Back in 2015 Schleich released eight smurfs as part of the set called Office Smurfs. It is fair to say that most collectors found the theme are a little odd. But little may know, there are two different variations of #20768 Caretaker Smurf.
On the Schleich website this is the description on Caretaker:
The most important person in the company is the facility manager. At least that is what the janitor Smurf thinks. He wears a stylish blue overall that he does not want to get dirty. Sometimes, when asked often enough, he will come over and repair things. However, the repair usually does not last for very long.
Painted in matte colours, the Caretaker Smurf where’s a dark blue coat with his white trousers. In his right hand tool he carries some kind of tool. In the Schleich catalogue, the Caretaker’s collar of his coat is the same colour. However, most are found with the coat’s collar painted white.
In the 2015 Schleich catalogue Caretaker Smurf only has a blue collar. This makes me think it was first sold like this and then it changed to a white collar. Unsure why? I don’t think there were any other variations within the Office series. But if you know of any, let us know.
Final Thoughts
If it wasn’t for Christy’s Blue Village website, I would never have known about these two variations of Caretaker Smurf. Highly recommend this website for passionate collectors. http://www.christysbluevillage.com/collection.asp?show=list&group=2126
The Care Smurf with a white collar is given a score of 1 – Not really rare, but still worth collecting.
Though the Caretaker Smurf with a blue collar is given a score of 4 -requires skill to have this one
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B
What do you think of the 2015 Office series? Let me know of any other variations in the comments!
Rarity Guide
- Not really rare, but still worth collecting
- Rare – not too difficult to find
- Extremely Rare – you’re lucky if you have this one
- Ultra Rare – requires skill to have this one
- Very Rare – a legendary Smurf
Could you please give an example of an ultra rare and a very rare Smurf.
Hi Joan, thanks for your great question. In my opinion, the #20217 Gown Smurfette is an Ultra Rare Smurf and #40604 Super Playset 4 Moon Voyage with in it’s original box is a Very Rare Smurf. I don’t have the Super Playset 4 Moon Voyage one as yet. It’s on the top of my ‘most wanted list’. I also decided not to rate any Promotional Smurfs because some of these are in a league of their own. What about you, what do you think is an Ultra Rare and a Very Rare Smurf?
Keep on Smurfin, Kath B