There are 46 posts filed in Smurf Thoughts (this is page 1 of 5).
For all the things I enjoy about Smurf collecting…….. Is that every Smurf is different because of their hand painted touches, that makes each one unique. Especially with the older Smurfs and their eyes. A simple and small touch of difference.
Now it’s your turn, to share what you enjoy about Smurf collecting
This week on 8th November 2022, Father Abraham passed away at the age of 87. You don’t even have to be from the Netherlands or Belgium to know The Smurf Song or know who Father Abraham was. Any fan of the Smurfs of a certain generation will happily and proudly sing his song to you.
I didn’t grow up listening to Father Abraham’s vinyl records but there are plenty who did. Reading the comments posted regarding the death of Father Abraham, some still have his vinyl records. Whoever decided the Smurfs should team upon with Father Abraham must have thought they struck gold.
However, I do recall seeing a clip on YouTube with Father Abraham and Andre Rieu performing the Song Smurf. It was priceless watching grown up adults singing and mimicking the song. Some of the choir even wore white hats, to portray the image of the Smurfs. Everyone seemed to be hypnotise by it all.
In my opinion, the Smurf Song is the unofficial anthem for Smurf fans and collectors throughout the world. Whether the song is in Dutch or English, we can all happily sing the chorus together – Yes, sing along. La la… And now, the second part. And now all together. La la…
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B
Are you a good judge of recognising a fake Smurf? Recently I received a Judge Smurf #20016 that looked genuine at first glance but wasn’t.
Judge Smurf was first sold wearing a black robe with black glasses and points with one hand. His mouth is also wide open showing his red mouth. Later the robe was painted red, which is more common variant.
So far everything seemed to be what I expected. Though it wasn’t until I inspected more closely that certain aspects of the Judge Smurf made me feel it was a fake.
Firstly, the ears were lacking their inner curved shape and looked flat. The other thing the hands also looked flat, especially the index finger that was pointing out. There was also no flexibility in the pvc material. One could call it a rock.
Like other Smurfs sold before 1974, when Bully won the production rights from Schleich they removed the Schleich emblem from the Smurf.
However if you look closely at these markings, you can often see the outline of the round emblem. Oddly enough I could not see this, though instead it had the markings W.Germany Peyo. Just because a Smurf has markings doesn’t mean it’s not a fake.
In summary, enjoy the experience of getting to know your Smurfs. Genuine or fake. No one is going to judge you for your purchases except you.
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B
P.S Here, is another article I wrote that features Judge Smurf
http://www.smurfs.com.au/random-smurf-thoughts/smurfs-discover-australia-1979/
In my previous post I created a crossword, to test your knowledge on your Smurfs. I hope you enjoyed this as much I did creating this. But to be honest, at times I found it hard to know which Smurfs to use and which ones to leave out.
Row 2, Column 13: Likes to smoke a pipe
Row 4, column 17: Was also known as Rock n Roll
Row 7, Column 2: First Super Smurf
Row 6, Column 16: Likes to cheer for the Smurfs
Row 9, Column 10: Plays the drums
Row 8, Column 20: Sold in Australia by the name of Convict
Row 10, Column 2: Holds a handkerchief in hand
Row 11, Column 13: Bully super hero
Row 12, Column 6: Never happy
Row 13, Column 15: Won a gold medal at the London Olympics
Row 15, Column 2: Papa Smurf’s apprentice
Row 16, Column 17: Carries a thermometer
Row 17, Column 5: Gargamel’s cat
Row 18, Column 19: Creator of the Smurfs
Column 19, Row 2: Likes to wear a red or yellow scarf
Column 21, Row 3: Has been found with green lipstick
Column 3, Row 6: A Smurf never released in the UK
Column 13, Row 8: Wears a kilt
Column 16, Row 8: Was sold by the name of Soda Pop in the UK
Column 7, Row 10: Wears a green apron
Column 20, Row 10, Only female in Smurfland
Column 10, Row 12: Also known as money
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | |
| 2 | T | Y | R | O | L | E | S | E | ||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | H | X | B | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | G | U | I | T | A | R | I | S | T | |||||||||||||||||
| 5 | V | X | L | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 | L | C | H | E | E | R | L | E | A | D | E | R | ||||||||||||||
| 7 | B | O | B | S | L | E | D | R | X | A | ||||||||||||||||
| 8 | V | G | B | P | R | I | S | O | N | E | R | |||||||||||||||
| 9 | E | D | R | U | M | M | E | R | X | I | ||||||||||||||||
| 10 | C | R | Y | I | N | G | T | E | S | N | ||||||||||||||||
| 11 | A | S | M | U | R | F | E | R | M | A | N | |||||||||||||||
| 12 | G | R | O | U | C | H | Y | U | ||||||||||||||||||
| 13 | D | O | W | I | N | N | E | R | ||||||||||||||||||
| 14 | I | I | F | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 15 | B | R | A | I | N | Y | N | E | ||||||||||||||||||
| 16 | E | D | O | C | T | O | R | |||||||||||||||||||
| 17 | A | Z | R | A | E | L | T | |||||||||||||||||||
| 18 | P | E | Y | O | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Please let me know you thoughts on the crossword.
