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Home > Member's Lounge > Studio > Appraising

Appraising

The M.I. Hummel Club® can offer suggested retail prices for currently produced pieces only. Manufaktur Rödental does not appraise its products, so we at M.I. Hummel Company cannot answer any appraisal questions. Secondary market values are determined by several criteria including age, condition, supply and demand.

Why Should You Have Your Figurines Appraised?
  1. To have your collection insured.
  2. To donate a collection to charity or tax-exempt institution such as a school or museum.
  3. To divide your collection fairly among family members or friends.
Tips on Appraising:
  1. Be sure your appraisal is current. M.I. Hummel figurines have undergone several price increases throughout the years. Such increases affect secondary market prices.
  2. Specify whether you want your collection appraised for replacement value or fair market value. Replacement value represents your cost to replace a lost or stolen piece with a new piece of the same motif.
  3. Appraisals require a fee, even when performed by a dealer.
  4. Don't ask a dealer to appraise your collection if you plan to sell it to him or her.
  5. When you are selling your collection to an auction house, or donating it to a charity or museum, remember that their experts usually can appraise your collection for you, or refer you to someone else.
Reference Sources on Appraising M.I. Hummel Products

The No. 1 Price Guide To M.I.Hummel, 10th Edition
by Robert L. Miller.
Provides a listing of secondary market prices through 2002 of M.I. Hummel products. Available at authorized M.I. Hummel dealers, The M.I. Hummel Club®, or from Robert Miller, the author.

The Goebel Miniatures of Robert Olszewski
by Dick Hunt.
A reference and price guide including color photos. Avalable from Dick Hunt, 114 Scenic Drive, Flat Rock, NC 28731-9522. (800) 621-8112.

Your Local Library:
Since there is no information available on the value of non-M.I. Hummel products, you may want to refer to your local library's "Antiques" or "Porcelain" section.

How to Locate a Reputable Appraiser:
  1. Gather referrals from friends and appraising associations.
  2. Write to appraising associations and request their membership directories. Listed below are two of the largest appraising associations in the United States:

    American Society of Appraisers
    555 Herndon Parkway, Suite 125
    Herndon, VA 20170
    Phone: (703) 478-2228
    Fax: (703) 742-8471
    Web Site: www.appraisers.org
    Email: asainfo@appraisers.org

    Appraisers Association of America
    386 Park Ave South, Suite 2000
    New York, NY 10016
    Phone: (212) 889-5404
    Fax: (212) 889-5503
    Web Site: www.appraisersassoc.org
    Email: appraisers@appraisersassoc.org

    ISA
    International Society of Appraisers
    1131 SW 7th St #105
    Renton, WA 98055
    Phone: (206) 241-0359
    Fax: (206) 241-0436
    Web Site: www.isa-appraisers.org
    Email: isa@isa-appraisers.org

    Special Note: The American Society of Appraisers estimates that only 25 percent of the 120,000 appraisers in the United States belongs to one of the major evaluation societies. Such societies establish codes of ethics by which their members are required to adhere. In addition to a code of ethics, the appraisers are tested for their expertise.

  3. Refer to the Yellow Pages in the Telephone Book under "Appraisers" of "Antique Dealers."
What to do When You Locate and Appraiser:
  1. Review their credentials
  2. Verify their membership to an appraising association
  3. Request references
  4. Determine appraisal fees
  5. Request a written contract which outlines the following items:
    • The scope of work
    • The delivery date of the appraisal
    • The appraisal fee
    • The objective nature of appraisal findings
    • A statement that the appraiser cannot act as an advocate or negotiator in disputes over appraised goods




, Hummel® and M.I. Hummel Club®, in signature and/or block forms, are registered trademarks of Manufaktur Rödental GmbH, Germany. M.I. Hummel figurines,
plates and bells are copyrighted products. All products of Manufaktur Rödental GmbH, Germany, are design-patented and copyright protected. All trademarks are registered.
© M.I. Hummel 2012. © Goebel 2012. © Disney 2012.