Hi Heather,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Hummel figurines are a popular line of porcelain collectibles that depict children in various endearing and nostalgic scenes. They are named after Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, a German Franciscan nun and artist who created the original artwork that inspired the figurines.

The history of Hummel figurines dates back to the early 20th century. In the 1930s, Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel's artwork caught the attention of Franz Goebel, the owner of a porcelain company in Germany. Goebel recognized the charm and appeal of Hummel's illustrations and sought to transform them into three-dimensional figurines.

The first Hummel figurines were introduced in 1935. They were made of porcelain and featured hand-painted details. The figurines depicted children engaged in various activities like playing instruments, gardening, reading, or simply engaging in innocent play. Sister Hummel's artwork emphasized the purity and simplicity of childhood, and these qualities were beautifully captured in the figurines.

Hummel figurines gained widespread popularity, both in Germany and internationally, and became highly collectible. They were especially beloved in the United States, where they found a large and enthusiastic market. The figurines were admired for their intricate craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the emotional connection they evoked.

Collectors often focused on acquiring specific figurines or completing sets, and while rare or discontinued pieces can become highly sought-after and valuable, the vast majority of figurines remain modestly valued.

It's worth noting that in 2009, the Goebel company announced that it would cease production of Hummel figurines due to financial difficulties. However, the trademark rights and production were subsequently acquired by the Manufaktur Rödental company, ensuring that new Hummel figurines continue to be made to this day.

The company Ars Sacra Josef Muller (Now Ars Edition GmbH) has a long association with MI Hummel art. During World War II, the Nazi government did not allow the Goebel company to carry on production of Hummel figurines. At that time, the New York City branch of Ars Sacra produced a small collection of figurines very much like Hummel's original designs. Since then, the Ars Sacra company has produced many printed versions of Hummel's work, including in the early 1980s various three-dimensional objects, such as spoons, bells, stained glass, thimbles, candleholders, books, clocks, boxes, and plates, such as the redware example you have.

I've found this pattern - called 'Doll Mother' - in Carl F. Luckey's "Hummel Figurines and Plates, Identification and Price Guide". It's one of more than 200 individual images produced by the company.

Based on other Hummel-related redware plates that have come to auction in recent months, this would probably sell for between $30 and $40. If you're looking to sell this privately, I would suggest asking a higher retail selling price, closer to $125, to avoid underselling it.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia