Background information:
Hummels are the artistic designs of Sister M.I. Hummel, recreated in three-dimensional fine German porcelain by the artists at Goebels beginning in 1935. They were originally sold in America at the Marshall Field and Co. department store of Chicago. US soldiers also bought them in Germany and sent them home as gifts for loved ones.
Hummel figurines are identified by numbers that run from 1-396. Hummel figurines have a wide range of values based on the “marks” and the age, the condition, size, and rarity. Hummels are not one-of-a-kind pieces. Many figurines were produced in up to three different sizes, (generally, the larger sizes are more valuable), and many were produced for multiple years. The first, or earliest year’s production is almost always the most valuable to collectors. Hummel figurines are highly sought after by collectors with several models valued at hundreds, even thousands, of dollars per piece. Pieces such as “For Father”, “Apple Tree Girl”, “Globe Trotter”, “Little Goat Herder”, and “Going to Grandmas” are good examples of valuable collectibles.