1979 Goebel Fifth Edition Mothers Series Plate in Bas Relief

This is a vintage 1979 Goebel 'Mothers Series' collector plate, designated as the Fifth Edition in the series. The item is shown in its original white square presentation box, which features blue typography and a central illustration of the artwork. The plate itself is a bas-relief ceramic work, approximately 7.5 to 8 inches in diameter, depicting a mother owl with two owlets perched on a textured branch with a single green leaf. The color palette includes earthy tones of brown, tan, and cream, with the relief carving adding significant depth and texture to the feathers and wood. The box indicates this is a limited release, specifically 'Limited to 10,000 pieces.' The Goebel brand name is clearly visible in the lower right corner, signifying West German craftsmanship of the late 20th century. The box displays some light surface wear, minor yellowing consistent with age, and a piece of adhesive tape at the bottom, but the plate composition remains a high-quality example of sculpted porcelain artistry from the period. Notable craftsmanship is seen in the fine detailing of the owls' eyes and the variegated textures of the plumage.

Based on my examination of this 1979 Goebel Fifth Edition Mother's Series Plate, titled 'Family of Owls,' I have assessed the item in its original presentation box. The plate features the characteristic hand-painted bas-relief technique synonymous with Goebel's West German production during the late 20th century. My visual inspection confirms the plate is in excellent vintage condition with no visible crazing, chips, or repairs. The box exhibits some age-related wear and adhesive residue, which is typical for items of this era. Authenticity is supported by the specific blue typography on the packaging and the distinctive sculpted style consistent with Goebel's Hummel-adjacent series. Market conditions for collector plates have significantly softened since their peak in the 1980s and 90s. While this item is part of a series and includes its original box, the high production volume (10,000 units) limits its scarcity. Comparables on the secondary market frequently realize prices between $15 and $35. The primary value drivers here are the thematic appeal to owl collectors and the 'Limited Edition' status, though the latter is offset by an oversaturated secondary market. Please note that while visual cues suggest authenticity, a definitive appraisal requires a physical inspection to verify the Goebel backstamp under the glaze and to check for micro-fractures in the ceramic through sound-testing. To fully authenticate the item, provenance documentation or a purchase receipt from an authorized dealer would be ideal, but is not strictly necessary for items in this value bracket.