Wallace Berrie

There are 75 posts tagged Wallace Berrie (this is page 1 of 8).

Review: #20140 Secretary Smurfette

Is there such a thing of a Secretary Smurfette with a green pencil? Or a Secretary Smurfette wearing a pink dress with flat white shoes and a dark brown pencil? Are they fakes or prototypes? I ask this because I saw the one with the green pencil in the Der Schlumpf Katalog IV. Along with the one wearing a pink dress with flat white shoes in the 1982 Schleich catalogue.

Firstly, I should confirm that I am no expert when it comes to variations. I am constantly discovering new things, like I did recently with Secretary Smurfette.

Secretary Smurfette is wearing a pink or white dress and white high heeled shoes. Holding a pencil up to her lips and a notepad in the other hand. Typically the version with the white dress has black scribble on the notepad. But someone told me, silver or black scribble is also possible.

However, I have only discovered the one wearing a pink dress, can have different notepads. Mostly the notepads are blank, though some have black or silver scribble on it. Then there are variations of the pencils. From dark brown to orange to light brown.

In summing up, there are so many variations that can be found with the one Smurf. Secretary Smurfette is just one example. Then there is the markings and paint dots for another day.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

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 SmurfNot really rare but still worth collecting
2 Papa SmurfsRare – but not too difficult to find
3 Papa SmurfsExtremely Rare – you’re lucky if you have this one
4 Papa SmurfsUltra Rare – requires skill to collect
5 Papa SmurfsVery Rare – a legendary Smurf

Smurf Review: #20172 Jogger Smurf

Back in the late 1980’s Schleich recycled unsold Smurfs to the European market by repainting to W.Germany colours. The Jogger Smurf wearing a red tracksuit is a great example. By checking for some orange paint under the red jacket or white under the red shoes. The Jogger Smurf will have Hong Kong Wallace Berrie Co. Schleich © 1983 markings. This was intentional.

Firstly, I should explain that with the Jogger Smurf there are at least two colour and marking variations.

  • White trackpants with an orange stripe and orange jacket with white trim. Grey/blue shoes.
    The base should have a grassy effect.
  • Hong Kong W. Berrie Co. Schleich S © 1983 Peyo on both the Smurf and base.
  • Some refer to this one as the Wallace Berrie version.

  • White trackpants with a red stripe and red jacket with white trim. Red shoes.
  • The base can be either have a grassy effect or be smooth.
  • W.Germany Schleich S © 1983 Peyo on both the Smurf and base.
  • Some call this the Schleich version

Lastly do you think there is a Jogger Smurf with a yellow tracksuit? I have never seen a picture just heard others talk about it. Another Smurf mystery……..

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Rarity Guide

For Jogger Smurf – I am going to give this 3 Papa Smurfs. Extremely Rare – you’re lucky if you have this one.
1 Papa SmurfNot really rare but still worth collecting
2 Papa SmurfsRare – but not too difficult to find
3 Papa SmurfsExtremely Rare – you’re lucky if you have this one
4 Papa SmurfsUltra Rare – requires skill to collect
5 Papa SmurfsVery Rare – a legendary Smurf

Classic Smurf Review: #20027 Thinker Smurf

Thinker Smurf is resting his head in his hand, while in a sitting position. With a blank expression on his face, his eyes are looking directly at you. There is nothing exciting or glamourous about Thinker Smurf. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth collecting. It is actually the one that I most identify with.

There are two different types of Thinker Smurf. Some refer to this as either older or newer and small or large mould. Typically older and small are referencing the same Smurf and new and large are also referencing the same Smurf. The big difference between the two, is how the Smurf is sitting. 

Unlike other Smurfs made during late the 1970’s and early 1980’s, Thinker Smurf was never sold by Wallace Berrie in the US.  So you will never find a Thinker Smurf with Hong Kong markings. 

