Hummel figurines can have a variety of numbers on the bottom. Each number refers to specific information about that figurine. In this article I will explain what each number is used for and what information this number refers to.
The HUM number is one of the most important numbers on your figurine, this is the model number and it identifies what the Hummel is. This number is called the HUM number.
Hummel Number 618 “A Basket of Gifts”
HUM Number:
A HUM number is a 1-4 digit incised (but can be hand painted in some cases) number (there will be a size designator after the number when the figurine was made in different sizes, we will cover this more in this article). This number is used to identify what Hummel figurine you have.
Example: HUM number 96 is “Little Shopper”
If a HUM number is a plain or whole number (no size designator) this means the Hummel was only made in one size.
Size Designators:
When a Hummel is made in a different size other then the original production size it will have a size designator after the HUM Number. If the Hummel is larger it will have a Roman numeral number. The higher the Roman numeral the larger the size. Figurines smaller then the original size are designated by Arabic numbers followed by a “/0 (zero)”. The larger the Arabic number the smaller the size.
HUM Number 304 “The Artist”
Examples: HUM Number 47 “Goose Girl”
This figurine comes in many sizes. Here are some examples:
47 and 47/0 are the standard size “Goose Girl” .
47 3/0 (Smaller size)
47/III (Larger Size)
Size Designators Chart:
/V (Musicbox)
/IV (Largest Size)
/III
/II
/I
/0 (Standard Size)
1/0
2/0
3/0
4/0 (Smallest Size)
In some cases there are exceptions to these size designators. When a figurine is restyled, it may be reduced in size but retain it’s original numbering. In other cases you will find an Arabic or Roman number will appear to the left of the model number, this is common on old lamp bases (II/112) or (2/112). When trying to understand Hummel’s size designation system it is important to remember that the designator apply differently to each specific Hummel model.
Decoration Designations:
Each Hummel is hand painted according to the original M.I. Hummel designs. The decoration techniques used have been assigned a “Decoration Designator”, this was done because the factory uses so many different decoration techniques.
Decoration Designators Chart:
Designator Description
/11 All matte-finish colors in rich variety of pastels
/11 Blue Madonna with dark blue cloak rest of figurine in pastels
/13 Ivory decoration in pastels
/6 Blue Madonna with pastel blue cloak rest of figurine in matching pastels
/6 Red Madonna with light red cloak rest of figurine in matching pastels
/83 Matte-finish shading on bisque body
/H Brown matte decor, very rare – not made after 1955
/W White over-glaze
The decoration designator is added to the model number after the size designator this will usually be a hand painted number and not incised like the model number.
Factory Production Control Number:
In some cases there will be a small hand painted or incised number on the bottom of the figurine; this is the assemblers number. This is usually a 2 digit number. This number identifies the person who assembled the individual soft clay parts of the figurine. The assemblers number has no real meaning to collectors. This number was used for Goebel production control.
I hope this article has helped you understand the Hummel numbering system. If you have any comment or questions regarding the number system feel free to leave a comment below.
I have a #306 Little Bookkeeper. It looks like the trademark stamp is 1964-1972 (according to your chart), however just below that is the number 1955 embossed in the porcelain. Is this # referring to a year or something else?? Thank you.
@Debbie, The number that is pressed into the base before the glazing is an internal number for the blank porcelain figurine. The age is always determined by the trademarking stamp. Blank figures could have been made years before they are used.