Original Presentation Box for 1974 Hummel Annual Plate

This is an original retail presentation box designed to house the 1974 Goebel Hummel Annual Plate featuring the 'Goose Girl' motif in bas relief. The box is constructed from square-shaped cardboard and features a deep blue primary background color. The front of the box displays the 'HUMMEL' brand name in a bold, white serif typeface, followed by the text 'Annual Plate 1974 in bas relief.' Centered on the cover is a high-quality photographic representation of the porcelain plate itself, showing the iconic image of a young girl with geese and cattails, framed by a border of embossed stars. The bottom right corner bears the white 'Goebel' logo with the 'V' and bumblebee mark, indicating the manufacturing era (likely TMK-4 or early TMK-5 period based on the 1974 date). Regarding condition, visible wear is present along the sharp edges and corners, showing minor white scuffing where the blue ink has rubbed away (shelf wear). There appears to be minor surface abrasions and light soiling consistent with long-term storage. While the box is a secondary accessory to the collectible plate, its presence significantly impacts the overall replacement value for collectors who seek 'Mint in Box' (MIB) provenance. The printing uses a matte finish on standard paperboard, typical of mid-1970s German manufacturing for the American export market.