Hummel figurines can be endearing or eerie, but their enduring appeal is undeniable. These kitschy collectibles originated in 1935 as a collaboration between religious artist Maria Innocentia Hummel and German porcelain maker Goebel.
Maria Hummel produced many sets of charming porcelain figures until her death in 1946. Afterward, Goebel continued producing Hummel figurines based on discovered sketches and designs she left behind.
Hummel figurines evoke a simpler era—an idealized vision of childhood innocence and whimsy that has made them a staple among “grandma collectibles.” Their market value is highly variable: some decades-old pieces sell for only a few dollars, while others command thousands.
Another important detail for collectors: the same character was often reproduced across many years. A Little Fiddler made in 1935 can differ in subtle but significant ways from a Little Fiddler produced in 1985, even if their appearance is similar.
Below are some of the most valuable and sought-after Hummel figurines, with release dates, notable sale prices, and why each is prized by collectors.
30. Little Cellist
eBay
Released: 1938
Sold: Feb. 20, 2022
Price: $150
Note: Also known as “The Musician.” Early versions show the cellist with open eyes and a rectangular base; later versions often have closed eyes and a rounded base. A 60th-anniversary edition with gilded details can be worth more than some original releases.
29. Yankees Win
eBay
Released: 2000
Sold: Feb. 11, 2022
Price: $160
Note: A later-era piece that stands out: it depicts a child reading a newspaper announcing the Yankees’ victory. Though not part of the original run, it’s a collectible for theme and rarity.
28. Bookworm
eBay
Released: 1935
Sold: March 12, 2022
Price: $195
Note: A finely detailed figure dressed in green, holding a book painted with a flower and a duck. Small details—like the lace bow and slouched socks—make early versions especially desirable to collectors.
27. Worship
eBay
Released: 1935
Sold: March 4, 2022
Price: $199
Note: Also called “At the Wayside” or “Devotion,” it shows a child praying beneath a tower with a statue overlooking her. Small props such as a pine tree and basket add narrative charm.
26. Puppy Love
eBay
Released: 1935
Sold: Jan. 16, 2019
Price: $200
Note: One of the earliest Hummels, showing a boy interacting with a small brown dog. Rare variants omit the boy’s tie or change his head tilt; the boy resembles the one from Little Fiddler.
25. Stormy Weather
eBay
Released: 1950
Sold: March 19, 2022
Price: $249
Note: Two children shelter under an umbrella, standing on a squared platform typical of older models. Clothing details such as aprons, ties, and slouchy socks are hallmarks of the era.
24. Merry Wanderer
eBay
Released: 1935
Sold: March 9, 2022
Price: $250
Note: A boy setting off with a bag and umbrella. Early versions from the 1930s command high prices; later redesigns (e.g., 1972 by Gerhard Skrobek) are more common but still collectible.
23. Apple Tree Boy and Apple Tree Girl
eBay
Released: 1968
Sold: Feb. 22, 2022
Price: $300
Note: Often sold as a pair, the boy’s tree bears fruit while the girl’s tree bears flowers. Larger and rarer versions, including lamp variations, can reach thousands depending on edition and condition.
22. Little Fiddler
eBay
Released: 1935
Sold: Jan. 25, 2022
Price: $349.99
Note: A 13-inch porcelain statue that isolates the fiddler from Puppy Love. Classic details include a brown hat, orange band, umbrella at his back, and the same bright blue tie.
21. Little Gabriel
eBay
Released: 1950
Sold: Jan. 11, 2022
Price: $395
Note: Also called “Joyous News,” this winged child blows a horn while wearing a starry dress and pink shoes. The figurine reflects the religious themes often present in Hummel designs.
20. Ring Around the Rosie
eBay
Released: 1960 (designed 1957)
Sold: Feb. 15, 2022
Price: $695
Note: Four girls lock hands and dance in a circle, wearing aprons and flower crowns. The design was created in 1957 and went into production in 1960.
19. Picture Perfect
eBay
Released: 2000
Sold: March 6, 2022
Price: $800
Note: A limited run of 2,500 pieces depicts a photographer with an old-style camera photographing three children and a dog, making it a modern rarity.
18. Feeding Time
eBay
Released: 2008
Sold: May 26, 2022
Price: $825
Note: Limited to 1,250 pieces, this charming figure shows a girl tending her flock, complete with a porcelain painting and easel.
17. Adventure Bound
eBay
Released: 1971
Sold: Dec. 28, 2021
Price: $850
Note: This multi-figure composition stacks seven distinct children in an adventurous scene. Early versions and mint-condition sets with original boxes can sell for $3,000 or more.
