Spring is finally here, so now it is time to sort ones smurf collection. So I thought I would start with Super Smurf Bobsled, #40201. For people new to collecting smurfs, a Super Smurf is a smurf figurine with an accessory and should come in it’s own individual box.
Bobsled was first released in 1978 by Schleich. In 1978 there were six Super Smurfs released by Schleich. These also included Chimney Sweep #40202, Tricycle #40203, Skateboarder #40204, Skier #40205 and Gardener #40206. It should also be noted that Bully never produced Super Smurfs.
In Der Schlumpf Katalog IV and Gian & Davi Collezioni – The Smurfs Official Collector’s Guide it tells us that Bobsled was available from 1978 to 1993. In Gian & Davi Collezioni – The Smurfs Official Collector’s Guide it also tells which boxes are to be found. This is really useful as I have five Bobsled Smurfs but only one came in a box.
I don’t have the first one Schleich released. This one has no eyebrows or any markings. I think there is a cavity number on the smurf.
The early Bobsled smurf has the markings W.Germany Schleich emblem © Peyo (signature style) on it’s stomach. The scarf is orange red like colour and the bobsled is generally a dark yellow colour and has the markings W.Germany Schleich emblem © Peyo (signature style)
I also have one with a yellow scarf with the same markings and also has a mustard paint dot under one of the feet. The bobsled is a dark yellow colour and has same markings as before. This yellow scarf was especially made for the UK market.
There is also a Bobsled Smurf with the markings W.Germany Schleich S © Peyo which I don’t have. Perhaps this version was the one that was sold in the USA by Wallace Berrie between 1982 to 1984. But to be honest I am not really sure, I just know they never made a Bobsled Super Smurf in Hong Kong.
The most recent Bobsled smurf has bright shiny colours and a lemon yellow bobsled. The markings Schleich S © Peyo 1978 can be found on the smurf’s stomach and also on the bobsled.
The good thing about the Bobsled Super Smurf is that it is still easy to find today and in some cases still with it’s original box.
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B