In 1996, in celebration of their 125 years in business, goebel produced the friar clock as seen in #12 (right). The bottom has the inscription, "Collector Classics 1996" and is 57 422 20.

Candy dish or ash tray in picture #13 (left)? The ZF 43/0, ZF 43/I and ZF 43/II technically denotes a candy dish, but note the notch for a cigarette on the smallest one.

The debate goes on and on as to what these are. KF60 A, B &C, the musician monks, as seen in picture #14 (right), are the only friar figurines. All of the other motifs are functional.

In picture #15 (left), we see RX 111, a match box holder. However, it will not fit the match boxes found in the USA, so ask a friend in Europe to send you a few. To his right, we also have a napkin ring, X 98.

Next in #16 (right), we see a complete smoking set, RX 104 A, B, C which are a cigarette holder, a match holder with striker, and the tray is a true ashtray.

In picture #17 (left), we have KL 94 which is a liquor tot, E 95 A & B, 4 egg cups on a tray, and the other true friar ashtray, RF 142. Many collectors who don’t read this column, might think this is a spoon rest, but you know better.

Next in #18 (right), we see a bottle stopper and a pourer, XP 75 and XP 78 in a yellow holder arch, XP 47. The stopper and pourer are never marked nor do they have the incised numbers. Next to them are the oil and vinegar cruets, M80.

Picture #19 (left) gives us one of the most attractive of all the friars, the bookends. They are marked XS 184 A & B.

We see the advertising signs or plaques in picture #20 (below right). The left one is an older one and the right one is the newest one. Center stage is a special edition that Goebel made for the members of The Friar Collectors Club only.

The run was limited to about 200 pieces worldwide and had to be purchased from the club by members only. Note the different colored bibles on each sign.

In picture #21 (left), we have two friar thermometers with both red and blue mercury, KF 56, surrounding a perpetual calendar holder. KF 55.

#22 (right) shows us the shiny double egg timer, E 96, the single egg timer, E 104, and an older double which can be found with many colors of sand in the glass.

Picture #23 (left) shows us the friar banks. Note the coin slot on SD 29 is in t he back of the collar. The "Three Monk" bank in the center is SD 35. There is an SD 37 also which is the same size as the cookie jar.

Picture #24 (right) begins with a friar stubber, RX 107 which number never appears on the piece. Then we see a very RARE GREEN pepper shaker with toes and the full bee mark. They were actually produced in green , but very few of they were released. Finally, we have an example of a cardinal Tuck in red, S 141/3/0. Most of the same motifs were produced as Cardinals, but only during a five year period, so they are more difficult to find.

Picture #25 (left) shows us other special releases available to club members only. There are four different colored tots, KL 94, a sugar shaker in blue, Z 50, and an entirely new motif, a card holder in blue, 57 432. The card holder will not be found in any other form or color.

Certain private individuals have commissioned goebel to reproduce older motifs in blue and green and red for their own personal profit. These include ornaments in four colors, a red cookie jar with black collar and fat decanters in red, green and blue with black collars and blue and green banks. I look at these in the same light as "reproductions" and I don’t give them the importance as the original pieces as released by goebel. The special "club" pieces are different in that the "profit" goes to furthering the hobby.

To join the Friar Collectors Club, you may e-mail Janice Hoehn at bondfarm@mediaone.net or Jim and Terri Denison at dterjim@aol.com . The dues are very reasonable and the benefits invaluable. These addresses have changed since I gave them to you in my very first column, so please make a note.

Also, the address for the Goebel Networkers, a club that focuses on all goebels other than hummels, also changed. It is now PO Box 355, Hamburg, PA 19526. I strongly recommend you joining both these clubs if you have any interest in goebels at all. Other than this column, they are your only worthwhile source for information and sharing your experiences and finds.

Of course, like always, feel free to contact me directly with any questions or suggestions at goebel1@gte.net . Remember, I am always in the market to buy older goebels to add to my collection which now numbers over 5,200 items. Please give me a complete description including size, mark and incised number and the price that would make you happy. I cannot make offers. but I will pay your price if at all possible.