Many factors determine the value of a smurf, so when one looks back twenty years ago to have a look at the smurfs that were produced in 1997 I found I was in for unexpected surprise.
In 1997 Schleich released seven new smurfs and two new Easter themed smurfs. The first surprise I encountered was that back in 1997 Schleich did not have a theme for a year release like they do now. Upon looking into this it appears that the Marching Band Smurfs released back in 2002 were the first ones produced with a theme. Back in 1997 it was more like they had themed pairs.
Inline Skater Smurf and Inline Skater Smurfette
Disco Smurf and Disco Smurfette
Smurf Child with Doll and Smurf Child on Toy Truck
The last one released for 1997 was Smurf Bathing which was first produced in 1996 for the Quick Fast Food promotion. As part of the promotion Smurf Bathing was included with a bath tub.
As for the two Easter themed smurfs these included
Smurf with Easter egg on back and Smurf eating chocolate Easter egg.
When the Decade Display Box Sets were released in 2011, it is surprising that none of the smurfs from 1997 were used for the 1990 to 1999 decade box. Again I wonder if this had something to do with the smurfs being produced as a themed pair.
Like a lot of smurfs produced in the late 1990’s these can still be easily found in really good condition and at a reasonable price. Generally speaking it is easier to find these smurfs compared to the ones sold in 1996.
For those of you who like to collect smurfs with different colour variations, Disco Smurfette is the one to look out for. In 2010 The Smurfs – Just Smurfy 3 (DVD box set) was sold with a bonus figurine in Australia. The bonus figurine was Disco Smurfette this time instead of white underwear as originally released she was wearing lime green underwear. This version is now highly sought after by most collectors.
Looking back at past years and what smurfs were sold, it is always a nice way to appreciate ones own collection. It also helps you understand what determines the value of particular smurfs. Whether that value be a nostalgic one or one driven more be price.
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B