From
Papa Smurf to Pumpkin Head Smurf..
The history of "The Smurfs" and more!
Smurf collecting
is a growing hobby worldwide and the internet is now enabling people
to source Smurfs from all corners of the globe.
Many UK Smurf
collectors have only just rediscovered the Smurfs, and both seasoned
and new Smurf collectors are enjoying the revival of these popular
70's and 80's toys.
Created in the 1950's by Peyo, these little blue characters have popped
up in various places in the UK over the years, National Garages used
them in their petrol promotions in the late 1970's and McDonalds also
produced a range to accompany Happy Meals in more recent years.
In December 1959,
the first Smurf figurines were introduced by Dupuis,
the editor of the Smurf comics. It was not until 1965 that the first
Schleich smurf figurines were made, these are the same figurines which
are still in production today. From 1965, 100 different figures were
produced each year, up until the year 2000. Since 2001 only 50 different
smurf figures have been in current production.
In the early 1980s,
Hanna-Barbera
gave us the animated cartoon series of the smurfs in the American
market. This brought the smurf characters into the homes and hearts
of children everywhere.
So why are Smurfs gaining popularity once again in the UK? Before
the internet and also the discovery of Ebay, many people didn't realise
that Smurfs were still being produced. What you do tend to find though,
is that out of all their childhood toys, many people chose to keep
their Smurfs. These handpainted figurines will stand the test of time,
they are not only an excellent childhood toy, but they should also
be considered an investment for the future.
More
pages of Smurfy interest
Frequently
Asked Questions
What do
we stock?
Our main shop only stocks MINT condition Smurfs. However, not everyone
can afford top quality Smurfs so this is why we also have a Bargain
Smurfs section.
I would like to sell my Smurfs - how can I do this?
If you want to sell your Smurfs then please refer to our Sell
Your Smurfs page for more information.
Why are some of the vintage Smurfs so expensive?
Smurfs are retired by Schleich periodically and therefore no longer
produced. Occasionally particular moulds are reintroduced in later
years. The more expensive Smurfs are obviously the "hard to find"
ones, especially in MINT condition. Fix
& Foxi Smurfs are a good example of a rare smurf.
How can
we find out more about Smurfs and their value?
Der
Schlumpf Katalog IV is a wonderful book available in our shop,
with lots of Smurfy pictures and guide values in Euros. Please note
that this should be treated as a guide only, as just like any other
collectible, a Smurf's value depends very much on condition and the
current marketplace.
Why can't
I find many Smurf Websites on Google?
Read more about
the problems faced by Smurf Retailers here.
How do
I take Smurfs pictures?
Are you struggling
to take a picture of your Smurfs? Find out our recommendations for
taking a Smurfs picture here.
Can I
use your Smurf pictures?
Please refer to
our Smurf pictures page for
details of our policy.
Where
can I buy Smurf DVDs, Plush Smurfs and other items?
Please find more
info here
