Goebel Wildlife Fourth Edition Bullfinch Collector Plate

This item is a collector's plate, specifically the 'Bullfinch' plate from the 'Wildlife Fourth Edition' series, manufactured by W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik. The plate is made of porcelain, as indicated by 'PORZELLANFABRIK' in the manufacturer's name. It features a stark white base color on the back, visible from the image, and likely a hand-painted depiction of a bullfinch on the obverse side, as 'HAND PAINTED' is prominently displayed. The manufacturing details confirm it was made in Rodental, West Germany, in 1977. The production code '52-522-01-8' is also present. A crucial detail for its appraisal is the inscription 'NOT TO BE USED FOR FOOD', indicating it is purely for decorative or collector purposes rather than utilitarian use. The overall condition appears excellent from the visible back, with no apparent chips, cracks, or significant wear to the glaze or markings. The lettering is crisp and clear, suggesting good preservation. The W. Goebel company is renowned for its high-quality ceramic and porcelain items, particularly figurines and collector's plates, often associated with the M.I. Hummel line. The Goebel mark, a stylized 'Goebel' above 'W. Germany' and the year '1977', is clearly present, authenticating the piece. This plate represents a specific period in German porcelain manufacturing, post-WWII but prior to German reunification, which can add to its historical context and potential value.

Upon examining the images of this Goebel 'Bullfinch' collector plate from the Wildlife Fourth Edition series, I can confirm its key characteristics. The piece appears to be in excellent condition based on the clear view of the back. Markings are crisp, with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing. The 'W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik,' date '1977,' 'HAND PAINTED,' and 'W. Germany' markings are consistent with authentic Goebel production from that era, lending strong support to its authenticity. However, the market for mass-produced collector plates from the 1970s is currently quite soft. While Goebel is a respected name, plates like this were produced in large quantities, limiting their rarity and appeal to a very niche group of collectors specifically seeking to complete this series. The fact that it is 'NOT TO BE USED FOR FOOD' confirms its decorative nature but does not add significant value. While the historical context of a 'West Germany' piece is interesting, it does not currently drive market prices for these items. Its value lies primarily in its decorative quality and its excellent state of preservation. For full authentication, an in-person examination to check for any hairline cracks, restorations under blacklight, and to verify the quality of the front-facing painted artwork would be necessary. Without this direct inspection and seeing the obverse side, any appraisal is preliminary.