Hummel Figurines (No. 15)
Based on the wholesome drawings of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, these German ceramic figurines of rosy-cheeked children became an international obsession after World War II. American soldiers stationed in West Germany bought them as souvenirs, sparking a decades-long collecting craze in the United States. During the height of the boom in the 1970s and 1980s, thick price guides were published annually, and rare, older variations were valued at over $1,000 apiece.
Today, Hummels are a classic example of a generational collector bubble. The older generation that drove the market has passed away, leaving behind millions of ceramic figurines to children and grandchildren who have no sentimental attachment to them. Thrift stores and online auction sites are completely inundated with these pieces. A 1971 Hummel anniversary plate that once commanded a $2,000 valuation can now easily be purchased for less than $40. Because younger buyers favor clean lines over German folklore aesthetics, the vast majority of common Hummels are entirely worthless, often rejected by pawn shops.