#20104 Pirate Smurf

Did you know there are two paint variants of Pirate Smurf? First sold in 1979 by Bully and last sold in 2005 by Schleich.

The most obvious difference with the Pirate Smurf is with the belt. The yellow belt with a black buckle has only Bully markings. The red belt with a black buckle with Schleich markings.

Back around 1981 BP Australia only sold the Pirate Smurf wearing a red belt with a black buckle. Like Wallace Berrie did in the United States. Possible to find both with Schleich and W. Berrie markings.

However, the Pirate Smurf with a yellow belt also has an unpainted skull on his white hat. This appears to be intentional. Whereas the Pirate Smurf with a red belt, always his skull painted black.

Little Things

Like many Smurfs produced over time, slight variations are possible. In my opinion, there are two different things that can make this happen.

Changes to the mould, resulting in different thickness of the sword. Some swords may also have more of a curve than others. It is impossible to know if this was intentional or something to do with the cooling process of the mould.

Or paint specifications at manufacturing. Resulting in different tones of red for the belt or yellow for the hand protection shield. Then there is also paint shading which can vary due to age. For example UV rays can cause fading of darker colours.

Lastly, remember Smurfs don’t tan and wear sunscreen in the sun. If you want to enjoy the most of your Smurfs don’t place them near a window. NO SUNLIGHT!

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Rarity Guide

For Pirate Smurf with a red belt, I am going to give this 2 Papa Smurfs.

For Pirate Smurf a yellow belt, I am going to give this 3 Papa Smurfs.

1 Papa Smurf	Not really rare but still worth collecting
2 Papa Smurfs	Rare – but not too difficult to find
3 Papa Smurfs	Extremely Rare – you’re lucky if you have this one
4 Papa Smurfs	Ultra Rare – requires skill to collect
5 Papa Smurfs	Very Rare – a legendary Smurf

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Smurf Review: #20091 Skier Smurf

Skier Smurf is holding onto two short ski poles, one in each hand, while wearing a pair of red skis. First sold by Bully in 1977. Back then Smurfs always wore their white trousers and hat. On this occasion Skier Smurf also wore a yellow scarf.

Back in 1977 it was unusual for a Smurf to have plastic add on like skis. Where the Smurf was held onto the skis by two clips on each foot. This was before Super Smurfs existed. The other odd thing was that the markings were on the skis not the figurine. Some say that Bully first made the Skier Smurf with rubber skis. In my opinion this more than likely a prototype because it is extremely rare. I have only seen photographs.

Due to the popularity of Skier Smurf, Schleich continued to sell Skier Smurf until 1990. Though between 1980 to 1984 it had the Bully markings. Check the front for the Bully marking and W.Germany Peyo at the back of the skis. I also find these tend to have thinner ski poles.

Wallace Berrie

At some stage, Wallace Berrie produced their version of the Skier Smurf. Like many of the Smurfs painted in Hong Kong, dark shiny paint colours were used. For example the yellow scarf and the red round disc located at the bottom of the ski poles. The markings are under the skis, not the figurine.

If anyone has information on this version of Skier Smurf, please let me know.

Between 1992 to 1994 Schleich made a new version of Skier Smurf. With thicker ski poles and the Schleich CE markings below the Smurf’s tail. W.Germany Peyo markings are on both sides of the skis.

In summing up, I would like to see more Smurfs made like Skier Smurf. Any Smurf that portrays a sport is a good thing. The last thing, we want is a gaming Smurf.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Rarity Guide

For Skier Smurf – I am going to give this 2 Papa Smurfs. Rare – but not too difficult to find.

1 Papa Smurf	Not really rare but still worth collecting
2 Papa Smurfs	Rare – but not too difficult to find
3 Papa Smurfs	Extremely Rare – you’re lucky if you have this one
4 Papa Smurfs	Ultra Rare – requires skill to collect
5 Papa Smurfs	Very Rare – a legendary Smurf

Smurf Paint Error: #20075 Quack Smurf

What a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon, than by sorting through one’s Smurf collection. Then out of the blue (joke!) I find a paint error with a Quack Smurf.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Very Bunny for Easter 2024

Who can’t resist a Smurf in an Easter bunny suit!

