Goebel Hummel Figurine- "The Little Hiker" (HUM 16)

This item is a Goebel Hummel porcelain figurine titled 'The Little Hiker', specifically identified as mold number HUM 16. The figurine depicts a young boy in traditional Bavarian alpine attire, including short brown lederhosen with dark brown suspenders, a light grey or white shirt, an orange neckerchief, and thick grey socks paired with sturdy brown hiking boots. He wears a blue tyrolean-style hat adorned with an orange band and a feathers. The character is shown in a dynamic walking pose, carrying a yellow satchel on his back. Measuring approximately 4 to 5 inches in height, the piece is constructed from fine earthenware with a characteristic matte finish. The colors are muted and hand-painted, typical of the mid-20th-century Goebel production style, featuring subtle shading on the face and clothing. A notable feature is the 'M.I. Hummel' signature incised on the side of the circular cream-colored base. The condition appears to be excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing, though a slight age-related patina is expected. This piece likely dates from the 1960s to 1980s based on the painting style, though a definitive date would require viewing the trademark stamp on the underside. The craftsmanship is high, reflecting the detailed modeling of the figure's facial expression and the textured appearance of the clothing.

Based on my visual examination of 'The Little Hiker' (HUM 16), the figurine appears to be a genuine mid-century production. The hand-painted mutes, specifically the orange neckerchief and blue Tyrolean hat, align with the quality control standards of the Goebel factory from the 1960s through the TMK-5/TMK-6 eras. The figurine shows no visible signs of crazing or professional restoration, which is critical for maintaining value in the secondary market. The 'M.I. Hummel' incised signature is crisp, suggesting a well-maintained mold. Currently, the market for Hummel figurines is highly saturated, with a significant supply of common molds like HUM 16. While 'The Little Hiker' is a classic and beloved motif, its high production volume keeps the valuation modest. Recent auction comparables for this size and condition typically range between $40 and $80. Factors that could elevate this value would be the presence of a double-crown mark (TMK-1) or a larger-than-standard size (over 6 inches), though this specimen appears to be the standard 4-5 inch variety. Limitation: This appraisal is based solely on digital images. A definitive valuation and authentication require physical inspection to confirm the trademark stamp (TMK) on the underside, which determines the exact era of production. Furthermore, an in-person examination using a blacklight is necessary to rule out invisible repairs or overpainting. Scientific testing is generally not required for this class of porcelain, but original box and provenance documentation would assist in confirming its history.