As a little girl I distinctly remember my mother's collection of Hummel Figurines perched over the kitchen sink. Every day I would look at their cute faces and wonder why they were always happy! Since I grew up I found Hummels to be a happy reminder of my childhood! Who knew this happy childhood memory would be worth a lot of money today! Take a look here at the history of the hummel!

MI Hummels are a partnership between W.Goebel Porzellanfabrik and Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel. Sister Maria was a Bavarian born artist who specialized in the drawings of children. Sister maria was originally named Berta before she joined the Covenant, (therefore you may hear the term Berta hummels). She had her artwork published on postcards. Her sweet pictures caught the eye of Mr Gobel, who happened to own a porcelain shoppe and was looking for a new product to sell. He approached her with the idea of making sculptures of her artwork. Thus the " Hummel" was born. Sister maria was able to work closely with the sculptors. The first Hummel was produced in 1935. The first Hummel made was named " Puppy Love" The line of Hummels was introduced at the Liezbig State fair and became an instant success. Unfortunately Sister Maria died of tuberculosis at the young age of 37. But her legacy does live on as more and more hummels are handcrafted by the Goebel artisans.

Hummels grew in Popularity in America during WWI. American soldiers would send Hummels home as gifts to their loved ones. In 1977, the Goebel's collectors club was founded. Over 100,000 members joined in the first year. in 1985 the name was changed to the M.I. Hummels club to focus more on Sister Maria and her work.

Well it all depends. To find out if it is worth anything you need to make sure there are at least tow identifying marks on the piece. first the Goebel stamp and second the signature of sister maria. Sister Maria liked to ensure her signature was on every one as she inspected each piece. Highly sought after figures ar the " the Little Goat Herder" , the Globe Trotter and " For Father"