Smurfette in an Easter bunny suit

Hop to it – Happy Easter everyone

http://www.smurfs.com.au/smurf-figures/confusing-easter-smurfs/

For all the things I enjoy about Smurf collecting……..

For all the things I enjoy about Smurf collecting…….. Is that every Smurf is different because of their hand painted touches, that makes each one unique. Especially with the older Smurfs and their eyes. A simple and small touch of difference.

Now it’s your turn, to share what you enjoy about Smurf collecting

Vintage Smurf Review: #20082 Shy Smurf

Shy Smurf is not fancy like others but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth collecting. On the contrary Shy Smurf holds a special spot for those who like Smurfs portraying a personality trait.

This Smurf portrays someone who is timid and shy. With their head tilted down, eyes closed to avoid eye contact and finger over closed mouth. I bet this Smurf feels awkward or uncomfortable around other Smurfs?

Back in 1973 Bully produced Shy Smurf with no markings or with only a Peyo marking on arm. Some say, back in the early days Bully gave away these kind of Smurfs. However, I like their soft pvc material which makes them more appealing compared to the harder pvc material used today. I also own a Shy Smurf that has no markings with an unpainted tail, that makes it extra special.

By 1976 Bully created a new mould for Shy Smurf. Some collectors refer to this one being slightly taller but apart from that they are pretty much the same. Also Bully included their markings under the feet.

In 1984 Schleich released their own Shy Smurf, that included their markings. Up until then Schleich could only use Bully marked Smurfs. Some say, this is rarest Shy Smurf to be found.

What Smurf do you best identify with?

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Rarity Guide

I am going to give Shy Smurf a score of 3 Papa Smurfs. Extremely Rare – you’re lucky if you have this one.

1 Papa Smurf	Not really rare but still worth collecting
2 Papa Smurfs	Rare – but not too difficult to find
3 Papa Smurfs	Extremely Rare – you’re lucky if you have this one
4 Papa Smurfs	Ultra Rare – requires skill to collect
5 Papa Smurfs	Very Rare – a legendary Smurf

Vintage Smurf Review: Judge Smurf #20016

At first, Smurf collecting can seem overwhelming. Collectors are constantly sharing their collection’s online, or the latest Smurf merchandise release is creating a frenzy. Smurf collecting doesn’t have to be a hobby that breaks the bank. Vintage figurines from the 1970’s is a great place to start building your dream collection. For example let’s look at Judge Smurf, first sold in 1972 by Schleich.

I have chosen to review Judge Smurf because it was mass produced. In Australia you will typically find Judge Smurf wearing a red robe with Hong Kong markings. From my experience, these old BP Smurfs are making a comeback. Typically from a generation who are going through their grown up adult child toys.

Whereas in Europe you are more likely to find a Judge Smurf with a black or red robe. In the beginning Judge was first sold with a black robe by Schleich. However, between 1974 to 1977 when Bully had the rights to produce the Smurfs they changed the robe to red. Ever since the robe has stayed red.

Smurf Tip!

Though buying online has its advantages to getting rare Smurfs, it also has its disadvantages. From my own experience, I was able to buy a Judge Smurf with a red robe, with Portugal markings. The Smurf itself was not expensive but the postage was. Also when it arrived it smelt like disinfectant and had to be aired outside for 2 days. My advice is to get to know the Seller before buying.

