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Collector Reference     Marks of Authenticity  
Glossary of Terms   Tips on Appraising

Here are a few terms every M.I.Hummel collector should know...

Anniversary Exclusives:
Figurines offered exclusively to members of the M.I. Hummel Club® when they reach their 5-, 10-, 15- or 20-year Anniversaries as members. (5-year Anniversary figurine Flower Girl; 10-year Anniversary figurine The Little Pair; 15-year Anniversary figurine Honey Lover, 20-year Anniversary figurine Behave, 25-year Anniversary figurine Relaxation.) Prices are subject to change yearly. There are no expiration dates on these offers.

Appraisal:
The value assigned to a figurine by a recognized authority. Note: Goebel does not participate in appraising.

Authorized M.I.Hummel Retailer:
A suitably qualified merchant granted the authority by Goebel to sell M.I.Hummel figurines.

Backstamp/Trademark:
The official legal mark that Goebel places on the bottoms of all M.I.Hummel products.

Closed Edition:
Products formerly in production at the Goebel factory but no longer produced.

Collectors' Market:
An exclusive service provided for members of the M.I. Hummel Club® who wish to participate in the secondary market for M.I.Hummel products. Buyers and sellers are matched via computer.

Expired:
An M.I. Hummel Club® Exclusive product that is no longer available. Club exclusives are available for two years only. Then the edition is closed and the molds are broken.

Hum Number:
The mold number incised on the bottom of each M.I.Hummel figurine at the factory. This number is used for figurine identification.

INSIGHTS Magazine:
The official publication of the M.I. Hummel Club®, published quarterly. It is a full-color, 16 - 20 page magazine filled with M.I.Hummel history, facts about figurine production, current information on new products, Club news, contests, and much more. A must-read magazine for anyone interested in M.I.Hummel collectibles.

Limited Edition:
A figurine that is produced for a specific time period or in a limited quantity.

Local Chapters:
Groups of M.I. Hummel Club® members who meet locally to study M.I.Hummel figurines.

M.I. Hummel Club®:
An international organization created by Goebel to provide privileges, benefits and information to M.I.Hummel enthusiasts. Members receive a subscription to the Club magazine, the right to buy figurines created just for members and not available to the general public, European travel opportunities including behind-the-scenes tours of the Goebel factory in Germany, Club conventions, and many other special services.

Members' Exclusive Edition:
A figurine created only for M.I. Hummel Club® members. This edition bears a special Club backstamp and will never be released to the general public.

New Member Kit:
The package a new member receives when joining the M.I. Hummel Club. The kit includes a gift figurine, a binder, a Guide to Membership, a copy of INSIGHTS Magazine, a price list, personalized membership and redemption cards.

Open Edition:
M.I.Hummel products currently in production at Goebel.

Possible Future Edition (PFE):
Figurines modeled but not yet released for sale to the public.

Preview Edition:
A figurine with a Club backstamp offered exclusively to M.I. Hummel Club® members for a special preview period. After its first two years of production, it may become an open edition available to the general public, bearing a regular Goebel backstamp.

Redemption Card/Form:
The personalized form that enables M.I. Hummel Club® members to order Club Exclusive Editions through authorized M.I.Hummel retailers.

Reference Number:
A number used by Goebel and its retailers for ordering and inventory control.

Renewal Kit:
The package a member receives when renewing Club membership. The kit includes a gift figurine and updated membership and redemption cards.

Retired:
A figurine that has been permanently removed from production. The molds are broken and the figurine is never produced again.

Secondary Market:
The reselling of an M.I.Hummel product to a second (or more) owner.

Secondary Market Price:
The amount a buyer is willing to pay and a seller is willing to accept.

Temporarily Withdrawn:
A figurine that has been indefinitely removed from production. Production may be resumed at any time at the discretion of Goebel.


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M.I. Hummel ®, Hummel ® and M.I. Hummel Club ®, in signature and/or blockforms, are registered trademarks of Goebel Porzellanmanufaktur GmbH, Germany.
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