Mark era reference
Hummel TMK Marks Guide
Every Goebel Hummel figurine carries a backstamp called a Trademark (TMK) that reveals approximately when it was made. Earlier marks generally command higher prices, but the figurine mold, condition, and size matter equally. Use this guide to identify your mark before running the value checker.
TMK-1 — Crown mark
1935-1949
Early crown marks can bring a premium when the HUM number, glaze, and condition also check out.
Multiplier vs. excellent baseline: ×1.85
TMK-2 — Full bee
1950-1959
Full bee pieces are widely researched and can outperform later marks for the same mold.
Multiplier vs. excellent baseline: ×1.55
TMK-3 — Stylized bee
1957-1964
A transitional early mark with stronger demand than most 1970s and later examples.
Multiplier vs. excellent baseline: ×1.25
TMK-4 — Three-line mark
1964-1972
Usually a modest adjustment unless paired with a scarce mold or large size.
Multiplier vs. excellent baseline: ×1.10
TMK-5+ — Last bee or newer Goebel/Hummel mark
1972-2009+
Later production is common; price against completed sold comps rather than older guide-book highs.
Multiplier vs. excellent baseline: ×0.78
How marks affect dating and value
Goebel changed its backstamp design across eras, so the mark on your figurine's base can narrow the likely production window. Earlier marks (Crown and Full Bee) tend to deserve closer comp research when condition is clean. Later marks (Last Bee onward) usually rely more on the exact mold, condition, and completed marketplace results than on age alone.
The mark is one multiplier in the value estimate — the HUM number and condition usually have stronger effects on the final range. A Mint, TMK-2 example of a common figurine can still price below a Good, TMK-4 example of a rare one.
Using the mark selector in the value checker
The value checker's TMK selector shows the same mark eras listed above. Match the symbol on your figurine's base to the era name, select it, then set condition and selling urgency to see an adjusted range.
If the mark is obscured, chipped, or unclear, choose "Unknown or unreadable" — this applies a small downward adjustment to reflect the reduced confidence. Photographing the base under a bright, angled light before listing often reveals marks that look blank at first glance.
TMK mark questions
What does TMK mean on a Hummel figurine?
TMK stands for "trade mark," a coded system used by Goebel to date when a figurine was produced. Each TMK number corresponds to a specific bee and backstamp design used during a particular era, from the Crown mark of the 1930s-40s through later Goebel/Hummel marks.
Which TMK mark is the most valuable?
Early crown marks (TMK-1, 1935–1949) and full bee marks (TMK-2, 1950–1959) typically add the largest premiums, especially when condition and HUM number are also strong. However, TMK alone does not guarantee higher prices — the figurine mold, rarity, size, and condition all matter.
How do I identify my Hummel's TMK mark?
Turn the figurine upside down and look at the base. Clean off dust carefully. The mark will be an incised or stamped symbol: a crown, a bee with wings spread (full bee), a stylized V-shape bee, three horizontal lines, or a modern text/shield mark. Match the symbol shape to the TMK era chart above.
Does the TMK mark significantly change resale value?
Yes, but as one factor among several. The checker applies visible mark-era multipliers so you can see how the worksheet range changes. Always check sold comps for your specific HUM number with that TMK era before pricing.
What if my Hummel has no visible mark or an unreadable mark?
Treat unreadable marks as lower-confidence pieces. Use the "Unknown or unreadable mark" selector in the value checker, which applies a modest downward adjustment until the mark can be confirmed. A professional appraisal or UV light can sometimes reveal an obscured mark.
Can a figurine have more than one TMK mark?
Yes. Some figurines were produced across multiple decades with the same HUM number, so you may encounter the same mold with TMK-3 or TMK-4 and later with TMK-5 or newer. The mark on your specific piece tells you approximately when that individual figurine was made.