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