Little known variation of Winner Smurf

In 2012 Schleich released ten new Sporty Smurfs to coincide with the London Summer Olympic Games. But you will probably know them more by the name of the Olympic Smurfs. Each Smurf portrays a sport played at the Olympic Games, except for one Smurf admiring his gold medal.

Winner Smurf #20745 is wearing navy blue shorts and a singlet with white and red shoes. On his white hat is a laurel wreath. A gold medal on a red ribbon is worn around the Smurf’s neck. The gold medal also has the number 1 engraved into it.

Typically the Smurf has his eyes looking down, admiring the gold medal that he has won. However, recently another version has been found by collectors. A friend of mine summed it up perfectly – ‘Amazing how much a different eye position can change everything about how it looks’.

In my opinion, having two different versions of the Winner Smurf is gold. Displaying both next to each other creates a talking point because we have all seen images when someone receives a gold medal. First, I can’t believe this I have won a gold medal. Second, I am so proud of myself because I have won a gold medal.

In 2020 Schleich released a new Smurf with a Medal figurine #20822 to coincide with the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. Like the Winner Smurf, it is wearing a medal with a red ribbon around its neck. But if someone can tell me why he has his left arm outstretched I would love to know.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

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2020 Smurfs collector review

What do you think about 2020 Smurfs? It’s only taken me until to August 2021 to get mine but I am glad I did. There are eight in the series, all made out of Romania which is a first. The reaction has been mixed by collectors, however I am just grateful that Schleich are still making Smurfs.

The first thing I noticed is the paint work. The quality is there, but I doubt they are still being hand painted. It has the tradtional Smurf look unlike past series, such as the Halloween ones from 2006. Similar to past years, the eyes are joined together and the eybrows sit below their hat. These Smurfs have a hard firm texture, which I dislike. In my opinion, I prefer a softer PVC material because it gives the figurine more character.

Smurf with Butterfly #20818

The Smurf is admiring a red and yellow butterfly on his outstetched left hand and has his right hand behind his back. The Smurf has a wide smile showing us his red tongue and his pupils sit at the bottom of his eyes.

Smurf with Good Luck Charm #20819

The Smurf is carrying a red and white mushroom across his body. I am more confused by its name more than anything else because I had never heard of lucky mushrooms before. There is some similarity with Umbrella Smurf #20118 but this one is not as cute.

Smurf with Tooth #20820

Smurf is carrying a large tooth with both hands in front of him. The Smurf has a big smile on his face showing off his red tongue. You have all heard of the tooth fairy but this is the tooth Smurf!

Smurf with Bottle #20821

The Smurf is hugging a bottle of Champagne to celebrate an occasion. Again it’s very similar to Champagne Bottle #20708 which is disappointing. When it was first released, some reported that there were two variations of the label on the bottle. Some labels showing as The Smurfs and others showing as Smurfs. Upon closer inspection of both this is more likely because of bad printing on the label.

Smurf with Medal #20822

Admiring his gold medal around his neck and in his right hand, the Smurf seems rather pleased with his efforts. Not sure why he has his left arm outstretched. Also wearing green pants and a white top, so its unclear what sport he represents. The idea is similar to the one used for Winner #20745 from 2012 Olympic series.

Smurf with Sign #20823

The Smurf is carrying a sign with the words “I Love You” displayed on it. Love is displayed as a big red heart. It is kind of cute though there are other Smurfs I would buy before this one for my husband.

Gargamel with Net #20825

With a raised large net over his shoulder, Gargamel appears to be hunting for Smurfs. Wearing a black gown with white patches along with red tights and shoes. The atttention to detail given to Gargamel is spot on, everything from his facial expression to his hands. Without a doubt this is my favourite from 2020.

Azrael #20826

There is very little personality with this version of Azrael, one only needs to look at its tail to see that. Comparsionments with Kinder Surprise or Albert Heijn Supermarket versions of Azrael, are not far off the mark which is a pity. After such a good version of Gargamel, Azrael seems to be lacklustre.

In conclusion, I am happy that I have purchased the 2020 Smurfs. It was the highlight of my week considering I am currently in lockdown due to Covid-19 restrictions in Melbourne. Smurfs regardless they are old or new still bring a joy to my life and an interest by others who are also in lockdown. Thank you Schleich.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

P.S – For some reason there is no Smurf with the article number #20824. If someone knows the back story of what happened to this, I would love it if you could share this with us.