Step Back into History In the spring of 1935, the porcelain industry was forever changed at the historic Leipzig Trade Fair in Germany. It was here that Franz Goebel took a massive leap of faith, debuting a completely new line of ceramics based on the two-dimensional charcoal and pastel sketches of a Bavarian nun named Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel.
The initial launch featured just 46 distinct designs. Today, those "Original 46" molds are considered the holy grail of vintage European collectibles.
From Sketch to Masterpiece Translating Sister Hummel's innocent, heartwarming artwork into three-dimensional ceramic required an unprecedented level of skill. Franz Goebel tasked his master sculptors—most notably Arthur Moeller and Reinhold Unger—with bringing the sketches to life.
The craftsmanship required to produce these early models is staggering. To capture the soft, nostalgic essence of the original drawings, Goebel formulated a completely new, proprietary matte glaze. This signature finish perfectly highlighted the incredibly precise, hand-applied brushstrokes and the warm, earthy tones of the traditional Bavarian color palette. 🎨
The Foundation of a Legacy The original 46 figurines introduced the world to iconic characters that would become the foundation of the Goebel empire, including the beloved Puppy Love (Mold #1) and the timeless Little Fiddler (Mold #2). Owning one of these foundational mold numbers is like owning a tangible piece of art history.
A historic "Original 46" Hummel piece creates a stunning focal point when placed on a vintage oak bookshelf next to a collection of classic leather-bound novels. 📚
A Modern Renaissance: The Granny Chic Revival
These foundational pieces aren't just for traditional collectors anymore. With the massive rise of the Grandmillennial and "Granny Chic" interior design movements, these historic 1935 molds are experiencing a stylish renaissance. Their nostalgic charm, warm earthy colors, and artisanal craftsmanship make them the perfect authentic accent pieces for this cozy, maximalist aesthetic. 🌸 Discover how to style them in our Granny Chic Decor Guide.
Explore the Original 46 We have carefully curated an exclusive gallery dedicated entirely to the figurines that started it all. Whether you are hunting for an early TMK-1 Crown Mark variation or simply want to own a piece of the 1935 debut, you can explore the collection below.
🕰️ Shop The Original 46 Collection
Join the Conversation Are you lucky enough to have an "Original 46" piece in your collection? Share your oldest or favorite early TMK find in the comments below—and let us know which of these foundational molds holds a special place in your heart!
🕰️ Curate Your Own Piece of History
Ready to bring the masterful artistry of Franz Goebel's earliest releases into your own space? Explore our exclusive master archive of authentic, investment-grade estate finds. Whether you are searching for a rare TMK-1 Crown Mark or a pristine classic to ground your room, every item is meticulously inspected and backed by our 100% Satisfaction & Authenticity Guarantee.