Kayak Super Smurf

I recall when I collected my first Kayak Super Smurf, it only came with a single paddle blade. Being new to collecting, I didn’t know any better and never questioned it. Later I discovered that Kayak Super Smurf comes with a double-sided blade.

I also learnt that Kayak Super Smurf had no markings on the figurine but was genuine. My understanding back then was if the Smurf hasn’t got a marking under under the foot it’s not real. However Kayak Super Smurf had no feet only a square plug to fit inside the kayak.

*The concentration is intense, it’s like he is going for an Olympic gold medal.*

First sold in 1979 until 1998 then in 2010, Kayak Super Smurf #40502 has always been popular with collectors. Wearing a red helmet with white spaces and a yellow kayaking jacket. The yellow jacket also has a white bib holder on its back. Some bib holders display the number 4 whereas others are just blank. The kayak should be green. The kayaks can vary slightly in length and colour. The kayak’s brown paddles can also vary in length and colour. Again nothing major but a slight difference.

Similarly the paint colours can vary, from lemon to darker yellow on the jacket and bright to dark red for the helmet.

Kayak Markings

The markings can be found on the side of the kayak. From my understanding there are five different markings to be found on the kayak. Earlier I mentioned that the figurine has no markings, however it does have a cavity number. Some early ones also came with a mustard or red paint dots.

W.Germany Schleich S © Peyo
Made in Hong Kong Schleich S © 1978 Peyo
Germany Schleich S © Peyo CE
Made in China Schleich S Germany © Peyo CE
Made in China CE Schleich S Am Limes D-73527 Schw. Gmund with a date stamp

I have also been told there is a Portugal made kayak which has no markings.

Kayak Super Smurf Boxes

During its production the Kayak Super Smurf came in a variety boxes. You can open the box that your Kayak Super Smurf comes in without destroying its value. The boxes are not sealed like other blister packaged boxes. Some collectors display their Super Smurfs on top of their respective empty boxes, while others display them as a background display.

Olympia Schlumpf with the Olympic rings
Olympia Schlumpf with Olympic rings blacked out
Olympian Smurf – Ages 3 and up
Schtroumpfiade Schlumpfiade
Super Sport Smurf
Smurf head logo with dancing Smurfs pattern
Peyo Creations with dancing Smurfs pattern

As with anything you may decide to collect, you want to consider the reasons why you want to add Kayak Super Smurf to your collection. Is it because of the different bib holder’s or is it the variety of boxes. Regardless of your reasons, I hope you enjoyed reading about Kayak Super Smurf.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Woodcutter Smurf now known as Axe Smurf

When did Woodcutter Smurf become known as Axe Smurf? Trying to find the origins of a Smurf can be a challenge but also a lot of fun. Especially when you look back at old catalogues and what names we gave particular Smurfs. Same Smurf but different names depending where you lived in the world. Woodcutter Smurf is a perfect example or should that be Axe Smurf #20087?

Bully and Schleich versions

In 1975 Bully released six new Smurfs. One of these was Holzhacker which in German roughly translates to Lumberjack in English. However I have never seen this Smurf referred to as Lumberjack. The first variant is quite different to the other variations. For example, the axe blade is thick and is not as sharp. The pvc material is also softer compared to the other variants. It also has the Bully © Peyo hand etched markings.

After this, Bully changed the mould and markings on Axe Smurf. For instance the axe blade was sharper and the Smurf appears to be slightly taller. Adding a © Peyo marking to the back of the Axe blade and printed markings under its feet.

Schleich also sold Axe Smurf, from 1980 to 1986. Only two of these years with their own Schleich markings. Like other Smurfs Schleich would just block out the Bully marking and replace it with their own. Unless you really examine your Smurfs for differences I cannot see any between the Bully and Schleich marked ones.

Wallace Berrie and Schleich

BP also sold Axe Smurf in New Zealand, calling this Woodcutter. This version is made out of hard pvc material and is painted with darker colours, most notebly the red axe handle. From my understanding this was sold around 1981 because of it’s markings – Made in Hong Kong Schleich S © 1976 Peyo markings.

Also in 1981 Wallace Berrie sold Axe Smurf, with and without their own markings. It was in their 1982 Smurf Collectables Booklet that I have found the first reference to this Smurf as Axe Smurf. Though Schleich continued to call this Hozhacker in Germany and Woodcutter in English speaking countries in their 1986 catalogue. This was the last time we saw Axe Smurf in any Schleich catalogues.

Jubilee Smurf

However Axe Smurf is possibly best known for being part of the Jubilee Smurfs released in 1985. Axe Smurf was representing the year 1975. Each Jubilee Smurf was sold in a special blister display cardboard package that also included four stamps. Along with this each figurine was stamped on the back of their head with the year of issue and a gold leaf design. Highly collectible and highly sought after by collectors.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my blog but if you feel something is not quite right let me know.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Handstand Smurf

Every collector hopes one day to find a rare Smurf ignored and forgotten in the bottom of a box. My discovery was in a snap lock bag with other unloved Smurfs in a collectible shop. Furthermore, it was the Handstand Smurf with red shorts.

