Goebel Hummel Figurine: Wash Day (Hum 160)

This is a Goebel Hummel porcelain figurine titled 'Wash Day' (model number Hum 160). The piece depicts a young girl in traditional German attire, including a red checkered headscarf, a striped blouse, and a pink apron with white patterns. She is shown leaning over a wicker laundry basket filled with white clothes, holding a damp white garment that she appears to be wringing out or Hanging. The figurine is crafted from glazed earthenware with a matte finish, characteristic of the W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik company. Its color palette features soft, muted earth tones typical of Berta Hummel’s original sketches, including soft reds, browns, and creams. The craftsmanship is evident in the delicate facial features, such as the puckered mouth and rosy cheeks, and the intricate texturing of the basket. The figurine stands on an oval-shaped, cream-colored base. Based on the style and typical markings of this series (though the bottom is not visible), this piece likely dates from the 1960s to mid-1990s. The condition appears to be excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or significant crazing, though light dust accumulation is present in the crevices of the laundry basket and the girl's hair. The hand-painted details remain vibrant, and the glaze retains its original satin-matte texture.

Based on my visual examination of the 'Wash Day' (Hum 160) figurine, the piece presents in excellent condition with no discernible crazing, chips, or repairs. The hand-painted details exhibit the soft, high-quality application expected from the W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik. While the lack of a visible trademark (TMK) on the base prevents precise dating, the color saturation and modeling suggest a mid-to-late production period, likely TMK-5 (Last Bee) through TMK-7. The market for Goebel Hummels has shifted significantly over the last two decades. Once a staple of high-end collectibles, an oversaturation of the secondary market—largely due to estate dispersals—has increased supply while collector demand has narrowed. 'Wash Day' is a classic, beloved design by Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, but it was produced in high volume, making it relatively common rather than rare. Factors impacting value include the figurine's size (standard 4-inch versions vs. larger variations) and the absence of the original box. The current valuation reflects recent realized auction prices for figurines in comparable condition. Limitations: This appraisal is based strictly on photographic evidence. I cannot verify the resonance of the ceramic to detect internal hairline fractures, nor can I inspect the underside for trademark authenticity or evidence of professional restoration under UV light. A definitive valuation would require an in-person physical inspection to confirm the trademark year and ensure no 'cold paint' touch-ups have been applied to the garment or base.