Rarest Hummel Figurines: Comparing Collector Lists of the Most Valuable Hummels

Introduction
The Hummel figurine series, produced by Goebel and inspired by the illustrations of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, remains one of the most widely collected porcelain figurine lines of the twentieth century. Since their introduction in the 1930s, hundreds of models have been issued. Yet collectors have long debated which examples are the rarest and most desirable.

Unlike some collectibles where rarity can be determined simply by production numbers, Hummel rarity is influenced by multiple factors. These include production period, trademark versions, size variations, limited releases, and the survival rate of early examples. As a result, collectors often encounter multiple lists of rare Hummels rather than a single authoritative ranking.

How Rarity Is Defined
Different sources define rarity in different ways. Some collectors emphasize early trademark periods such as Crown Mark or early Bee marks. Others focus on short production runs or discontinued figurines. Auction houses may emphasize pieces that command the highest prices, while dealer guides often emphasize items that rarely appear on the market.

Because of these differences, lists of rare Hummels frequently overlap but are not identical.

Frequently Cited Rare Hummel Figurines
Several figurines appear repeatedly in collector discussions and dealer references as particularly scarce or desirable:

Apple Tree Boy (HUM 1) - Early Crown mark examples are highly sought after.
Apple Tree Girl (HUM 2) - Companion figure with strong collector interest in early marks.
Merry Wanderer (HUM 7) - Early large versions differ from later mass-produced examples.
Little Gabriel (HUM 32) - Less commonly encountered in the secondary market.
Chick Girl (HUM 56) - Produced in smaller numbers than many mainstream figurines.
Singing Lesson (HUM 63) - Some variants appear much less frequently.
Little Cellist (HUM 90) - Smaller sculpt with limited availability compared with popular models.
Umbrella Boy (HUM 152) - Certain versions are considered uncommon.
Doll Mother (HUM 194) - Early production pieces attract collector attention.
Be Patient (HUM 197) - Less frequently encountered than other mid-series figures.

Large and Complex Hummels
Collectors often consider larger Hummels among the rarest because they were more expensive to produce and sell. These pieces frequently had lower production numbers and are less commonly found today.

Adventure Bound (HUM 347)
Little Goat Herder (HUM 200)
School Boys (HUM 205)
School Girls (HUM 206)
The Guardian (HUM 219)

These models feature more elaborate sculptural compositions and are often highlighted in dealer inventories and auction catalogs.

Limited and Special Issue Hummels
Another category frequently included in rarity discussions includes special editions or figurines produced in limited quantities.

Christ Child (HUM 226)
First Blessing (HUM 2262)
Millennium Hummel (HUM 2070)

Such pieces may not always be the oldest examples in the series but are sometimes produced in restricted numbers, increasing their scarcity.

Why Rarity Lists Differ
The reason that multiple rarity lists exist is that collectors evaluate different characteristics when judging scarcity.

Some focus on early production marks, which can make an otherwise common figurine rare in a specific trademark version. Others focus on sculptural complexity, production duration, or the frequency with which pieces appear in the marketplace.

Because of these different criteria, two experts may produce different lists while still agreeing that certain models consistently rank among the most difficult to obtain.

Trademark Marks and Their Importance
A key factor in determining rarity is the trademark mark, often abbreviated TMK. Early marks such as Crown Mark or early Bee marks often command significantly more interest than later TMK versions.

For example, a figurine such as Merry Wanderer may exist in many versions. Later TMK-5 or TMK-6 examples may be relatively common, while early Crown mark pieces may be significantly more difficult to find.

For this reason collectors typically evaluate four characteristics when assessing a Hummel figurine:

Model number (HUM)
Trademark version (TMK)
Size variant
Condition and painting quality

Conclusion
Although collectors may disagree on which Hummel figurine is the single rarest example, most guides agree that rarity arises from a combination of production history, trademark periods, and limited releases. Early trademark pieces, large figurines, and discontinued models consistently appear near the top of rarity discussions.

For collectors, understanding both the HUM model number and the TMK trademark period remains essential when evaluating rarity and value within the Hummel series. References / Citations Miller, Judith. Miller's Antiques Handbook and Price Guide.
Noel Barrett. Hummel Figurines and Plates: A Collector's Guide.
Robert Miller. Hummel: An Illustrated World Guide.
Goebel Collectors' Club Publications.
Various international auction catalogues and dealer inventories.