Both Schleich and Wallace Berrie created their version of Bricklayer Smurf using the same mould. Schleich made their Smurfs in Germany (formerly known as West Germany in the 1980s’), typically to be sold in Europe. Schleich also made their Smurfs in Hong Kong, typically to be sold in Australia and USA.
But things changed in 1982 in Hong Kong when Wallace Berrie started to add their marking to Smurfs. This is most likely because BP Australia stopped selling Smurfs.
Here’s a quick review of the Bricklayer Smurfs made by Schleich and Wallace Berrie. Starting with the Wallace Berrie version as I first collected this one.
Wallace Berrie version of Bricklayer
I first saw Bricklayer in the 1982 Wallace Berrie Fall Smurf Collectables Booklet. The Bricklayer is wearing white trousers and is holding a brown brick in one hand and a trowel in the other. While resting his leg on a pile of bricks.
Markings
- Made in Hong Kong Schleich S 1981 Peyo
- Made in Hong Kong W. Berrie Co. Schleich S 1981 Peyo
Depending how closely you examine the markings their own two different style of Hong Kong markings.
There is also one with a CE hand etched marking. Most likely as it was sold in Europe between 1985 to 1990.
Schleich version of Bricklayer
I prefer the Schleich version, since their are colour variations. Bricklayer Smurf is wearing blue overalls with a white shirt, holding a brick in one hand and trowel in the other hand. Also he is resting his leg on a pile of bricks.
There are two colour variations of the bricks, red or brown. The cement colour can also vary from light to a darker grey. Not so obvious in photographs, the blue overalls can vary from a pale to brighter blue.
Markings and paint dots
- W.Germany Schleich S 1982 Peyo
- W.Germany Schleich S 1982 Peyo, mustard paint dot
- W.Germany Schleich S 1982 Peyo, green paint dot
- W.Germany Schleich S 1982 Peyo, red paint dot
Summing up Bricklayer
More than 40 years on, both Bricklayers are still easy to find. However, the prices can vary depending on what version you want. For example, the Schleich version is more expensive in Australia than the Wallace Berrie one but don’t let that put you off.
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B
P.S Check out the painted tail on the Bricklayer with a mustard paint dot!