Yellow Car – is not a Super Smurf

Around 1991 Schleich released a special edition yellow car and was sold exclusively without packaging. At first glance this Yellow Car looked more like a toy from a Happy Meal from McDonald’s than something from Schleich.

The light yellow car comes with a black steering wheel, four red, chunky wheels connected by a metal axle. The Smurf figurine is wearing white trousers and a hat with goggles resting on it. It is the same figurine used for Super Smurf Tricycle, article number #40203.

I don’t know the origin of the Yellow Car but its likeness to the Applause Roll-A-Longs is striking. In 1990 in America, the company Applause tried to relaunch the Smurfs but was unsuccessful. The Roll-A-Longs set of 4 included an existing Super Smurf figurine with a new mode of transport.

For example, Skateboarder #40204 now had a bright green rectangle-shaped skateboard with thick grey wheels. Or #40210 had a bright orange car complemented with a bright green steering wheel and thick grey wheels. Each of these accessories was made of a thick plastic with metal rods connecting the wheels. There was also no packaging. Sound familiar?

When I started collecting Smurfs in the early 2000s I was confused by this yellow car. It made no sense to me because this was nothing like the other Super Smurfs cars. To add to this, my favourite collectors websites and online stores would refer to yellow car with the article number 40210. Most still do because it’s easier to group the cars all together.

Yellow Car Facts

Article number 20910
Sold between 1991 to 1993
Yellow car, black steering wheel, light red chunky wheels, connected by a metal rod.
Smurf figurine same as the one used from Tricycle Super Smurf.
Marking on the Smurf: W.Germany Schleich S © 78 Peyo
Marking on the car: Germany Schleich S © 79 CE
Original Box: None. This figurine was sold exclusively without packaging!

Toy companies like Schleich or Bullyland make a variety of character figurines. So it’s not surprising that a vehicle made for one particular figurine ends up with a completely different figure. Everyone has their own right to do this. What I dislike is when someone tries to profit from this and calls it a rare, vintage piece.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Caveman Smurf

A common thought is that because a Smurf is old, it must be valuable. Sadly that isn’t true. Those new to collecting struggle to understand that older Smurfs are worth less than those produced in the 1990s. One needs to keep in mind that the demand for Smurfs in the late 1970s was global. Smurfs mass produced, meant millions being available. A good example of this is Caveman Smurf #20427 from 1994.

Brief history of Caveman Smurf

Caveman Smurf is clothed in animal skins and carries a large wooden club. The wooden club has a brown or a red brown club. Small variances but nothing major. In addition it can be found with one marking – Germany Schleich S © 1994 Peyo CE.

Back in 1994 Schleich released six new Smurfs. The Smurf Collectors Club International would refer to these as ‘1994 New Generation Series Figurines’ As well they referred to Caveman as Stone Age Smurf. To complement Caveman a Cavewoman was also released. Only sold until for three years. The character Caveman also appeared in the Smurf Village Game a free social gaming app.

Smurfs from the 1990s

When one looks back the Smurfs from the 1990s most were typically only available for two to five years. The high demand was not on the same scale as Smurfs from the late 1970s. In the book by Schleich – Anywhere’s a Playground they comment that at the peak Schleich was producing more than ‘250 different Smurf characters in various locations in South America, Europe and Asia’.

But this is what makes Smurfs like Caveman extra special, knowing they were not mass produced like others. Knowing that when you have the opportunity to add a rare Smurf to your collection it has the ability to set your collection apart from others.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

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Tailor Smurf

With a sewing needle in one hand and a large yellow cloth a black patch over his lap, Tailor Smurf is hard at work. But also thoroughly enjoying himself at the same time. One only has to look at the broad smile across his face.

Tailor #20063 was sold between 1980 to 1986, 1995 and 1998 by Schleich. There are two variations of Tailor, with or without red thread attached to the sewing needle. There are also at least five different marking variations and three different paint dots.

Markings and Paint Dots

W.Germany Schleich S © Peyo 1979
W.Germany Schleich S © Peyo 1980
Made in Portugal Schleich S © Peyo 1979
Made in Hong Kong Wallace Berrie & Co Schleich S © 1979 Peyo
Germany Schleich S © Peyo 1979 CE

Mustard paint dot
Red paint dot
Black paint dot

The majority of Smurf collectors who prefer the older figurines will seek out colour or mould variations. I enjoy both of these aspects of collecting but finding a rare marking is the ultimate. I like to collect Smurfs based on their markings. It can be hard work but very rewarding. Recently I was lucky enough to find a Tailor smurf that was on my ‘most wanted’ list. You can tell a lot about a Smurf by it’s markings.

Before last year I never knew this existed. Only sold for one year in 1984 by Applause (formerly known as Wallace Berrie). Painted with shiny darker colours, this variant looks like the other Tailor Smurfs. However by understanding the importance of it’s markings tells a different story.

Another Tailor Smurf on my ‘most wanted list’ is Tailor sitting on top of a pin cushion #53030. Finding this one is going to take a lot longer and patience.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

http://www.toydreamer.com.au

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Haymaker also known as Farmer

You may know this toy by its other name of Farmer, but it has always been known as Haymaker Smurf because Gardener with Rake is what I refer to as Farmer. You can find Haymaker holding an armful of hay under one arm and a sickle in the other.