Older Version

Sitting with both legs flat on the floor, while his feet are facing up. With this version, Thinker Smurf has a narrow face and some don’t even have eyebrows. In my opinion, the highlight is the hand painted eyes. One only has to collect several Thinker Smurfs to appreciate how the different painters added the pupils to give each one a different look. 

Newer Version

Sitting on his bottom with his knees bent up while resting one hand on his knee. With this version, Thinker Smurf has a larger and rounder face. Sometimes a collectors also reference that the feet are down. Once again the hand painted touches makes the difference. 

Though never sold as a regular Thinker Smurf, Schleich included one in their #40713 Super Playground Playset. Look out for a newer version with a blue paint dot.

What Smurf do you most identify with? 

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Rarity Guide

I was tossing around whether Thinker Smurf should be three or four Papa Smurfs. But fortunately for me, there are two variants.
  • Older Version – 4 Papa Smurfs
  • Newer Version – 3 Papa Smurfs
1 Papa SmurfNot really rare but still worth collecting
2 Papa SmurfsRare – but not too difficult to find
3 Papa SmurfsExtremely Rare – you’re lucky if you have this one
4 Papa SmurfsUltra Rare – requires skill to collect
5 Papa SmurfsVery Rare – a legendary Smurf

Nostalgic Smurf Review #20031 Mailman Smurf

What Smurf best reminds you of your childhood? For many, Mailman Smurf is one that often comes to mind. Mailman toots his yellow horn and holds a letter up high. While carrying a satchel full of envelopes over one shoulder. In my opinion, this is what nostalgia looks like.

Most envelopes have a love heart on the envelope, others have Christmas holly and others are blank. Though even with the Christmas holly and blank envelopes, you can still see the outline of a heart. 

Sold between 1978 to 2000 then again in 2011 by Schleich. Wallace Berrie also sold Mailman Smurf throughout it’s entirety, 1979 to 1984. Nobody knows how many were produced but it must have been a lot. 

I had no idea Mailman Smurf with Christmas holly on the envelope, was first sold in the UK. In December 1978 by National Benzol. It wasn’t until February 1979, that Mailman Smurf with the heart on the envelope came available in the UK. I would love to know which one sold the most. (No pun intended)

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Rarity Guide

In my opinion, I am going to give Mailman Smurf with a heart on the envelope a score of 21 Papa Smurf. Not really rare but still still worth collecting.

But Mailman Smurf with Christmas holly on the envelope a score of 3 Papa Smurfs.
Extremely Rare – you’re lucky if you have this one

1 Papa SmurfNot really rare but still worth collecting
2 Papa SmurfsRare – but not too difficult to find
3 Papa SmurfsExtremely Rare – you’re lucky if you have this one
4 Papa SmurfsUltra Rare – requires skill to collect
5 Papa SmurfsVery Rare – a legendary Smurf

Super Smurf Review: #40223 Volleyball Smurf

Looking for a Super Smurf to add to your collection? How about #40223 Volleyball Smurf? Wearing red shorts and a white singlet while spiking the white volleyball over the yellow net. On the end of the brown shoe there is a peg that slots into the base. The peg is thick that prevents it falling over. Not like the Basketball Super Smurf.

Volleyball Smurf was first sold by Wallace Berrie in 1982. It wasn’t until 1986 Schleich showed Volleyball Smurf in their catalogue. Same mould but slightly different paint colours used for the Smurf. Then there was a break of six years before Schleich released it again.

There were two different Super Smurf!! boxes by Wallace Berrie. The first box had Volleyball Smurf with a maroon ball. I don’t think this actually it exists. Maybe it was a prototype! I have only seen Volleyball Super Smurf with a white ball.

