Every Smurf has a story to tell. Smurfette with Tea Set #40245 first released in 1984 is one of the more intereresting ones. Therefore let me explain.
First release
In 1984 Applause (formerly known as Wallace Berrie) first released Smurfette with Tea Set in the USA. Smurfette is wearing a light pink apron over a white dress while holding a lavender coloured cup and teapot. She comes with a table with a pink table top, a lavender cup and dark brown bread. The underside of the table if brown and the table appears to be slightly higher than others.
But what makes this version highly collectible is that it was only sold for two possibly three years – 1984 to 986. It is also worth noting that the box used by Applause was only used for six Super Smurfs.
Second release
It wasn’t until 1986 that Schleich started to sell sold Smurfette with Tea Set. Smurfette can be found with a pink apron, over a white dress, pink cup and teapot. Dark pink table top, pink cup, light brown bread. The under side of the table is pink. Schleich sold Smurfette with Tea Set between 1986 to 1993.
Third release – the most interesting one!
In 1990 in America, Applause decided to relaunch itself which unfortunately failed due to poor sales. As part of the new launch Applause re-released eleven Smurf figurines. All eleven were remakes of existing Smurfs with new markings China Applause ™ Peyo CE.
Including in the eleven was Smurfette with Tea Set without her table. So with this you just find Smurfette holding a cup and teapot. It is unclear why Applause sold her like this, perhaps they thought it was child safety issue with the table and the little cup and bread.
As you can see this is what makes Smurfette with a Tea Set such an interesting Smurf to collect. If you are lucky enough to have all three, I suggest that you display in them in the order they were released. Not only are they brightly coloured but allow you to tell a story.
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B