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Home > Member's Lounge > Ask Goebel
Ask Goebel
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about M.I. Hummel. If you have a question that's not answered below please send it via e-mail and we'll do our best to get you an answer. We look forward to hearing from you!
1. What is the value of my M.I. Hummel-Goebel figurine(s)?
Neither the M.I. Hummel Club nor Goebel of North America appraise products or provide the value of three-dimensional M.I. Hummel or Goebel collectibles. There are several reference books that list secondary market value ranges for M.I. Hummel products.
NOTE: There are no books on the value of Goebel items.
"The No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines, Plates, Miniatures & More..."
-by Robert L. Miller, 10th Edition, 2006.
"Luckey's Hummel Figurines & Plates"
-by Carl Luckey, 13th Edition.
Additionally the American Society of Appraisers at (703) 478-2228 can assist you with finding a personal property appraiser in your area.
In determining value, you must remember the actual price depends on what the buyer is willing to pay and the seller is willing to accept.
2. How can I sell my collection?
Club members can list their M.I.Hummel-Goebel figurines in our Collectors' Market, a computerized matching service. Send us an e-mail if you'd like to learn more, or you may click here for the Collectors' Market Form that you will need to complete and mail into Membership Services to participate. Another matching service is Replacements, Ltd. (1-800-737-5223) which buys and sells M.I. Hummel products.
You may wish to advertise in a local newspaper and/or look for an ad from an interested seller or buyer in:
Collector's News (1-800-352-8039)
Collector Magazine (1-800-345-3168)
These magazines are available in larger book stores. "The Directory to Secondary Market Retailers" lists over 200 retailers that buy and sell collectibles.
You may also contact the Goebel Networkers at P.O. Box 355, Hamburg, PA 19526 for information on how to join and receive their quarterly newsletter, Goebel Wise, which includes a buy and sell section.
3. What is the difference between M.I. Hummel and Berta Hummel products?
M.I. Hummel figurines are three-dimensional interpretations of the artwork of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel. M.I. Hummel figurines are produced by Goebel artisans in Germany. To maintain the high standards set by Sister Hummel and to ensure that the ceramic figurines are closely aligned with her drawings, the Convent of Siessen continues to approve every M.I. Hummel collectible before Goebel begins production. M.I. Hummel figurines are given on the most important of life's moments and are collected by thousands.
The entire Berta Hummel giftware line is inspired by Berta Hummel's imagery of children. (Berta was Sister Hummel's name before she entered the Convent.) Unlike M.I. Hummel figurines, Berta Hummel figurines are not literal interpretations of her drawings. They have been produced for casual gift-giving throughout the year. Berta Hummel products are sculpted by Goebel artisans, approved by the Convent of Siessen and produced in the Far East under the strict supervision of Goebel. They are authentic Hummel products.
4. Is StudioHummel authorized to sell Hummel?
StudioHummel is one of the many authorized retailers handling the Hummel line. StudioHummel is a division of The Bradford Group which specializes in the direct mail marketing of Goebel and Hummel products in special editions. All products marketed under the StudioHummel umbrella are officially authorized by Goebel and carry an authentic Goebel backstamp.
5. Why is there a hole in my figurine?
All M.I. Hummel-Goebel figurines must have either an air hole under the base or in the back under the arms or legs to allow air to escape during the firing process. In the early stages of production, the Goebel artisan pokes a hole in the soft figurine before it is fired to allow air to escape during the firing. A tiny piece of clay may get trapped in the figurine and harden into ceramic in the kiln, later causing it to rattle. This does not affect the quality of the figurine.
6. Why does my figurine have minute cracks in the glaze?
The existence of several minute cracks in the glaze of a ceramic object is called "crazing." As glaze is applied and fired onto the bisque figurine, the glaze may expand more than the ceramic body itself expands, resulting in tiny cracks in the glaze. Many factors of production may cause crazing. It is a natural condition that may develop as the ceramic material ages. Atmospheric conditions can play a part in this process.
Two ceramic restorers have announced a new service to correct crazing. You may contact Crazemasters at 1261 University Drive, Yardley, PA 19067-2857 and request free information pertaining to the decrazing process and "Guide to the Cost of Eliminating M.I. Hummel Crazing."
To help prevent "crazing":
- Do not display your figurines under a spotlight or in direct sunlight.
- Avoid exposing your figurines to extreme temperature changes and air pollution.
- Avoid excessive handling of the figurines.
- Inquire about previous storage before buying older figurines.
7. Why does my figurine appear to have a silver tint?
Goebel artists use a ceramic metallic oxide paint to handpaint M.I. Hummel figurines. Although the figurines are fired after they are handpainted, causing the paint to melt into the glaze of the figurine, certain conditions may result in the re-oxidation of this metallic paint. The good news is that oxidation can be removed often by throroughly cleaning the figurine. You may also contact a ceramic restorer.
8. Why can't I find my figurine on your price list?
Figurines which have been retired or temporarily withdrawn from production do not appear on the price list. The annual "Suggested Retail Price List" is to give our dealers an indication of the value we place on each of our products. It provides a valuation yardstick when you seek to purchase currently produced products. To determine the value of your retired or temporarily withdrawn figurine, please refer to a book on value, or an appraiser.
9. How can I have my broken figurine repaired?
Ceramic restoration is the fine craft of making a broken figurine, plate, or bell whole again with little or no trace of imperfection. The M.I. Hummel Club keeps a list of ceramic restorers who have been recommended by Club members. The M.I. Hummel Club has not had occasion to use the services of the shops listed, and therefore, cannot guarantee their workmanship. You may contact the M.I. Hummel Club by e-mail for a copy of this listing. Ceramic restorers in your area will be listed in the yellow pages of your local phone book.
10. How can I contact the factory for a visit behind the scenes?
Visitors can see Goebel artisans at work in a special demonstration area that has been set up at the factory. The Information Center in Roedental is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon. For a list of German holidays and a complete packet on visiting the factory, contact the M.I. Hummel Club via e-mail.
Click here to learn more about visiting the factory.
11. How can I identify the Goebel figurine I just purchased?
As a free service for Club members, the M.I. Hummel Club Research Department will search factory production books for M.I. Hummel Club members. We can provide the name of the sculptor and date modeled for most Goebel products. If we cannot locate information in our records, we will contact W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik for assistance. Research on Goebel Cats, Friar Tucks, and the Charlot Byj "Redheads" have been put into packets and are available for collectors by calling the Club. Research Services are provided for non-Club members at a fee of $45.00.
12. How can I clean my figurines?
Place your figurine on a flat surface. Cover the air hole. Take a clean shaving or makeup brush and dip it in a solution of tepid water and mild soap such as baby shampoo. Gently brush over the body of the figurines. Rinse the figurine carefully by taking a soft cloth dipped in tepid water to remove the soap. Allow figurine to air dry.
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