Production Years:

Wallace Berrie – 1982 to 1984
Schleich – 1986
Schleich with CE – 1992 & 1993/1996

Most Volleyball Super Smurfs found today, come with the Smurf head logo with dancing smurfs pattern box. These ones should have a CE marked Smurf not one with Hong Kong markings.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Rarity Guide

In my opinion, I am going to give Volleyball Super Smurf a score of 2 Papa Smurfs. Rare – but not too difficult to find.
1 Papa SmurfNot really rare but still worth collecting
2 Papa SmurfsRare – but not too difficult to find
3 Papa SmurfsExtremely Rare – you’re lucky if you have this one
4 Papa SmurfsUltra Rare – requires skill to collect
5 Papa SmurfsVery Rare – a legendary Smurf

Super Smurf Review: #40248 Stork with Baby Smurf

Today I am reviewing Stork with Baby Smurf, first seen in the 1986 Schleich catalogue. Never sold by Wallace Berrie or Applause. In 1985 a Farmhouse included a Stork with Baby Smurf. Good chance Schleich used the same one for the Super Smurf and Farmhouse.

The stork stands high in a nest, with a baby Smurf wrapped in a yellow blanket in its beak. The Super Smurf comes in two parts, the stork and the nest. The stork’s legs are inserted into the centre of the nest. The nest is painted a yellowish brown colour. Very simple and very cute.

There are two marking and three box variations.

  • W.Germany Schleich S 85 Peyo on nest. No markings on stork
  • W.Germany Schleich S 85 Peyo CE on nest. Small CE on stork
  • Front: Super Schlumpf Smurf !! Back: Schtroumpfs A Schtroumpfs
  • Front: Super Schlumpf Smurf !! Back: Schtroumpfs A Schtroumpfs. Side: CE sticker
  • Smurf head logo with dancing Smurfs pattern.

In 1996 Schleich sold a new Farmhouse that included a Stork with Baby Smurf. Painted in darker brown colours. However, the Stork with Baby Smurf was not sold as a Super Smurf. I write this as a gentle warning to collectors.

If you like your comics, The Baby Smurf is worth a read. First published in 1984 by Dupuis in French. More recently Papercutz published a version in 2013.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Rarity Guide

In my opinion, I am going to give Stork with Baby Smurf a score of 3 Papa Smurfs. Extremely Rare – you’re lucky if you have this one.
1 Papa SmurfNot really rare but still worth collecting
2 Papa SmurfsRare – but not too difficult to find
3 Papa SmurfsExtremely Rare – you’re lucky if you have this one
4 Papa SmurfsUltra Rare – requires skill to collect
5 Papa SmurfsVery Rare – a legendary Smurf

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 

Classic Review: #20014 Sunbather Smurf

Back in 1979 Schleich started making Smurfs in Hong Kong. To cut costs, Schleich would use spray paint on these Smurfs. This included Sunbather Smurf with yellow & black striped bathers and green & black striped bathers. Both sold by BP in Australia and New Zealand.

But did you know there are at least three different marking versions of the Sunbather Smurf made in Hong Kong?

  1. Schleich emblem © Peyo
  2. Hong Kong Schleich emblem © Peyo
  3. Hong Kong Schleich S © 1970 Peyo (emblem removed)

Schleich did also produce a painted version of Sunbather with green and black striped bathers. When looking for differences between the two, look at the back of the head where the Smurf has his hands. Also check the paint finish of the black stripes on the bathers. Lastly the painted version has a cavity number on his back.

In my opinion the Sunbather Smurf sold in Australia was only ever the spray painted variant.

Finally did you know Wallace Berrie referred this Smurf as Sleeping Smurf. Sold between 1979 to 1981.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

I am going to give Sunbather Smurf a score of 2 Papa Smurfs

Rare – but not too difficult to find

1 Papa SmurfNot really rare but still worth collecting
2 Papa SmurfsRare – but not too difficult to find
3 Papa SmurfsExtremely Rare – you’re lucky if you have this one
4 Papa SmurfsUltra Rare – requires skill to collect
5 Papa SmurfsVery Rare – a legendary Smurf