Description:
Weight 161.8 grams
Master sculptor: Arthur Moeller
Marked: “W. Germany”
Large stylized bee mark
TMK-3 1958-1972
Incised “68” “16”
Bee is off center
Height 5 ½”
Excellent condition We are pleased to offer this cute Hummel entitled “Lost Sheep” of a boy holding the lost lamb that he has found.
This Hummel figurine is stamped #68 for the mold number and is as TMK-3 with the large stylized bee mark in blue and the words “W. Germany” in blue. It stands about 5 ½” tall and it weighs approximately 161.8 grams. The master sculptor for this piece is Arthur Moeller (See below).
This one being offered today is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks or crazing. By the way, did you know that the word “Hummel” in German means bumble bee, and that’s why Hummels had the bee mark from 1934-1979 and has had it again from 2000 to the present?
The figurine is of boy wearing the signature orange scarf around his neck, a green hat with brown overtones, brown coat, white shirt, green pants, white socks, and orange scuffs like slippers. He is holding the lamb in both hands, and the lamb is sniffing the familiar scent of his master. The boy’s eyes are cast down, looking at the lost lamb he was fortunate enough to find before it got hurt. It’s a touching and lovely Hummel, and tells us that this small boy is a shepherd who honors his position as the steward of the flock, much like Christ.
The artist behind the lovely hummel figurines is Berta Hummel, a Franciscan sister called Maria Innocentia. Berta Hummel was born on May 21, 1909 in lower Bavaria where her talent for art was encouraged and nourished by her parents. At the age of 25 she joined the convent of Siessen on Aug. 30, 1934 where she created paintings and drawings that made her famous. Little did her superiors dream that this modest blue-eyed artist who had joined their community would someday be world wide renown.
Arthur Moeller
When the first M. I. Hummel figurines were made in 1935, the Goebel master sculptors were Arthur Moeller and Reinhold Unger. At the time Moeller had worked for Goebel for almost 25 years. He sculpted actively until the mid-1950’s and is responsible for about 100 different Hummel figurine molds. It could be said that his creativeness and artistic abilities set standards and laid the foundation for what became the most famous figurine lines of all time.
Sister Hummel worked with both Moeller and Unger with Unger specializing in the sculpted interpretations of her religious works while Moeller concentrated on the more secular interpretations.
What causes crazing?
Extreme temperatures, sudden changes in temperature, air pollution, excessive handling, and liquids getting inside the air holes in it when washing.
How to clean a Hummel
Dust fairly often, and you can purchase the M. I. Hummel Care Kit. Without that, though, line a sink with towels (to prevent chipping, etc. if dropped while cleaning), fill with barely lukewarm water, tape over air holes, and carefully and gently clean it with a soft toothbrush and baby shampoo. Remove tape and let it dry thoroughly before putting it back on a shelf or in a case.
Remember Goodoletom, where “Rarity is Common” for fabulous, top quality collectibles and vintage fine and costume jewelry! So, if you "love it!!", be sure to check back with us soon for more gorgeous goodies since we make new items available from our extensive and ever-changing inventory on a regular basis.
Goodoletom purchased this item from a Hartford area estate. It is unique in our inventory, so Buy It Now and don't be disappointed! (083109F105LL)
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