Goebel or Hummel?

When I first started buying and selling Hummels, I thought that Goebel, the manufacturer of these cute little figurines made nothing but Hummels. But, I later learned that Goebel makes other items. And, while Goebel did produce all the Hummel figurines, it looks like this will not be the case in the future. So, while all Hummels are Goebel, not all Goebels are Hummels.

Why is this important? As Hummel changes to a new manufacturer, and their values continue to decline, the prices for other items produced by Goebel will increase in value.

In the past, when I began to notice pieces that had the Goebel mark, but were different than Hummels, I was able to buy them for a song, not really knowing if they had a value or not. I once spotted a figurine of a girl that was so different, I had to take a closer look at it. The Goebel crown mark was on the bottom, along with a price tag of $20. I bought it and took my time listing her on eBay. I wasn’t sure I’d get my money back. Once I listed her, I didn’t even check to see if I had any bids for a couple of days. When I finally did check, I had to put my eyeballs back in my head. Someone had bid $350. Over the next few days it approached $500. I became hooked on Goebel and began to search in earnest for the older Goebel pieces from the 1930’s and 40’s.

A sampling from Kovel’s Price Guide shows a group of Three Dancers, Art Deco, 1930 priced at $7340. A Beatles Yellow Submarine Grouping for $850 jumped out at me, and I see a Friar Tuck Cookie Jar for $800, as well as the Our Lady of Fatime figurine for $675. I’ll bet you’ll never look at a Goebel piece in the same way again.

Knowing the best in a class of antiques, art, or collectibles is something I’ve stressed over the last several blogs, so naturally I’ll stress it again today. Most average Goebel pieces will sell for $5-$20, but when you compare them with the best and most rare pieces, I believe you will agree there is a considerable difference in their value. While the profit on an average piece might buy you a hamburger, the money you’ll make from finding and selling a rare piece can take care of you for a month or more. The opportunity to substantially increase your bank account comes when you recognize what others don’t, so study, study and study some more. Our 31 Club Member, Cecil, has been successful in the business because he does some serious studying.

A couple of books that can help you with identification and pricing are the Goebel Collector's Guide and the No. 1 Price Guide to M.I.Hummel Figurines, Plates, Miniatures, & More. If you buy used copies, you'll have more money to buy other books. I've stocked an entire library from used books.

Today's Photo: Kathy Kruse Goebel Figurine, 4 3/8", produced in Germany, 1955, sold for $886.52 on eBay.

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Daryle Lambert Blog: Is it Time to Buy Royal Doulton Again?

Royal Doulton Tiger sold for $270 at Direct Auction, Chicago

In years past, I was a huge collector of the Doulton animal figurines but choose to sell them at the height of their range. Since then, I have watched as the prices of the Doulton animals have dropped, in some cases, as much as 75%. But, with the British Pound at a large premium to the dollar, now is the time to start watching those Doulton pieces again and consider buying.

Even I make mistakes on the things that I am most qualified on. This week at Direct Auction in Chicago, there was a 13” Doulton Lion that was going to be auctioned. I was thinking that I could make some money with that piece, but when Tuesday rolled around, I talked myself out of going to the sale. What a mistake that was. The piece sold for $270. I believe that on a good day, it could bring $1,000. Even after commission, the profit could have been over $600. Not bad for a Tuesday afternoon.

The story doesn't stop there, however. Two mint condition early Hummel Umbrella Boy and Girl figurines, that in the past, sold for over $1,500, were being offered Tuesday at Direct Auction. They sold for $350 each to a dealer. They could easily have been sold for $650 apiece.

Whenever you preview an auction, always key in on at least one item that should do well for you if purchased right. When you attend that auction, and if you buy your key piece, everything else you buy just becomes a bonus. I might have every easily left $2,000 or more on the table by talking myself out of attending Direct's auction. Shame on me. Even after all these years, I am still learning right alongside you. My only problem is that I seem to be learning some of these lessons all over again.

Like I told your several day ago, the good things are beginning to come to the market, so now is the time to really get active. Check every auction that is listed in your local paper or trade journal then the neighborhood paper if your community has one. Don't forget to see what is appearing in on the Ruby Lane website in your area I have found great buys there. Take a look at EstateSales.net and register to be notified of sales in your area. Winter is ending and many people are in a financial bind. People are eager to make changes and this will accrue to your benefit.

This is the time to see the basic principle that we teach come into play. By the end of the year, your eyes will be wide open to the potential that these markets offer you.

31 Club Members -- Watch your E-Mail for our Tips on Buying Royal Doulton. This will help you weed out the common from the more valuable.

To Learn More About Royal Doulton History and Top Artists, Shiffer's "Royal Doulton, A Legacy of Excellence 1871-1945" is an excellent resource. It's discounted at Amazon and includes a price guide.

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