Hummel "Little Scholar"
Item Number: 112
Time Left: CLOSED
Description
"Little Scholar" is one of the earlier Hummel designs. He looks like so many other kindergarteners on their first day: shiny-clean and shy. Check out the details on his lederhosen, including the heart on the suspenders. It won't be very long before he won't allow Mother to dress him is such things!
Our 4-1/2" figurine bears Trademark 5, meaning he is at least 28 to 34 years old with a Luckey's book value of $275. In addition, M.I. Hummel has listed this model as a closed edition.
He is carrying a zuckertute, which is a traditional gift given by German parents on the first day of school: a paper cone filled with school supplies and goodies.
Our little scholar is in very good condition, with bright colors and only the teeniest bit of crazing on his zukertute (common in items of this age). Even if you don't need it for your collection, it would make such a nice gift for a young mother or teacher!
Special Instructions
This piece is part of an extensive private collection of Hummel figurines and was generously donated by Edith Jones. The collection was started by her mother, and spans three generations. Edith is a long-time member of the Fort Worth League of Women Voters, and currently serves on the state board of directors.
Hummel children are the inspiration of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel. This talented German artist was discovered by porcelain manufacturer Franz Goebel in the 1930s after a small publisher began printing her artwork as postcards. He reached an agreement with Sister Maria and the Convent of Seissen, and was granted sole rights to reproduce her art in three-dimensional figurines. First introduced in 1935, they were immediately successful. World War II interrupted production, but at the end of the war, demand suddenly increased as troops began buying the figures to bring home from Europe. Today, Sister Maria’s art still inspires all Hummel figurines, which continue to be hand-made by Goebel Inc. and produced under the auspices of the artistic board of the Convent of Seissen.