Whether you are just wanting one or starting a collection, there are plenty of vintage Smurfs out there. Most vintage Smurfs are worth collecting and displaying around your house or work desk. Most people are fascinated with vintage Smurfs and will be happy to share their stories with you.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Fast Facts on Judge Smurf:

Schleich: 1971 – 1973/1976 – 1985/1991 – 1992, made in W/Germany and Portugal

Bully: 1975 – 1977, made in West Germany

Wallace Berrie: 1979 – 1980, made in Hong Kong

BP Australia: 1979 – 1982, made in Hong Kong

Smurf Crossword 1st edition answers

In my previous post I created a crossword, to test your knowledge on your Smurfs. I hope you enjoyed this as much I did creating this. But to be honest, at times I found it hard to know which Smurfs to use and which ones to leave out.

Across Clues

Row 2, Column 13: Likes to smoke a pipe
Row 4, column 17: Was also known as Rock n Roll
Row 7, Column 2: First Super Smurf
Row 6, Column 16: Likes to cheer for the Smurfs
Row 9, Column 10: Plays the drums
Row 8, Column 20: Sold in Australia by the name of Convict
Row 10, Column 2: Holds a handkerchief in hand
Row 11, Column 13: Bully super hero
Row 12, Column 6: Never happy
Row 13, Column 15: Won a gold medal at the London Olympics
Row 15, Column 2: Papa Smurf’s apprentice
Row 16, Column 17: Carries a thermometer
Row 17, Column 5: Gargamel’s cat
Row 18, Column 19: Creator of the Smurfs

Down Clues

Column 19, Row 2: Likes to wear a red or yellow scarf
Column 21, Row 3: Has been found with green lipstick
Column 3, Row 6: A Smurf never released in the UK
Column 13, Row 8: Wears a kilt
Column 16, Row 8: Was sold by the name of Soda Pop in the UK
Column 7, Row 10: Wears a green apron
Column 20, Row 10, Only female in Smurfland
Column 10, Row 12: Also known as money

Please let me know you thoughts on the crossword.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Smurf Crossland – 1st edition

Across Clues

Down Clues

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Answers will be provided in next week’s post.

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Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Carpenter Smurf

Carpenter was one of the last Smurfs produced by Bully in 1979. The Smurf is holding a large piece of yellow timber with a silver saw with a red handle in the other hand. Out of the different markings found with Carpenter, I would say this is the most common. Schleich made this with Bully markings from 1980 to 1984. It is thought this was part of an agreement made when Schleich won the licence to produce Smurfs globally.

It is also possible to find different paint dots with Bully markings. For example, a mustard paint dot indicates it was painted in Portugal or a green paint indicates it was painted in Tunisia.

Between 1981 to 1984, Carpenter was also made in Hong Kong. The paint colours on this version of Carpenter are darker compared to the Bully ones. But apart from this, there are very few differences. Typically the Hong Kong made ones were sold by BP in Australia and New Zealand. These are still fairly easy to find amongst stashed away childhood collections.

If you enjoy flicking through old Schleich catalogues as I do, you should check out the one from 1991. Several Smurfs have the tag Neu Heit 91 above their picture. These were not new Smurfs made by Schleich but re-released ones from the past. Perhaps it had something to do with the reunification of Germany in 1991.

In the Der Schlumpf Katalog IV published in 2003, there is a listing of Carpenter with a brown piece of timber. Up until recently I always this was fake from Poland. However recently I found a photograph of a Carpenter with a brown piece of timber with a yellow saw handle. It was unclear if this was prototype or if it was someone who painted Smurfs for Schleich created their own version.

Years

1979 – 1986/1991 – 1992/1998 – 1999

List of markings

W.Germany Bully Peyo
Made in Hong Kong Schleich S Peyo 1979
Made in Hong Kong W. Berrie &Co. Schleich S Peyo 1979
W.Germany Schleich S Peyo
Made in China Schleich S Germany Peyo CE 79

If you something is not correct, please let me know. I always love to hear the thoughts and opinions from other collectors.

In summing up, Carpenter may not have the razzle dazzle of other Smurfs such as Carnival or Alchemist but with it’s broad smile it’s hard to resist its charm.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

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