I get many questions about Goebel and Hummel Figurines. One that has been asked most frequently is “What’s the difference between a Hummel figurine and a Goebel figurine?”
In this article I will go over what and if there is a difference between the two figurines.
Defining Goebel and Hummel
Goebel: A pottery company that first began during 1871. The Goebel company was originally well-known for their porcelain works of art. Prior to the introduction of Goebel’s M.I. Hummel line, the company produced many porcelain animal figurines and bowls. It wasn’t until 1935 that the original owner’s grandson, Franz Goebel made an agreement with artist Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel whereby the company was able to produce 3 dimensional porcelain representations of her drawings. Hummels put the Goebel company on the map.
Hummels: Hummels are porcelain ornaments produced by the Goebel company. Hummels became increasingly popular after World War II and many today are worth thousands upon thousands of dollars. Each Hummel tells a different story with hundreds of them being produced under the Goebel company.
Goebel vs Hummel Figurines
Goebel is the parent company that makes high quality porcelain products including:
- Tableware – plates, cups, bowls etc…
- Figurines – Goebel and Hummel
- Homewares – lamps, bookends, ashtrays, waterfont
- Dolls – Hummel
- Artwork – Hummel
- Christmas items
Goebel was established in 1971 by Franz Oetleff Goebel and his son (William.)
The company was originally named F.& W. Goebel and was based in Oeslau (now known as Rodental) Germany.
The original company made the following items:
- Slate
- Slate Pencils
- Toy Marbles
The company name changed to W.Goebel Porzellarfabrik in the early 1900’s when Franz Retired and his son William took over. At this time Goebel began to produce high quality porcelain tableware and figurines.
Goebel makes a wide range of figurines outside of Hummels. However they are best known for their Hummel figurines.
- Goebel figurine themes
- Animals – cats, dogs, woodland and so on.
- Famous people – the Beatles
- Famous characters – Disney, Tom and Jerry.
- Madonnas
- Events
- Organizations – Salvations Army
- Christmas
- Religious – Friar Tuck
- Hummel – Figurines
In 1934 the grandson of Franz came across the postcards by Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel (Berta Hummel 1900 – 1946). The images depicted on these postcards would lead to the Hummels we know today.
You can see the Full History Of Hummel Figurines Here.
The first Hummel figurine was produced by Goebel in 1935.
The Answer
Now to answer the question of what is the difference between Goebel and Hummel Figurines.
Due to Hummel figurines being the most popular and well known product Goebel made, the company is often confused as the Hummel Goebel Company.
This is incorrect. Goebel is the company that produces Hummel Figurines along with many other products. Goebel Figurines has different lines that are produced by Goebel, one of these lines is Hummel Figurines.
Conclusion
Hummel Figurines are made by Goebel. This makes Hummels only one line in the Goebel product catalog. While unfortunately the Goebel company ceased production of Hummels in 2008, the true Hummels crafted between 1934 and cease of production were stamped with one of the many Goebel company symbols.
I have About 30 of the figurens and i am moving to smaller place so i want to sell them. Can u all help me figure out which ones are valuable if any Thanks helena
I have a Hummel figurine #199/I, dated 1948. Is there any value for this figurine? I have several others like Umbrella Boy #152 O A, but I could not find these on the charts.
I had some Hummel figurines that my grandpa gave to my grandma when he was in the army in 1940. These were stolen from me and I dont have records of what numbers they were .I really have no idea how much they would be worth although my mother always told me to keep them safe because they were worth money. I am hoping for insurance purposes you can help me figure out exactly what they were and how much just by me telling you what they look like.
1.A little boy with an umbrella and dog.
2.A little boy and girl ln sitting under an umbrella.
3.A little boy walking with an umbrella and a brief case or small suitcase. I do believe these were bought in Germany while he was there in1940s he was in the army! This as you know has greater sentimental value than any monetary value could ever have,so as I am sure you could just imagine I am sick over this loss. I planned to give them to my daughters so they could pass them on and on vcd and on …….
I have 3 hummels that my granny has left me. All of them have the M.i. Hummmel stamped into them but not the Gobel stamp on the bottom.
1) boy blowing horn 5″ tall – on bottom is 15/0 & 32 with w. Germany samp
2) boy & girl ABC chalkboard sitting on bench 4.5″ tall with w. Germany stamp and copyright Goebe I think & 1936 stamped into it
3) little girl with basket & backpack , 4.5″ tall with w.germany stamp along with 81. 2/0
All 3 of them also have a very small black squiggle on the bottom.
Please tell me your thoughts – this is the first time I have ever reached out to gather information on them.
Thank you for your time,
Diane
I have a Hummel boy blowing a horn it has 860 and ms on it
The Hummel figurine described as a boy blowing a horn with the markings “860” and “MS” could be part of the M.I. Hummel series.