How to Tell a Hummel

Turn the figurine upside down and look at the bottom. Every piece created by M.I. Hummel, including modern day pieces, bear certain identifying marks. The first thing to look for is the replica of Sister Hummel's signature, which is used on all pieces.

Examine the coloring of the figurine. You can tell a Hummel figurine based on the color if you can't see any markings. The figurines all have a pale and almost muted color, with a palate utilizing primarily browns and other earth tones. Reproductions are sometimes done in brighter colors.

Look for the trademark logo of the company. Every piece should bare a logo from either Goebel or Manufaktur Rodental. Early logos featured a small bee placed inside a "V," while other logos used the Goebel name, along with a W. Germany marking.

Use the logo to tell the Hummel figurine's age. Hummel figures have used 20 logos over the years. A hand-drawn bee and signature were used before 1950, while the bee and "V" logo appeared well into the 1960s. If the piece has a W. Germany marking on it, then you'll know it was created between 1960 and 1990.

Tell modern day Hummel figures by again looking at the logo. In 1999 the company started using the Goebel name in large letters, with a large bee on top and letters spelling out Germany on the bottom. In 2008 it was changed to state Original M.I. Hummel Germany inside a circle, with the bee on one side and the manufacturer name on the bottom.