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: "Rainy Weather" by Bob Olszewski

This figurine is called Rainy Weather. It is just 1/2 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 Stormy Weather, and was produced in 1977 when it was introduced with a total of 439 being created thereafter. This piece is hand signed by Olszewski himself on the backside, and comes along with its original velvet-lined box for safekeeping. It is in excellent condition and has never been displayed. 

It depicts a young girl and boy snuggled under a big umbrella. The girl has pigtails and is wearing an apron. The boy has on lederhosen and is holding a walking stick.