There appear to be very few changes made to the mould of Haymaker Smurf over the years. Schleich sold it from 1982 to 1986 and 1999 to 2000, first shown as a sketch, not an actual figurine. Nevertheless, collectors continue to remark on the variations of hay brush strokes and shade of brown used for the sickle.

In 2013 Schleich released their decade display boxes. I never really liked the display boxes but just wanted the Smurfs. That’s because each of the Smurfs used had new markings Haymaker included. Check out 1980 to 1989 Decade Display box #41257 for Haymaker.

Haymaker – Made in Hong Kong

Meanwhile, a version was made in Hong Kong in 1982 for Wallace Berrie and BP. 1982 was also the last year BP sold Smurfs in Australia and possibly New Zealand. So it is possible to find Haymaker with two different Hong Kong markings. It was sold by Wallace Berrie from 1983 to 1984.

I have added a list of the different markings on the Haymaker Smurf. The markings can tell you a lot about the Smurf and are worth considering when looking to make a purchase. Some changes are not possible to see with the naked eye. But if two Smurfs have different markings there is bound to be a difference. In short, the markings on a toy can tell you a different story.

Markings to be found

W.Germany Schleich S © 1981 Peyo
Made in Hong Kong Schleich S © 1981 Peyo
Made in Hong Kong W. Berrie Co. Schleich S © 1981 Peyo
Made in Hong Kong W. Berrie Co. Schleich S © 1981 Peyo CE (CE hand etched)
Made in Germany Schleich S Germany © 81 Peyo CE
Made in Germany Am Limes 69 D-73527 Schw. Gmund © 81 Peyo Schleich S CE (date stamp)

https://www.toydreamer.com/collections/smurfs

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

What type of Smurf Collector are you?

As smurf collectors, we will go through many different stages. First, by collecting any smurf we like; second by learning and identifying one’s own smurfs and then finally by mastering the art of collecting smurfs.

All smurf collectors are unique, each with their own little quirks and ways. You might see yourself as a combination of the types of collectors listed below. Or you might just see yourself as a single type. Like every Smurf in your collection, every collector is different.

Papa Smurf

There can only ever be one Papa Smurf collector out there. Not only is this type of collector very knowledgeable but they are happy to share their discoveries with other collectors. If a collector is needing assistance with identifying a particular smurf or has a question about a smurf, the Papa Smurf collector is only too happy to give them the answer. In most cases the answer is a complete history lesson in itself. Papa Smurf treats each collector with respect and kindness.

Smurfette

Likes to display their smurf collection beautifully within their house. Just like it is appearing in a home designer styled magazine. A Smurfette collector especially likes to collect coloured variations. Other collectors adore a Smurfette’s collection. Despite this a Smurfette collector cannot seem to understand what the fuss is all about. She just thinks every collection is just like her simply adorable.

Brainy Smurf

A Brainy Smurf collector owns just about every Smurf possible and knows everything about them. But they also love to tell anyone who is happy to listen about their latest purchase or collection including strangers. A Brainy Smurf collector carefully documents every Smurf in their collection, by taking pictures, in depth details and any information they can find on their smurf. As well as a Brainy Smurf collector would like to one day have the knowledge and collection of a Papa Smurf collector.

Grouchy Smurf

Some would call these collectors almost obsessive, because they take their collecting very seriously. These types of collectors will go to extreme lengths to get their hands on the rarest smurfs. If they happen to lose a bid on eBay, they become very grouchy with continual muttering about how the person who purchased them has no idea. This type of collector also does not believe Smurfs were made as toys and claims they should never be played with.

Clumsy Smurf

A Clumsy Smurf collector, is considered like a hoarder to others. Their collection grows vast and varied, disorganised and without any objectives, logic or sense. Nothing is ever sold, given away or thrown away. A Clumsy Smurf collector is just happy to buy anything Smurf related.

Jolly Smurf

A carefree, casual collector who likes to buy smurfs when they feel like it. Their happy disposition and attitude to collecting Smurfs, makes it a pleasure to talk with them about their hobby.

Vanity Smurf

Cannot help adoring their own collection, continually cleaning and dusting every smurf in their collection. Would only ever buy smurfs in mint condition. Likes to think their collection will end up in a museum one day.

Astro Smurf

Astro Smurf is the biggest dreamer when it comes to collecting. Spends most of their time with their head in the clouds. Some people refer to this type of collecting as nostalgic or as an adult who doesn’t want to grow up. But don’t tell them that as their dreams will be shattered.

Hunter Smurf

The Hunter collector loves the thrill of the hunt for new Smurfs to add to their collection. Driven by finding Smurfs and bringing them back to show others their latest find. Hunter Smurf has no focus to their collection and are happy to discard their latest acquisition, upon the purchasing of the next big thing on the horizon.

My opinion

In short with over 101 smurfs that live in the Smurf village it is impossible to compare each one with a collector. However if you ever want to have some fun, try comparing Smurfs with people you know. This can be a fun game as long as people don’t take it too seriously. Just like collecting Smurfs.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B