to Hummel’s work as possible. Once the sculpture was approved, a master model was made. Bottom etched number – used throughout the periods for signifying things like production year or release year. Sometimes, it’s just another factory control number. 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) 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). The process to render the drawing into a completed porcelain figurine could take months and each step received the approval of the Sisters of Siessen. With all the work that goes into making these figurines, it’s no wonder that they’re so highly prized. World War II & Its ImpactGoebel 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. 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. Finally, real Goebel-made Hummels use a specific color palette defined by Maria Innocentia herself. Fake Hummels are usually colored similarly, but not quite the same, making it easy to spot a reproduction.

The first thing you need to do is look for the Goebel trademark, also known as a TMK, at the bottom of your Hummel figurine. It was at the convent that sister Hummel started drawing sweet children with rosy cheeks performing daily tasks. The drawings represented her childhood in Bavaria—scenes of innocence and sincerity.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. Eclectic grouping to include (4) Royal Albert porcelain Beatrix Potter figures, each with chips and damage, Beatrix Potter book, painted watering can, assorted Clarice Cliff style table items, (4) Royal Copenhagen cups and ramekin, Royal Copenhagen plates, Rumah Manis hand painted plate and bowl Bali, pottery plates, art pottery bowl, art glass vessel with chips at rim and brass pierced stand, This lot is consigned from the Personal Collection of Vladimir Kagan, 1927-2016. It was removed from his offices in Northern NJ." 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. So, how can you tell if you have an authentic Hummel or merely a copycat? TMK Mark / Goebel Trademark These numbers are usually cast with the figurine or incised in the soft porcelain, so they are a permanent identification feature. Cross-referencing the HUM number online will easily tell you the name of the figurine and give you additional information about it.