What determines a variation? Is it a colour or mould difference? Or is it up to the collector to define what a variation is? I have been trying to identify what are the variations with Indian Smurfette, #20167.

I have over seventeen Indian Smurfette figurines. Each one is different. But I like to think that of every Smurf figurine.

Both companies appeared to have used a similar mould. Schleich used caramel coloured PVC for their Indian Smurfette. Applause used as a white coloured PVC.

Schleich was not afraid to use different coloured PVC when making Smurfs. Compared with Smurfs from Hong Kong which typically used a white PVC complemented with shiny paint colours.

You will find more paint variances of Indian Smurfette with the West German ones by Schleich. Compared to the ones made out of Hong Kong by Applause.

Due to the global demand for Smurfs, Schleich invested in manufacturing hubs in other countries. But due to lead paint scare in 1978, Schleich introduced paint dots to their figurines.

It is not unusual to find Indian Smurfette with West Germany markings but painted in Portugal or Sri Lanka. A mustard paint dot indicates painted in Portugal. The paint used was duller referred to as matte by some collectors. A red paint dot indicates painted in Sri Lanka. This paint used was bolder, referred to as shiny by some collectors. 

Because the Schleich mould was a caramel base, this meant only a portion required painting. For Indian Smurfette, it was her yellow hair, the white hat with a red feather, face, blue legs and brown jug.

Compared with Applause who used a white mould which required the entire figurine painted. Often a dark, shiny yellow paint colour for hair. Bright mustard paint for dress and moccasins. Dark red on the feather. 

Things to consider when collecting variations

Applause only sold Indian Smurfette in 1984. Schleich sold Indian Smurfette between 1984 to 1986, 1993 to 1995 and 2000.  Because the Schleich variation was available for seven years, there are more variations. Collectors can’t get enough of mould or coloured variations.

Indian Smurfette was made using one mould and creating many different types of variations. 

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B