Many collectors buy smurfs that remind them of their childhood. This is perhaps why Mechanic (20012) is still highly collectible in Australia. Mechanic with dark green overalls and holding a grey spanner was sold by BP Australia back in 1979 until 1982.
Though back then it was called Handy and it was one of the first ten smurfs that BP Australia released. It was also one of the first smurfs made in Hong Kong. In the early days when smurfs were being made in Hong Kong, they would use spray paint for the blue skin.
So imagine my surprise when I found out that Handy was first made in 1970 and wasn’t wearing overalls. This Handy was wearing white pants and holding a black spanner. Adding to this surprise was that the last time they made Handy was in 1985.
Then once again I was surprised when I discovered that there was a version from Portugal with light green overalls and a grey spanner.
So depending where in the world you live, the smurfs that we remember as a child will be different. That’s got to be a good thing!
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B