Definition:TMK

TMK stands for ‘Trade Mark’ and refers to the numbered backstamp dating system used by collectors of Goebel and M.I. Hummel figurines to identify the production period of individual pieces. The system runs from TMK-1 through the current production mark: TMK-1 (crown mark, 1935–1950), TMK-2 (full bee, approximately 1950–1955), TMK-3 (stylized bee, 1958–1972), TMK-4 (three-line mark, 1964–1972), TMK-5 (last bee, 1972–1979), TMK-6 (missing bee, 1979–1990), TMK-7 (1991–1999), and TMK-8 (2000–present). Because Goebel produced dog figurines throughout this entire period, the TMK system allows collectors to date any marked Goebel dog piece to within approximately a decade — a significant factor for valuation, as earlier production generally commands higher prices than later equivalents.