Hi Sarah,

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.

“Berta Hummel” figurines — a line distinct from classic M.I. Hummels and based on pre-convent drawings — were produced in Asia (including China and Thailand) during the 1990s and early 2000s. These are not the core German-made Goebel Hummel figures collectors typically seek, but were officially licensed and lower-cost pieces.

The major sculptors of classic Hummel figurines — like Gerhard Skrobek, Arthur Möller, Reinhold Unger, and others — are well-documented for thousands of core Hummel models from Germany.
However, Slow & Steady does not show up in the standard references listing those master sculptors or official catalogue model numbers from the classic Goebel line. That suggests it may be a later licensed or ancillary product rather than a traditional M.I. Hummel figurine with a recorded sculptor.

It was likely designed by an in-house designer for Goebel’s China production line or as a “lesser” collectible piece without a credited master sculptor (which is common for some China-made Hummel-style items. Unfortunately, these Chinese Hummels have an even more limited appeal at auction, rarely bringing more than $15 at auction

Based on the photographs and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A Chinese made Hummel porcelain collectible "Slow & Steady" figurine
made in China for Goebels, 2001
model #101 depicting a boy with cap, scarf, mittens and winter coat, on skates, with a brown rabbit.
3 inches tall
PROVENANCE: inherited
$10-15*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

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