Goebel Hummel Figurine: Little Herder (Little Goat Herder variant with Pigs)

This is a vintage porcelain figurine manufactured by W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik in Germany, based on the artwork of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel. The piece depicts a young boy standing on a round, earthen-toned base with two small pigs at his feet. The boy is dressed in traditional alpine attire, featuring a textured blue-grey jacket with striped detailing, dark lederhosen, a white collared shirt with an orange-red necktie, and a matching orange-red stocking cap. The color palette is characteristic of mid-20th-century Hummel pieces, utilizing soft, muted earth tones applied in a matte finish with subtle gradients. The pigs are rendered in a warm tan with dark grey spotting. Anatomically, the figure bears the classic 'Hummel face' with wide eyes and rosy cheeks. The craftsmanship shows high-quality molded porcelain with hand-painted details. Regarding condition, the figurine appears to be in very good vintage state with no visible chips, cracks, or significant repairs; however, a faint patina of dust is present in the crevices of the boy's hair and jacket. Generally, these pieces from the mid-20th century (often identified by specific TMK trademarks on the base, such as TMK-2 through TMK-5) are highly collectible examples of German post-war ceramic art. The glaze shows the typical slight crazing often found in older earthenware, which is a common aging characteristic for this material.

Based on my visual examination of the Goebel Hummel figurine 'Little Herder' (variant with pigs), I have assessed the piece's value based on its stylistic execution and physical condition. The figurine displays the authentic hand-painted matte finish and muted palette characteristic of authentic mid-century Goebel production. The 'Little Herder' variant featuring pigs rather than the standard sheep is a desirable variation, as it deviates from the more common Hummel pastoral themes. The condition appears 'Very Good.' While I noted minor crazing in the glaze, this is typical for older earthenware and does not significantly detract from the value. The presence of dust in the crevices suggests long-term display, but the absence of chips or professional restorations to the delicate ears of the pigs or the boy's cap is a positive factor. Market demand for Hummels has corrected significantly since the 1990s peak; however, unique variants like this continue to hold interest among specialized collectors. Comparables for TMK-2 (Full Bee) or TMK-3 (Stylized Bee) marks generally realize higher premiums, while later marks (TMK-5+) sit at the lower end of the range. Please note that a definitive valuation is limited by the digital nature of this inspection. I cannot verify the specific ‘TMK’ trademark on the underside, which is the primary driver of rarity and age. A physical examination is required to check for 'invisible' professional repairs using UV light and to confirm the presence of the incised 'M.I. Hummel' signature. Full authentication would require high-resolution photos of the base markings and any available provenance documentation regarding its original purchase date.