16. Little Goat Herder
eBay
Released: 2010
Sold: April 13, 2022
Price: $860
Note: From the Masterpiece Collection and designed by Marion Huschka, this German-made piece was limited to 1,999 copies.
15. Forever Friends
eBay
Released: 2007
Sold: Feb. 1, 2022
Price: $896
Note: A limited edition of 1,000 pieces showing two children watching a swan family. Pieces with original plaques or packaging can command higher prices.
14. Strum Along and Little Troubadour
eBay
Released: 1994
Sold: May 18, 2022
Price: $1,255
Note: Designed by Helmut Fischer, this pair of musicians sold as a complete set. Individual pieces are often less expensive when sold separately.
13. Goose Girl
eBay
Released: 1960s
Sold: June 8, 2022
Price: $1,275
Note: The rare variant features three geese instead of two. Limited worldwide production (1,250 total, 500 in North America) makes it highly collectible.
11. Teeter Totter Time (Tie)
eBay
Released: 2010
Sold: June 8, 2022
Price: $1,299
Note: From the Moments in Time series, this limited piece (No. 86 of 2,000) shows two children playing with a puppy watching nearby.
11. Nativity Scene (Tie)
eBay
Released: 1951
Sold: June 14, 2022
Price: $1,299
Note: A 12-piece West Germany nativity set with pieces ranging from under 2 inches to 8 inches. Some sales include a manger with hay and other original accessories.
10. Come On
Live Auctioneers
Released: 1986
Sold: Jan. 16, 2021
Price: $1,700
Note: A rare model not produced in large quantities, depicting a boy being tugged by a determined lamb. Its intricate sculpting and limited run add value.
9. Good Shepherd — Large Figurine
eBay
Released: 1935
Sold: Jan. 18, 2022
Price: $2,285
Note: A rare large version (7.25 inches) of the Good Shepherd, showing a boy in shepherd’s robes with two lambs. Large versions were discontinued and are scarce compared with standard sizes (5.75–6.25 inches).
8. Hungarian Boy and Dog
Live Auctioneers
Released: 1940
Sold: Jan. 16, 2021
Price: $3,000
Note: Part of the international children’s series, this piece is a reimagining of earlier themes like “Not for You.” Its international theme and historical production add desirability.
7. Swedish Girl Figurine
Live Auctioneers
Released: 1940
Sold: Jan. 16, 2021
Price: $3,500
Note: Another entry from the international children’s series, the Swedish Girl holds a heart-adorned letter and is depicted in colorful regional costume.
4. Sister’s Children (Tie)
Live Auctioneers
Released: 2009
Sold: Jan. 16, 2021
Price: $3,750
Note: A celebratory 100th-birthday piece for Sister Hummel, featuring seven children and a dog around a blooming tree and including familiar figures such as the Little Fiddler.
4. Serbian Girl Figurine (Tie)
Live Auctioneers
Released: 1940
Sold: Jan. 16, 2021
Price: $3,750
Note: Part of the international series, this figurine features layered traditional dress and fine detailing typical of those country-themed pieces.
4. Old Man Walking to Market (Tie)
Live Auctioneers
Released: 1948
Sold: Jan. 16, 2021
Price: $3,750
Note: A rare adult figure from a line typically focused on children: an elderly man walks to market carrying a pig and wearing a red tie. Adult subjects in Hummel figurines are uncommon and therefore valuable.
3. Old Woman Knitting Figurine
Live Auctioneers
Released: 1948
Sold: Jan. 16, 2021
Price: $4,000
Note: A rare sample piece portraying an elderly woman knitting. Its aged subject, detailed clothing, and sample status contribute to its high value.
2. Bette Davis Jumbo Hummel Figurine
HA.com
Released: 1982
Sold: April 25, 2018
Price: $4,500
Note: A 2.5-foot-tall “Merry Wanderer” model signed by M.J. Hummel and Joachim Le Michot and stamped with Goebel’s mark. Its provenance—once owned by Bette Davis—adds significant value.
1. Signs of Spring
Live Auctioneers
Released: 1950
Sold: Jan. 16, 2021
Price: $5,500
Note: Sculpted by Arthur Moeller and retired in 1990, this rare variant has four posts instead of the more common three. Small production changes over time mean early editions often carry unique features that increase their value.
Summary: Hummel figurines remain collectible because of their craftsmanship, variety of editions, and the many subtle variations that appeal to enthusiasts. Condition, production year, limited editions, and provenance are the main factors that drive value. If you own Hummels, inspect maker’s marks, edition numbers, and any original packaging or certificates when assessing worth.