Friar Tuck Collectibles - Goebel

Goebel and Hummel Trademarks

In the early 1950s, Goebel introduced a series of functional pieces called Friar Tucks. They were sculpted by several artists of the Goebel factory and are found with many interesting variations. Other than their Hummel series, this was Goebel’s most popular and most successful line. The series contained approximately 125 different items. The Friar Tuck line was discontinued in 1988.

Some of the better-known examples of these brown-robed Friars include pitchers, mugs, egg timers, sale and pepper shakers, creamers, sugar bowls, and banks.

The friars that are robed in red are called the Cardinal Tuck series. They were cast from the same molds as the Friar Tuck series, but they were painted cardinal red to reflect the different levels in their hierarchy, which are marked by different colored robes.

The Cardinal Tuck series was developed by Goebel in 1960 and introduced in Great Britain in 1961. Most of this line was produced for only five years, but a few pieces continued in production for another two or three years. Aside from the display plaque, all the pieces in the Cardinal Tuck series were designed as functional items. It is unusual to find Cardinal Tucks in the United States.

I started collecting Friar Tucks in the 1980s. A friend of mine was really into collecting figurines and had a large collection of Friar Tucks. One day he bought my used washer and dryer and traded me a number of Friars as payment. My hunt for Friar Tucks began!

In our previous house, I had these Friar Tuck items displayed in two curio cabinets. I no longer have room for them in my new home, so I am selling my entire collection.

I have a lot more Friar Tucks to list. I will continue listing them as I have time, so please check back often.

Click on each photo for more information and to place an order.