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B
Row 2, Column 13: Likes to smoke a pipe
Row 4, column 17: Was also known as Rock n Roll
Row 7, Column 2: First Super Smurf
Row 6, Column 16: Likes to cheer for the Smurfs
Row 9, Column 10: Plays the drums
Row 8, Column 20: Sold in Australia by the name of Convict
Row 10, Column 2: Holds a handkerchief in hand
Row 11, Column 13: Bully super hero
Row 12, Column 6: Never happy
Row 13, Column 15: Won a gold medal at the London Olympics
Row 15, Column 2: Papa Smurf’s apprentice
Row 16, Column 17: Carries a thermometer
Row 17, Column 5: Gargamel’s cat
Row 18, Column 19: Creator of the Smurfs
Column 19, Row 2: Likes to wear a red or yellow scarf
Column 21, Row 3: Has been found with green lipstick
Column 3, Row 6: A Smurf never released in the UK
Column 13, Row 8: Wears a kilt
Column 16, Row 8: Was sold by the name of Soda Pop in the UK
Column 7, Row 10: Wears a green apron
Column 20, Row 10, Only female in Smurfland
Column 10, Row 12: Also known as money
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | |
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| 3 | X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 5 | X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 7 | X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 9 | X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 | X | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Answers will be provided in next week’s post.
Do you like our work? Please provide comments. Don’t like our work? Let us know by making contact with us
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B
Help me! This week I purchased two Sniks but I have no idea what they are. The Covid-19 lockdown in Melbourne got the better of me and I thought I was being brave buying a new type of figurine. However I am now having some serious doubt as I don’t know what they are other than Sniks. Are they related to the Smurfs? Can anyone help me?
The one with the silver and red rocket on it’s back has the markings – Germany Bully 1982 CE. Snik13 under it’s feet.
The second wearing a purple tracksuit and appears to be jogging – Germany Bully 1982 CE. Snik24 under it’s feet.
I am happy to provide you with any other details about the figurines if required. Any information would be really appreciated as it may inspire me to collect more Sniks or even other different types of figurines. Who knows this could be just the beginning…….
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
Which is your favourite Smurfette? Mine would be Flirting Smurfette and Trendy Smurfette. In short a simple but good question to start the weekend.
The Smurfs would be very different without Smurfette. Just like any collection without Smurfette. Your choice may depend if you prefer classic or modern versions of Smurfette
First produced in 1971 by Schleich this petite version of Smurfette is as popular as ever. Not only with older but new collectors. On ther hand perhaps it has something to do with the many different variations of her high heeled shoes or the expression on her face, that people like to collect.
Bully only produced two versions of Smurfette. Their first version of Smurfette in 1975 is known as Flirting Smurfette. Smurfette is touching her long blonde with her right hand. Long eyelashes appear to be flirting.
Ballerina was the other Smurfette created by Bully in 1978.
