The short answer
Many Hummel figurines sell for modest amounts today, often much less than they cost new, because large numbers were made and collected, and demand has fallen as collectors age. Some are worth more: figurines with early trademarks, scarce or discontinued models, large sizes, unusual variations and pieces in perfect condition. Reading the base tells you most of what you need.
1. What a Hummel is
M.I. Hummel figurines are porcelain figurines of children, based on drawings by Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, and were made for many decades by the German company Goebel. Goebel also made many other figurines, and other companies made similar-looking figures, so check for the "M.I. Hummel" signature, usually on the base or the back of the figure, along with the Goebel marks.
2. Read the base
- Hum number: an incised model number, often with "Hum" in front, identifies the model. A number or Roman numeral after a slash usually shows the size.
- Trademark: the stamped mark changed over the years, and collectors use these trademark periods (often called TMK-1, TMK-2 and so on) to date figurines. Earlier marks, such as the crown and the full bee marks, are generally more sought after than later ones.
- Other marks: copyright dates, artist marks and special edition or anniversary stamps. An incised copyright date is the date the model was designed, not necessarily when your piece was made.
Collector reference guides show each trademark with its approximate period, which lets you date a piece fairly closely.
3. What adds value
- early trademarks,
- scarce, discontinued or short-run models,
- larger sizes of popular models,
- known variations in colour or design,
- original boxes and certificates for later pieces.
Common models with later marks are the ones most likely to sell for little.
4. Condition
Damage lowers value sharply. Check the fingers, noses, hat brims, umbrellas, flowers and any thin pieces for chips and breaks. Look under a bright light for hairline cracks and for repairs, which can show as slight colour or gloss differences, or show up under ultraviolet light. Wear on the base is normal. Note fading and crazing too.
5. Price from sales of the same model
Search the Hum number with "Hummel" and the trademark, and compare sold prices for the same size and condition. Older price guides and collector catalogue values are often far above today's real sales, so rely on recent sold results. See how to research sold prices.
6. Where to sell
- Online marketplaces suit scarcer models and early marks; show the base clearly.
- Auctions and antique dealers suit large collections and rare pieces.
- Groups and lots suit common figurines, which often sell better together than one by one. See how to sell a collection all at once.
Pack each figurine separately with plenty of padding around thin parts.
Where WorthAI fits
WorthAI identifies an item from a photo, estimates a value range and shows the marketplace listings behind that estimate, so you can check the evidence yourself. For Hummel figurines, it gives a quick first read on the model. The trademark, Hum number and small repairs may not show in a photo of the front, so photograph the base too, tap Refine Result if the model is wrong, and check those details before you price.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Hummel figurine is valuable?
Look at the base for the Hum number and the trademark. Early trademarks, scarce or discontinued models, large sizes and known variations are the most likely to be worth more. Check condition carefully, then compare recent sold prices for the same model and mark.
What does the bee mark on a Hummel mean?
The bee is part of the Goebel trademark. Its style changed over the years, and collectors use those changes to date figurines. Earlier versions are generally more sought after than later ones.
Why are Hummel figurines worth less than they used to be?
Many were made and collected, and demand has fallen over time while lots of collections are being sold. Older price guide values are often higher than what figurines actually sell for today.