Bob Olszewski made a very small number (approximately 13) of Hummel and Royal Doulton inspired figurines, in extremely small quantities by hand, using the lost wax method prior to becoming an official "Master Artist" with Goebel in July, 1979. These first figurines were made during a period of time before another miniature artist advised Bob to get express permission to create Goebel figurines in miniature, at which point they were so astounded by his miniature creations that they decided to sign an exclusive contract with him, making him the only artist outside of Bavaria to produce official Hummel figurines. These early, unauthorized pieces are now known as the Pre-Goebel miniatures and are highly coveted though they are less detailed. I am happy to be bringing to you my prized collection of 11 such Pre-Goebel figurines. According to information available online, they may have been poured with gold. Although I cannot confirm whether they are bronze or gold, they do feel a bit lighter than his later pieces leading me to believe they may very well be gold. Each one represents a piece of history as one of Olszewski’s earliest and most highly sought after works, which rarely come up for auction, due to their scarcity.

Pre-Goebel Rarity: "Farmyard Hero" by Bob Olszewski

This figurine is called Farmyard Hero. It is just ½ inch tall, making it absolutely perfect in scale as a shelf sitter or curio piece in a 1:12 setting. It is the miniature version of a Hummel piece called Barnyard Hero, and was produced in 1977 when it was introduced with a total of 489 being created thereafter. Olszewski used the skills learned from a figure called Rainy Weather in casting a large metal area with relatively thin connectors from the base. The base bottom is a natural buffed bronze. This piece is hand signed by Olszewski himself, and comes along with its original baby blue velvet-lined box for safekeeping. It is in excellent condition and has never been displayed. 

It captures a moment of playful chaos in a farmyard. A white goose is extending its neck, perhaps in a loud honk, while a small boy, likely no older than five or six, is depicted in a moment of surprise. He’s climbed over a wooden fence, perhaps to explore the barnyard, and now finds himself face-to-face with the honking goose. A lovely piece that is full of lighthearted humor and a touch of farmyard charm.