~A Checklist For Buyers~ Maker — does the item's manufacturer have a reputation for quality and fine workmanship?
Artistry — is the subject one of broad, but not trite, appeal?
Limitation — is the edition limited, yet not so limited that it cannot penetrate the market? If the edition is closed, are the dealers bidding in the secondary market?
Commemorative importance — does the item commemorate a seasonal event or an historic event?
~What to do when you locate an appraiser~
Review their credentials
Verify their membership to an appraising association
Request references
Determine appraisal fees
Request a written contract which outlines the following items:
The scope of work
The delivery date of the appraisal The appraisal fee
The objective nature of appraisal findings
A statement that the appraiser cannot act as an advocate or negotiator
in disputes over appraised goods
~Crazing~
Why does my figurine have minute cracks in the glaze?
The existence of several minute cracks in the glaze of a ceramic object is called "crazing."
As glaze is applied and fired onto the bisque figurine, the glaze may expand more than the ceramic body itself expands,
resulting in tiny cracks in the glaze.
Many factors of production may cause crazing.
It is a natural condition that may develop as the ceramic material ages.
Atmospheric conditions can play a part in this process.
~Questions~
Why can't I find my figurine on your price list?
Figurines which have been retired or temporarily withdrawn from production do not appear on the price list. The annual
"Suggested Retail Price List" is to give our dealers an indication of the value we place on each of our products.
It provides a valuation yardstick when you seek to purchase currently produced products.
To determine the value of your retired or temporarily withdrawn figurine, please refer to a book on value, or an appraiser.
How can I clean my figurines?
Place your figurine on a flat surface. Cover the air hole. Take a clean shaving or makeup brush and dip it in a solution of tepid
water and mild soap such as baby shampoo.
Gently brush over the body of the figurines.
Rinse the figurine carefully by taking a soft cloth dipped in tepid water to remove the soap.
Allow figurine to air dry.
What is the difference between M.I. Hummel and Berta Hummel products?
M.I. Hummel figurines are three-dimensional interpretations of the artwork of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel. M.I. Hummel
figurines are produced by Goebel artisans in Germany.
To maintain the high standards set by Sister Hummel and to ensure that the ceramic figurines are closely aligned with her drawings,
the Convent of Siessen continues to approve every M.I. Hummel collectible before Goebel begins production.
M.I. Hummel figurines are given on the most important of life's moments and are collected by thousands.
The entire Berta Hummel giftware line is inspired by Berta Hummel's imagery of children. (Berta was Sister Hummel's name before she entered the Convent.)
Unlike M.I. Hummel figurines, Berta Hummel figurines are not literal interpretations of her drawings.
They have been produced for casual gift-giving throughout the year. Berta Hummel products are sculpted by Goebel artisans,
approved by the Convent of Siessen and produced in the Far East under the strict supervision of Goebel. They are authentic Hummel products.
~CASTING & ASSEMBLING~
Liquid ceramic, known as "slip," composed of kaolin, feldspar, clay, quartz and water, is poured into the plaster working molds.
The plaster absorbs moisture from the slip. As the slip thickens, it creates a hollow ceramic shell of the figurine.
The excess slip is poured out, and the moist shell is removed for assembly into a completed figurine.
The pieces are joined using slip as a sort of glue, then smoothed to remove all seams.
The assembled figurines dry for about one week.
~KILN FIRING~
Each figurine is fired at intense temperatures at least three times during the production process.
The kilns are heated and cooled gradually -- sudden temperature changes can damage the figurine.
The first firing at 2100°F transforms the moist figurine into its white bisque state.
The figurines shrink in size and emerge with a powdery white finish.
Then the piece is hand-dipped and sprayed with a tinted liquid glaze.
The second firing is at 1870°F.
The figurine emerges glossy white, as the glaze has been melted into a thin, transparent skin of glass.
After painting, the figurine will be fired again at 1407°F to permanently bond the color and create a soft matte finish.
Figurines may undergo decor firings up to three times, depending on the colors used.
~BRUSHING ON COLOR~
The paints used on each M.I.Hummel collectible are selected from several hundred hues specially developed to recreate the tones of Sister Hummel's artwork.
The Master Painter prepares a decorated sample, which must be approved by the Convent of Siessen, to guide the highly-trained artists who paint the actual figurines.
Since the figurines are painted by hand, each is unique.
Paints are metallic oxide powders mixed as needed with balsam oil and turpentine.
Brushes are made of natural hair.
~QUALITY CONTROL~
The figurine creation process takes many weeks and may involve over 700 hand operations with many quality checkpoints.
Every new M.I.Hummel
figurine is created using this painstaking process,
in accordance with the age-old Goebel tradition of quality handcraftsmanship.
Hummel Trademark Stamps