For a short time in the late 1970s or possibly in the early 1980s the ‘Viel Gluck Smurf’ was produced. For this they used Congratulations Smurf (#20067) holding onto a cute pink (PVC) piglet. What I would like to know, is there a way to distinguish the genuine one from a fake one? Or was this smurf never sold by Schleich in the first place.
Facts we know:
- Congratulations smurf was first sold by Schleich in 1980 and continued to sell it through to 1986. Congratulations was never sold by BP Australia or Wallace Berrie for the USA. So as a result it was never made out of Hong Kong, it was only ever produced out of West Germany.
- In 1981 Schleich released a blue triangle pedestal with Congratulations holding a pink little piglet. The imprint on the pedestal – Herzlichen Glückwunsch und viel schwein im Neuen lebensjahr*.
- Schleich also produced another pink triangle pedestal using the same figurine around the same time. The imprint on the pedestal – Schleich Wünscht Viel Glück Im Neuen Jahr!!**
What we don’t know for sure:
Back in 1981 the smurfs were in high demand not just in Europe but around the world. Schleich was also producing not just smurfs but another toys such as their ‘Mini’ animal range. One such animal was a pink piglet.
Now in Germany a pig is a symbol of good luck. Viel Gluck means good luck in German. The symbol of a pig is also quite often associated with Christmas in Germany. So in many ways it would not be hard to add a ‘mini’ range piglet to a Congratulations smurf.
What I think?
I have two versions of Good Luck Smurf, with each one holding a different kind of piglet. I have never thought of them as genuine but I would never call them fake either. Therefore in my opinion they are just simply adorable.
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B
*English Translation: Congratulations and a lot of pig in the new year of life
** English Translation: Schleich wishes good luck in the New Year !!