It’s amazing how many times you can look at something but you don’t really see it. In the 1981 Schleich catalogue shows the Fireman Super Smurf #40216. We are all familour with this Smurf with a water drum and hose. But if look closer you will notice that the hose is coiled around a wooden spool. Just like the ones, that were on the back of fire engines. The fireman’s helmet is also a shiny silver colour and the hose looks more brass. Must be one of those rare prototypes that Schleich made just for their catalogues!
Sold from 1981 to 1988 and 1992 to 1994 Schleich sold the Fireman. Wearing a grey dove helmet, black jacket and brown shoes. The Smurf is holding a black hose connected to a water drum. Some say there are at least six variations of the water drum. Not sure if I would buy a Fireman because it had a different water drum compared to the others I already had. From the outside the drums look all the same except for the markings inside.
Another Fireman discovery
When Wallace Berrie sold the Fireman they included assembly instructions. If it wasn’t for Maureen’s site Hidden in the Woods, I would have not known this. http://www.hiddeninthewoods.com/40216Fireman.html
The Hong Kong variant has the Fireman wearing a red helmet, yellow jacket and black trousers. The Smurf is holding a black hose connected to a water drum. There was never box that shows the Hong Kong variant just the Schleich version. This was quite common for Super Smurfs sold in the early 1980s. Wallace Berrie sold the Fireman from 1982 to 1984.
Both Fireman Super Smurfs are a worthy addition to any collection. The fact that the water hose can squirt out water is another reason to add this to your collection.
Keep on Smurfin
Kath B