Between 1980 to 2019 there was at least one Smurfette produced every year. Except for the years 1988 and 1991 when no new Smurfs were released.
Close to 40 years, Smurfette portrayed many of her different attributes. These have often reflected popular hobbies of that time. For example in 1980 Smurfette was roller skating. In 1990 Smurfette was hula dancing. And by 2012 out of the ten Olympic Smurfs, three of them were Smurfette. Relay Runner, Gymnast and Beach Volleyball.
One of my favourites is Trendy Smurfette sold between 2003 to 2006. For me, she displays self-confidence and looks more grown up.
Despite this in 2020 Schleich decided not to release a new Smurfette. However, they also didn’t release a new Papa Smurf either. Was this a missed opportunity by Schleich?
In other words it really doesn’t matter what I think is my favourite Smurfette. But what is your favourite Smurfette?
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B
What makes someone want to sell toy figurines for a living? Surely someone who is passionate and someone who likes to work with liked minded people. Allow me to introduce you to Andrew from Toy Dreamer an online toy store, based in Melbourne, Australia.
I have been collecting Smurfs for about 20 years. Can’t remember the exact day, but do remember waiting for ages to get my first box of Smurfs off eBay.
I think I started around 1999. I do remember I bought my first Smurfs off eBay. I also remember not properly checking the photos, but was impressed with the cheap price. When the Smurfs came and most of them had paint rubs, were missing bits and couldn’t stand, I understood why the price was so cheap. One good Smurf in the lot, so I had the start of a collection, though.
I like the fact that there is a Smurf for everyone or every occasion. Different sports, jobs, happy, sad etc
Eeek! Being that I also sell them an collect them, that figure is a complete unknown. I have about 50 or more of certain figures. Rather than a number, let’s say that if my house ever burnt down, a river of liquid blue rubber would run a long way down the street 🙂
The favourite item in my collection is…. well 4 figures. These were the first three Smurfs. I like Normal Smurf, Gold Smurf and Prisoner. All the same figure, just with different paint jobs. Out of the 3 of them Gold Smurf would have to be my favourite. I like all the original Smurfs in the first 50 or so released. I find the figures much more pleasing. Unfortunately I’ve found that Smurfs have become less appealing over recent times.
Umm… the guys give me a bit of grief if ever having a beer and a joke. I’m a reasonably big guy and my mates think it’s a funny thing. I also sell Smurfs in collectables store and most other store people don’t call me by my name but rather ‘Smurf’ or ‘Smurfman’
You probably won’t be surprised to hear that I am always on the look out for anything Smurf related. So if you have any suggestions on articles, let me know.
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B
I know what you are thinking does anyone really care about a Smurfs markings. But if you are like me the answer is yes. The History Smurfs were a series of six smurfs all based on historical explorers/inventors of the United States of America. These included the following:
#20501 Paul Revere
#20502 Benjamin Franklin
#20503 Christopher Columbus
#20504 Thomas Edison
#20505 George Washington
#20506 Abraham Lincoln
The History Smurfs were first sold in the USA in 1985 and were one of the last Smurfs made out of Hong Kong. When they were sold they also included a small leaflet detailing each one. This leaflet was titled – The Untold Story of HISTORY according to the Smurfs – Volume 1.
One of the odd things is that they never included a Wallace Berrie or Applause marking. By 1986 they stopped using the Hong Kong marked ones and started to mark them Macau.
In 1986, the History Smurfs were also sold in Europe. These ones were made out of Macau. If you look close enough under the feet where the markings are located, you will possibly see where the Hong Kong marking has been blocked out. This was not the first time for markings to be blocked out and replaced with something else.
When the History series were released Schleich also produced a postcard explaining a bit about each historical Smurf. This was written in German. I don’t think it was ever produced in English.
At some stage possibly at the end of 1986 they started to mark the History with new, cleaner Macau markings. Some say that the Hong Kong made ones are harder to find as they were only sold for one year whereas the Macau made ones were sold for two years.
In my opinion you should never feel ashamed to enquire about a Smurf’s markings. If it is something that you are passionate about it, just go for it!
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B
