You might know someone who collects Hummel figurines – those figurines of cherubic children at play or dutifully marching off to school, satchel in hand. Or perhaps you’re a collector yourself, boasting a sizable group of figurines displayed prominently in an antique cabinet or on a bookshelf or table. You’re certainly not alone; those precious porcelain treasures have enjoyed a cultlike following for decades.

An idea created in a convent

The figurines come from the most humble of beginnings. Sister Maria Innocentia, born Berta Hummel in Bavaria in 1909, possessed an artistic talent from a young age. The young Berta would tap into her blossoming imagination to sketch and paint idyllic scenes on postcards. In 1927, she moved to nearby Munich, Germany, in order to fine-tune her talent; however, a higher calling from God would lead Berta to a convent in the early 1930s, where she would take the name Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel.

“Within the walls and the beautiful surroundings of the centuries-old convent, she created the paintings and drawings that were to make her famous. Within these sacred confines, her artistic desires enjoyed unbounded impetus,” according to a 2021 article by Hummel expert Heidi Ann von Recklinghausen in Antique Trader. “As she adjusted to convent life, Maria Innocentia found fulfillment in teaching art to kindergarteners and leading the convent’s Vestments Department, designing clerical robes, church altar cloths and banners. She also began to sketch the endearing pictures of children that would someday make her famous.”

The children depicted in Sister Innocentia’s drawings all shared a distinct look, helping her work stand out among others, von Recklinghausen writes.
“These were stylized images of country children going to school, making music, playing simple games. The colors were muted, the style loose and sketchy. And the children were enchanting. Cheeks were plump, hair windswept,” she writes. “Shoes were too big, and socks sagged. The artwork was published in a variety of forms, including postcards, and Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel began to develop a reputation as a fresh talent in the world of religious art.”

Hummel figurines take shape

Though Sister Innocentia died of tuberculosis in 1946, she would live to see the children depicted in her postcards come to life as figurines, all thanks to a German company that specialized in porcelain and fine earthenware. The company, W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik, had been founded in 1871. By the time he gained control of the company in 1929, the owner, Franz Goebel, had decades of experience in the industry, crafting a name for himself and his company throughout Europe. Goebel first learned of Sister Innocentia’s popular postcards in December 1933, and the Sisters at her convent asked Goebel himself to reproduce the cards in some form; Goebel decided they would be best created as a series of figurines.

From their introduction in 1935, the figures were a hit, and though production was paused throughout World War II, it quickly resumed immediately following the war.

“During the American Occupation, the United States Military Occupation Government allowed Goebel to resume operation. This included the production of Hummel figurines,” von Recklinghausen writes. “During this period, the figurines became quite popular among U.S. servicemen in the occupation forces, and upon their return to the United States, many brought them home as gifts. This activity engendered a new popularity for Hummel figurines.”

A mark of authenticity

Though original Hummels are plentiful, imitators still exist. To ensure yours is an authentic Hummel figurine, check for the trademarks. The original Crown Mark, for instance, was used in the earliest figures produced; it displays an image of a crown with the initials “WG” (for William Goebel) directly below it. An illustrated guide to this and other Hummel trademarks can be found at https://www.antiquetrader.com/collectibles/hummel-trademarks-identified.
In addition, according to Antique Trader, the signature “M.I. Hummel” at the base of the piece, along with a mold number, will both appear on authentic Hummels. Fake figurines will be missing those marks and lack detail in general.

Pricing for Hummels can vary significantly, but it is important to note that their value has declined over the years due to market saturation and decreasing popularity. Most are worth less than $100, but pieces that are both larger and rare, as well as those in perfect conditions with original box can fetch several thousand. It always helps to check sites such as eBay and Etsy – or one of the several Hummel price guides – for more specific numbers.
Of course, like so many other antique and vintage collectibles, Hummels’ value lies in their sentimentality or nostalgia, which is simply priceless.
“(Hummel figurines) have become symbols of carefree childhood – to the enjoyment of millions,” according to hummelgifts.com. “Collectors and admirers from all over the world agree that the artistic perfection and quality of an M.I. Hummel product are unique in the world.”