When selling off the entire contents of a property, it is often the larger items such as furniture and cars that make an initial impression with buyers. However, curio and collectibles are always highly in demand, and when figurines and sculptures are authentic, it can often lead to a good profit from a single lot.
While some collectors are looking for single pieces to complete their own sets, many people are so devoted to their acquirements that they will happily purchase an entire line of the figurines that are made available. Hummel figurines are just one such item that we at Heritage Estate Sales come across frequently, and just as commonly we also come across clients who were not sure if they actually had the real deal.
Distinguishing Characteristics
When verifying Hummel figurines, the classic styling is not enough to go on. Many imitators have perfected the look of these porcelain sculptures, but that does not make them the valuable collectibles. Likewise, Goebel also produces other porcelain figurines and plates that are not actually Hummels. This can be confusing to many people who try to identify Hummel products by the BumbleBee trademark stamp. This insignia is a mark for Goebel, and while only Goebel makes a Hummel, not all Goebels are Hummels.
Several features are used in authenticating these delightful collectibles. The first is the “M.I. Hummel” designation, and this trademark is either stamped or inscribed on the underside of the sculpture. If this insignia is found elsewhere on the item, then the chances are that it is a reproduction.
Another important point to look for is the information that accompanies the stamp or inscription. Hummels are marked with a mode number, size indication, and year of releases. These will be present on all of the true sculptures. Occasionally, we will also find information that pertains to glaze and color codes, but this is not on all the figurines and plates, so its absence does not necessarily mean that the item is not authentic. The inscription, code numbers, and Goebel and BumbleBee distinctions are the primary clues that a person should be looking for.
Further Signs
While all Hummels are highly prized, some are more so than others. The Crown Edition marks some of the earliest of the porcelain collectibles, and these can be worth quite a bit of money. On these older editions there are often both a stamp and an inscription that is used, frequently with the crown being etched and the trademark bee stamped over the top. Although the crown designation has been re-introduced in recent years, modern Hummels are actually trademarked as a way of verifying authenticity, but it is always the originals that can be hardest to identify and also the most prized.
At our Heritage Estate Sales website, clients can look at some of the lots we have handled in the past, and see the attention to detail that we put into outlining everything that is for sale within a property. This includes the obvious larger items, but also the precious little things that are often the most cherished.