As soon as I could I purchased the bag and hurried away to open the bag. I was like a kid with a bag of lollies. But it was the Handstand Smurf that I was most interested in. Even though I had seen photographs of this Smurf I was now pinching myself that I had my own. At the same time I was concerned it was repaint or possibly a fake. Fortunately this was not the case.

Things to Look For When Buying Handstand Smurf

In 1975 Bully started selling Smurfs with hand etched markings – Bully © Peyo. For Handstand Smurf #20084 these are under the hands. Yellow shorts is more common and easier to find compared to red shorts.

It was made between 1975 to 1979 by Bully. Then until 1984 by Schleich lastly it was made by Maia Borges in 1985. Some say there is a larger or small variation. For example we are talking about the difference in millimetres.

In 1984 Schleich removed the Bully marking and added their own. Instead of adding this under the hands, the marking is on the front of the shoe. Therefore a more prominent position than previously. Schleich only sold it with their marking for possibly one year collectors consider this rare. Maia Borges added Made in Portugal marking to the other shoe and a mustard paint dot. Again it’s considered rare due to its short production time.

From my understanding, the Handstand Smurf with red shorts was only sold with Bully © Peyo hand etched markings. However, I have seen it with other markings but the paintwork looked too perfect. Which makes me think that the shorts had been repainted.

The interest in HandStand Smurf Shows no signs of letting up; they are as popular as ever. Most likely because of the Smurf’s big smile and the ability to display it without the Smurf falling over. They just don’t make Smurfs like they used to.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Shiver Smurf, one for the ages

Shiver Smurf also referred to as Winter Smurf #20004. Is a simple designed Smurf figurine released back in 1969. With it’s hands behind his back and wearing a large red or yellow scarf. But what works is a simple tip of a paint to portray its eye pupils. Back then the Smurfs had no eyebrows, so the focus was solely on the eyes.

Shiver Smurf was sold from 1969 to 1986. First sold with a red scarf and a smaller face by Schleich. To begin with Shiver had the markings W.Germany Schleich emblem © Peyo under its feet. When Bully took over the production of the Smurfs, between 1974 to 1977 they blocked out the Schleich emblem. Bully would continue to tinker with Shiver Smurf by selling it with different shades of red scarfs. The mould also varied because some have wide to narrow faces.

Due to the release of the Movie in 1977 the demand for Smurfs was on the increase. Subsequently Schleich started to produce Smurfs in Hong Kong. Both Wallace Berrie and BP benefitted from this arrangement. As an example the majority of Smurfs sold by BP Australia came from Hong Kong. However on Shiver Smurf, you can quite often see the remains of a blocked out W.Germany marking.

It wasn’t until 1979 that Shiver Smurf had a yellow scarf. More likely this was due to a promotion in the UK by National Benzole. Selected Smurfs had a touch of yellow added to them such as Watchman, Bobsled and Chimney Sweep.

Lastly, there are the many different fakes of Shiver Smurf. From the CNT ones with different coloured scarfs to the ones made out grotesque hard pvc material. A simple designed Smurf that appeals to everyone who battles to keep warm on certain Winter days.

How can we make this page better for you? Your suggestions, ideas, complaints will greatly help us improve.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Baby with Ice cream

Back in 1985 Applause released both Baby with Teddy and Baby with Ice cream. Both were part of the Limited Collector series, released in January. Subsequently not all Smurfs planned by Applause that year were released. But back in 1985 there appears to be a fascination of baby Smurfs.

Both Smurfs were first made in Hong Kong. Oddly there is no reference to Wallace Berrie or Applause on both Smurfs. Again it’s unclear why this happened. I don’t have one with Hong Kong markings but I can see where the markings have been blocked out and replaced with Macau. In addition, both Smurfs were painted a sky blue colour. Just like most of the other baby Smurfs released around 1985.

Baby with Ice cream #20206

Baby Smurf sits up holding an ice-cream with his eyes closed and licking his lips. The Baby Smurf is also wearing light blue pajamas, with two yellow buttons on the back flap. Sold by Schleich from 1985 to 1991 and 1995 to 1998. Little changes were made but nothing major.

In addition, there are also colour differences with the ice cream, purple and pink or grey and pink. The grey and pink version is considered extremely rare. Again the paint colours can vary from light to dark, depending where it was painted. Along with this, the Macau marked one is commonly found with a yellow collar.

Lastly there are three different markings to be found. I struggle reading the markings on Baby with Ice cream because they are on the Smurf’s bottom.

Made in Macau Schleich S © 1985 Peyo
W.Germany Schleich S © 84 Peyo
M. China Schleich S Germany © 84 Peyo CE

Is there one out there with Hong Kong markings? Surely there is I just don’t happen to know anyone who has this. Another mystery to be solved……

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B