Wallace Berrie

There are 80 posts tagged Wallace Berrie (this is page 1 of 8).

Smurf Review #51909 Smurfette Singing Christmas Carols

Just like that, Christmas 2024 is upon us. Over the years Schleich has released many different Christmas themed Smurfs. Today I wanted to discuss Smurfette Singing Christmas Carols. Back in 1982 Schleich released twelve Christmas themed Smurfs. Including Smurfette Singing Christmas Carols also known as Carolling Smurfette.

Smurfette is singing Christmas carols from a yellow song sheet. Smurfette holds sheet music in one hand and a burning candle in the other. Wearing a light green jumper with red trim, a white skirt and red socks.

Most Christmas themed Smurfs have a gold cord attached to their head via an eyelet. I am guessing this is to hang it onto a Christmas tree as a decoration. But not all Christmas themed Smurfs have a gold cord. Some of mine, have a small hole on the top of head where an eyelet once was. In my opinion, it doesn’t detract from the Smurf at all.

Smurf collectors will be delighted to know that there is also a Smurf Singing Christmas Carols. Both are similar as they each are holding a yellow song sheet and a candle. Though I prefer Smurfette, as the Smurf looks like is yawning with his mouth wide open and closed eyes.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

If you are needing inspiration this Christmas, have a look at this https://www.toydreamer.com/search?q=christmas

Smurf Review: #20137 Surfer Smurf

I like to display as many of my Smurfs as possible. That way each Smurf can represent something special to the person who visits my house. Come Summertime, Surfer Smurf always gets a great reaction. First sold in 1982 until 1994 then 1998 to 2000.

Carrying a yellow surfboard under one arm while wearing red bathers. Some collectors mention the length of the surfboard as a point of difference. For example, if made in Hong Kong or China the surfboard is 7cm long, W.Germany is 6.2cm and Germany 6.5cm. Others mention the colour of the mould being blue or white.

Oddly when Schleich made Surfer Smurf instead of having the markings under his feet. Only W.Germany Peyo © 81 were added between his legs. Making it tricky to read or photograph even in the best of light. I have also found the Schleich made one has a more pointy surfboard.

However Wallace Berrie wasn’t much better with it’s markings. Hong Kong on the front of the arm and then markings on his back. Being either W.B.CO. or W. Berrie Co. I find the markings on the back are hard to read because of the dark blue paint. However their surfboard has a more rounded tip and its own markings on the outside. (Thank goodness)

Though my favourite Surfer Smurf has no markings on the figurine only on the surfboard. What makes it extra special is the sky blue paint used on the figurine. Such a beautiful bright blue colour. It’s like a clear blue sky that reminds of a cool Summer day.

But why is Surfer Smurf is a normal Smurf and not a Super Smurf? Or Butterfly Catcher is a Super Smurf not a normal Smurf.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Rarity Guide

For Surfer Smurf – I am going to give this 2 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

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Smurf Review: #20143 CB Smurf

What’s the difference with CB Smurf? The Smurf might be the same, but the differences are with the radio, speaker microphone, headphones and aerial.

Firstly a CB Radio is a short distance communication system. Though it has lost its popularity in the 21st century. CB stands for Citizen Band Radio.

Back in 1982 Schleich sold CB Smurf with a black radio with a long silver detachable aerial. The headphones and speaker microphone was also black. The speaker microphone has silver buttons and a cable linking back to the radio. There was no such thing as Bluetooth technology or WIFI back in 1982.

Schleich
Wallace Berrie

In 1983 Wallace Berrie sold their version of CB Radio. Silver radio with an attached black aerial. The headphones are silver and the speaker microphone is dark brown. The cable linking back to the radio is also silver. Only sold for a couple of years.

Around 1984 Schleich made changes to the aerial. Gone was the long silver aerial to a short thin, silver one with a tip on the end added to the mould. Later the tip on the aerial was removed.

By the early 1990’s the short silver aerial was thicker in size. But apart from that not too much had changed.

Like many Smurfs produced in 1980’s, this one has aged due to the advancements in the world. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not popular. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. Whether it is nostalgic or newbie collectors, CB Smurf is becoming harder to find.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Smurf Review #20100 Cake Smurf

I love browsing through old Smurf catalogues. I especially love the names used for some of the Smurfs. Along with the colour variations. For example Cake Smurf, first sold in 1978 until 1992. Then in 2013.

Firstly, to avoid any confusion Cake Smurf is the one that holds a yellow plate with a red or orange cake and white icing. On the white icing are red and green smarties. The Smurf is also licking his lips.

Back in 1981, National Benzole called this Smurf – Greedy.

However BP Australia called this Smurf Happy Birthday. Just like Wallace Berrie did in the USA. Not sure why they used different names.

Like many Smurfs painted in different countries, paint colours are bound to be found. Anything from a light to a dark yellow plate. Or a light orange to a dark red cake. Matte to shiny paint colours.

Many years ago by pure chance, I came across a Cake Smurf from Spain. The plate was orange and the cake was yellow with white icing and orange smarties. I didn’t know it’s origins at the time, though I knew it was special.

Keep on Smurfin
Kath B

Rarity Guide

For Cake Smurf – I am going to give this 1 Papa Smurf.
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

#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 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

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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