Goebel Hummel Figurine: 'Apple Tree Boy' (Hum #142)

This is a vintage glazed porcelain figurine, famously known as 'Apple Tree Boy,' produced by the W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik of Oeslau, Germany. This specific piece, designated as Hummel mold #142, stands approximately 6 inches tall and features a high-quality earthenware construction. The figurine depicts a blonde boy in a blue checkered jacket and red shorts perched safely in the fork of an apple tree, looking down at a small red-brown terrier dog barking below him. The tree trunk details include textured bark with hand-painted floral accents at the base and ripe red apples hanging from a branch. The color palette is characteristic of mid-20th-century Hummel production, utilizing muted earth tones with vibrant primary color pops in the clothing and fruit. The craftsmanship is evident in the fine details of the child's facial expressions and the textured fur of the dog. Regarding condition, the figurine appears to be in good vintage state, though a noticeable break is visible on the uppermost branch of the tree, which appears flat and unglazed, suggesting a missing segment. The base is an off-white circular plinth. While the bottom marks are not visible in the image, the style of painting and the specific mold design suggest a production date between the 1960s and 1980s (TMK-3 to TMK-6 eras). The surface shows minor dust accumulation consistent with display but lacks significant crazing or paint loss beyond the structural damage at the top.

I have conducted a visual examination of this W. Goebel 'Apple Tree Boy' figurine (Hum #142). The piece exhibits the characteristic polychrome palette and matte finish consistent with mid-century production, likely falling between the TMK-3 (1960-1972) and TMK-6 (1979-1991) eras. While the mold details and paint application appear authentic to the manufacturer’s standards, the valuation is significantly impacted by a structural defect: a visible break on the uppermost branch. In the secondary market for Hummel figurines, condition is paramount; even minor chips or repairs can reduce value by 50% or more. Currently, the market for 'Apple Tree Boy' is saturated due to high production volumes in the 6-inch size. Comparable sales for pristine examples of this era typically range from $110 to $160, but the damage noted here necessitates a substantial markdown. Demand for damaged common molds is low, as collectors generally prefer to wait for 'mint' examples. My appraisal reflects its status as a display-only decorative piece rather than an investment-grade collectible. Please note that this assessment is based solely on digital imagery. A definitive authentication requires an in-person inspection of the incised 'Hum' number and the underglaze trademark (TMK) on the base to confirm the exact production year. Furthermore, a physical examination under long-wave ultraviolet light is necessary to detect any professional restorations that may not be visible in photographs.