DUTY CALLS: HUMMEL 2194

This is an absolute beauty here! A great way to honor the men and women serving in our armed forces. This beauty here stands a good 7 1/2" tall and plus the 1" Wooden Base...she real stands out among the crowd. In a million to one odds... we acquired this one, numbered 517 of 3,000 pieces. Just lucky enough to get it too, because our Brave Soldier (the first in the series) happens to be numbered 517 of 3,000 itself. So as you can see...it's fate that we get her.

And to have it signed by a Master Painter? We take pride in our hummel collection. This masterpiece is signed by Master Painter Christina Goihl. To us having it signed by an artist who took part in its creation is a plus. Some people would disagree, and that's their right. To us it just adds value to the masterpiece.

Goebel and the U.S. Armed Forces: Celebrating half a century. This is the Third in the Ambassador of Freedom series, this figurine is numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity and the Uncle Sam "I Want You" recruiting poster that is displayed on the wooden base beside her.

In appreciation of half a century of support, sustenance and enjoyment, Goebel announces its new series, ''Ambassadors of Freedom'', reflecting moments of military life. Good relationships in life are precious. Mutual knowledge, caring and reciprocating consideration are paramount. For over 60 years, W.Goebel Porzellanfabrik, the home of the M. I. Hummel figurine, has been contributing to good German-American relations. The charming, optimistic, ''thumbs-up'' children created by Goebel master artists are based on the artistic vision of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel. Their innocent preoccupation with themselves and their perception of the adult world have always appealed to Americans. Since the earliest days of WWI to the current day of post-reunification, these handcrafted works of art have enchanted generations. The timeless Hummel figurine that initially captured the hearts of ''G. I. Joe'' and the last families to accompany their soldiers to Germany is as captivating today as then.

A Special Relationship

Perhaps the dream of a more peaceful world and the reasons men and women serve in uniform to achieve and safeguard peace are subconsciously reflected in these meticulously crafted figurines. The wonderfully ideal world portrayed by their creator, a gentle Franciscan sister, and carried on by her sister-successors for 2½ generations also calls out to those in the profession of arms. In the course of time, W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik has produced a number of M. I. Hummel figurines dedicated to those serving the Armed Forces. Hopeful children wave to the ''Raisin Bombers'' sustaining Berlin during the Blockade. At ''Checkpoint Charlie'' the dutiful solider is alert and on watch.

Like our Checkpoint Charlie, or The Berlin Airlift, Or the Crossroads with the porcelain "Berlin Wall"... The military holds a special meaning for us.