Outside of Box states in gold lettering: "M.I. Hummel" (script type font) "In celebration / of the 75th anniversary / of the birth / of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel /1909-1984"; Box has "Goebel" and "W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik" at the bottom. Back of Box: "(c) Goebel 1983; Box measures: 11"x6.5"x3.5"; three corners of box are split; interior is a bronze satin with a foam cushioning holding the piece. The Piece: Madonna with crown holding a Baby Jesus; color is pristine: blue cloak, pink under cloak; crown~ yellow with dots of color; hair is brown and long and flowing; eyes are closed; Baby has right hand touching the mother's chin; clothes are yellow with a brown and dotted front; band around Baby's head; 9" tall; at bottom, 5". The bottom when picked up: indented number appears to be "36" with a dash after the number (maybe); there is an inked in scrawl (.3") that appears to be initials with "84" on the upper right in black; dates above the hole: "1909-1984" in blue; also in blue to the left of the hole in all caps in two lines: "In celebration of the 75th anniversary"; and to the right of the hole in blue and all caps and two lines: "of the birth of/Sister M.I.Hummel.' Beneath the hole: in blue: (c)Goebel/W.Germany. Also in the box with a piece of tape on it: a small card (2"x1"): Authentic M.J.Hummel (the name is in a script type font) / Figurine / by/Goebel / of West Germany.
It was my mother's and she gave it to me; it was a gift to her from a friend in the mid-80s. It has never to my knowledge been out of the box.
Hi Margaret,
Thank you for submitting your appraisal inquiry to Mearto.
This was one of Hummel's best sellers in 1984, at the 75th birthday of sister Maria Innocentia Hummel (1909-1984). Unfortunately, there are enough of these on the market today, with considerably less demand than supply; in this instance, this may be a case of the sentimental value outweighing its current market value.
Based on the photographs and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A Commemorative Presentation Hummel porcelain Madonna Figure
Made by the Goebels porcelain manufactory, 1984
artist signed, in a satin-lined presentation box with gilt inscription "M.I. Hummel" (script type font) "In celebration / of the 75th anniversary / of the birth / of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel /1909-1984"; Box has "Goebel" and "W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik" at the bottom. Back of Box: "(c) Goebel 1983; underside of figure impressed "36" with an artist signature and dated '84; dates above the hole: "1909-1984" in blue; also in blue to the left of the hole in all caps in two lines: "In celebration of the 75th anniversary"; and to the right of the hole in blue and all caps and two lines: "of the birth of/Sister M.I.Hummel.' Beneath the hole: in blue: (c)Goebel/W.Germany. Also in the box with a piece of tape on it: a small card (2"x1"): Authentic M.J.Hummel (the name is in a script type font) / Figurine / by/Goebel / of West Germany.
Box measures: 11 inches tall by 6 1/2 inches wide by 3 1/2 inches deep; figure measures 9 inches tall by 5 inches wide.
CONDITION: three corners of box are split
PROVENANCE: inherited from mother
$30-40*
*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, and thank you again for using Mearto. .
The general rule of thumb with regard to military memorabilia is, the older the war or the higher the rank, the greater the value. If your mother's first husband was a decorated officer, or distinguished in any way, that would help the value. Here is a lot that sold a few weeks ago for just $50: https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/military-button-and-badge-assortment-344-c-b014130b72. There are so many 20th century flags that they generally have more sentimental value than market value. That would be my opinion without seeing the items.
You don't mention if you have any medals or ribbons; those are generally more desirable/valuable but some states restrict the sale of military honors (medals, ribbons, etc) under the 'Stolen Valors Act.' You can always reach out to an auction house that has a military collectibles department for their opinion (which they will usually give for free).
I hope this is helpful; please let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks, Delia. Other questions: My mom's first husband was killed in WWII; I have his memorial U.S. flag and I have brass buttons from his military uniform with insignia of an eagle, branches, orb, and flag symbol in front of eagle. Is there a market for either of these items as war memorabilia so that it makes it worthwhile to post it for appraisal?