In 1983 the Goebel company announced a new line of M. I. Hummel dolls. The heads, hands and feet of the new dolls are made of the same or similar ceramic type material as the figurines. The bodies are still a soft, stuffed material. The new dolls are readily identifiable from the material of the heads, hands and feet but there are additional unmistakable identifying characteristics. They are 15 inches tall, each having the M. I. Hummel signature and the date of production year.  The bodies will also carry a label containing the production date along with identifying remarks.

The first four to be released were: Postman, On Holiday, Boy from Birthday Serenade and Girl from Birthday Serenade. They were released at a suggested retail price of $175 each and production was limited to the year 1984.  Dolls limited in production to the year 1985 were: Lost Sheep, Easter Greetings, Signs of Spring and Carnival.  New dolls were released in 1996 and 1997. Little Scholar, 14" tall, was released in 1996 and School Girl in 1997. Each comes with a wooden stand. They were released at about $200.

This doll (Birthday Serenade - Boy) was among those introduced in 1983, and is 15 3/4" tall.