Goebel figurines

goebel figurines

goebel figurines

In 1871, father and son franz and William goebel founded the company in thuringia in Germany, producing slate pencils and marbles. Using the profits from this business they opened a porcelain factory in 1876, 

where production included tableware and figurines.

Recognising the importance of the American market, William sent his son Max to research the American market.

goebel figurines

On his return Max created new modern lines in the factory, figurines with contemporary artists and sculptures, in the 1920s introducing a range of finally potted earthenware that reflected the latest art deco styles.

It was maxes son franz, however, who discovered the company’s most important designer’s  when, in the early 1930s, he came across the drawings of academy trained artist and Franciscan nun Sister Maria innocentia, hummel convinced that in time political turmoil the general public would respond to her gentle depictions of childhood,

goebel figurines

Franz goebel obtained permission from Sister Hummel to transform their illustrations into figures.

Launched in 1935, Hummel models were a huge success.

Since then, over 500 figures have been designed, today’s  models are still based upon sister, hummel drawings

impetus numbers indicate model of shape and impress states indicate the year that malt was designed, the factories back stamped changed over the years.

goebel figurines

Goebel figurines

The early years items were marked with a crown, a v shape and a bee .

motif was used from 1950 and the addition of the factory name corbel indicated date after 1964.