What are "M.I. Hummel" Figurines?

M.I. Hummel figurines are small ornamental figures made of porcelain, the highest grade of ceramic. These three-dimensional figurines are adaptations from original drawings and paintings of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel. These adaptations are all approved before production by the Franciscan Convent at Siessen, Germany, where Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel lived until her death in 1946. All master models created from Sister Hummel's originals are and always have been subject to convent approval since they were first issued in 1935. A special licensing and royalty agreement between the convent and the Goebel company specifies this approval.

Authentic M.I. Hummel figurines are only made by the W. Goebel Company and can be distinguished from any other figurines in a very simple way. A genuine M.I. Hummel figurine must have a facsimile signature incised somwhere on the figure or edge of the base. Unless this incised facsimile signature is on the figurine, it is probably not a genuine M.I. Hummel Figurine. Although the W. Goebel Company did vary many of their other marks, collectors can be grateful that in the application of the facsimile signature they were both consistent and persistent. Some of the very small designs only two or three inches high are difficult to mark so that the resulting signature is indistinct on some but it should be there and it worth the hunt.

M.I. Hummel figurines are not only signed but are probably one of the best marked ceramic objects that have been made since porcelain was rediscovered. This excellent marking makes collecting them a joy because of the story that unfolds when one learns to read the marks on the bottom of every piece. Because of the nearly infinite combinations and variations of markings, in almost every instance two important questions, "Who made it?" and "When was it made?" can be answered with some assurance. Since 1870, the W. Goebel company has used more than twelve different trademarks although some of them are a minor variation of one theme.

The marks of interest to M.I. Hummel figurine buyers are those from 1935 to date. In this article, all trademark information have been condensed to conform to the manner in which most collectors are already using it today.

These trademarks have been applied as conscientiously as the facsimile signature "M.I. Hummel." In the early days the trademarks were also applied by incising. Later trademarks are stamped in blue ink after the first firing and before the final firing so that they are under the glaze and practically tamper-proof. A study of the pictures of the actual figurine back stamps shows that for many years only an insignia rather than the name of the manufacturer was used. The use of an insignia rather than a name is a common practice among porcelain manufacturers. In 1950 this insignia became the "Full Bee." Since the words "Das Hummele" mean "busy bee", an association between this logo of the W. Goebel Company and Hummel figurines evolved to the point of confusion for many buyers. All Hummel trademarks are the logo of the W. Goebel Company itself and are used by them on all their products from figurines to dinnerware.

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