For collectors of authentic Goebel M.I. Hummel figurines, the bottom of the piece is just as important as the artistry on top. The trademark—commonly referred to by collectors as the "TMK"—is the secret code that tells us exactly when a figurine was produced.
Since the first figurines debuted in 1935, the Goebel company has updated its logo several times. Understanding these shifts from TMK-1 to the modern era is the key to identifying rare vintage finds and valuing your collection.
TMK-1: The Crown Mark (1935–1949)
The story begins with the Crown Mark. This earliest trademark features a crown with the letters "WG" (for William Goebel) intertwined beneath it. Because these pieces were produced before or during World War II, they are quite rare. If you find a TMK-1, you are holding a piece of history from the very first years of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel’s collaboration with the Goebel factory.
TMK-2: The Full Bee (1950–1959)
In 1950, Goebel introduced the famous bumblebee to honor the artist herself; "Hummel" means "bumblebee" in German. The Full Bee mark features a large bee flying inside a V. There are many minor variations of the bee’s size, but any "Bee in a V" from this era is a highly desirable vintage treasure.
TMK-3 & TMK-4: The Stylized Bee and Three Line Mark (1960–1972)
As the 1960s arrived, the logo became more graphic. The Stylized Bee (TMK-3) features a simplified bee (often just a circle with triangular wings) inside a V. During this same era, the Three Line Mark (TMK-4) appeared, which added "© by W. Goebel" and "W. Germany" in a three-line stack next to the bee.
TMK-5: The Last Bee (1972–1979)
By 1972, the logo changed again. The bee became much smaller and was perched on top of the "Goebel" name, nestled between the "b" and "e." Collectors call this the Last Bee because it was the final time the classic bee would appear as a primary part of the logo for several decades.
TMK-6: The Missing Bee (1979–1991)
In a major shift, Goebel removed the bee and the V entirely. This mark simply says Goebel with "W. Germany" underneath. While these pieces are beautiful and authentic, they are generally the most common figurines found in the secondary market today.
TMK-7 & TMK-8: The New Crown and Beyond (1991–2008)
Following the reunification of Germany, the "W." (West) was removed. TMK-7 (1991–1999) brought back a small version of the original 1935 crown as a tribute. In 2000, TMK-8 was introduced, featuring a large, modern bumblebee flying over the Goebel name to celebrate the new millennium.
The Modern Era: TMK-9 to Today
After Goebel ceased production in 2008, the "Hummel Manufaktur" took over. Modern marks (TMK-9, 10, and 11) now feature "Manufaktur Rödental" or "Handmade in Germany" stamps. These pieces continue the legacy of quality, though the Goebel-era figurines (TMK-1 through TMK-8) remain the primary focus for vintage enthusiasts.
Why It Matters
For any collector at BuyHummels.com, knowing your TMK is essential. Earlier marks (TMK-1, 2, and 3) often command higher prices due to their age and scarcity. Next time you pick up a figurine, flip it over—you might just be holding a rare piece of porcelain history!
Expanding your collection beyond Goebel? Check out our [Guide to Royal Doulton Trademarks] or our [Lladro Authenticity Guide].