"Peyo" on the Bottom of their Feet

[VintageSmurfCollector]

My vintage smurf collection dates back to before the original TV show. Some of the earlier ones I've notices have the word "Peyo" ---either in print or cursive-- on the bottom of their feet. Some have dates on the bottoms of their feet and other's don't. The earliest date is 1976. I'm in the midst of trying to price them to sell and wonder how to go about determining their value. Any suggestions?

[bill walters]

The Best place to go is the ID rairity guide. You can find it at the top of every page. says find your next page here. Drop it down and look for the guide. It will tell you when it was made and tell you it's rairity. One star easy to find Five is very hard to find. Doesn't tell you the price though.
About the word peyo. Sometimes it's on the arms or legs. You will also find where it was made. Sometime a paint dot will tell you were it's painted. And depending on when you got your last one. And also where you got it. There are some fake Smurfs out there. If you bought them at the stores they are probibly genuine, but if you got some off the internet they could be fake. The earlier ones have dates 1965 but doesn't mean they were made that year. Thats when they were first introduced. There are books to give you an idea of the price but the demand for certain one's dictates the price. Also don't expect to get the full value. Lets say one's that only have one star group them together to sell. Small or large groups doesn't matter. The one's with three or more stars you might want to list separately. If all your smurfs are in mint condition Mushroomvillage will buy them. He only sells mint Smurf so I think he only will buy mint Smurfs. Ebay is a good outlet but it's a crap shoot as to what you will get. If you use that option. Be honest. look for any paint rubs and list them. Or just say you are not an expert. The Smurfs I bought in the late 70's and early 80's have never been played with. But they have yellowed a little. This also knock off a little.
By the way when you go to the ID guide you can print it off and it will give you pic's also. Hope all this helps. Bill
P.S. Welcome to the forum.

[VintageSmurfCollector]

Thanks for the warm welcome, Bill. All the smurfs were purchased new and in stores, however, they were played with a LOT. I must confess, I'm surprised they're in the good condition that they are---Smurfs are surprisingly durable, to say the least. Most of my keywords have brought no results, not quite sure why. I've been using descriptive adjectives, could that be a factor? Also, if Mushroomvillage.com is interested in looking over the collection prior to posting on eBay I'd be happy to send photos. Of course, the village will require some grooming prior to their big photo shoot. Any recommendations for how to clean them?

[bill walters]

OK lets try another way. Down at the bottom of this page or any page are a series of link. On the second row far right is one that says collector check list. When you open it you will see two down loadable check lists. You can print which ever one you want. It will give you pictures also. Back to the ID guide. You can simple open the guide then click on the top link that says figurines that will bring up all of them. Or if you wish you can just open what ever numbers of Smurfs you have I don't even know those numbers so if you do cudo's to you. When trying to search for a paticular smurf I don't try to remember what is called. I will just use (papa) that will bring up all papa's but it usually works. Smurfette, Handy, Brainy, Jokey, Vanity, Farmer, Dreamy, Baby, Moon, Christmas, Easter, are some keywords there are a lot more but I can't think of them right now. Let me know if this helps. Bill
P.S. I just thought of something. There is also a search box top right. Only items Pete has in stock will show up. The ID guide has it own search box. Use it when trying to find what something is called. If you know the name of the Smurf you have just type that in. You said that the earliest date was 1976 here's a few that came out after that. Rock'n roll, watchman, swimmer, sitting, thinker, gardner, money, torchbearer, postman, icehockey, clown, soccer, hanglider, doctor, singer, mallet, gift, hiker, chef, digger, lover, artist, emperor, trumpter, flutist, tennis star, pointing, bowler, cleaner, ice-lolly, first aid, golfer, cardplayer, thirsty, champion. That will take you up to 1979.

[VintageSmurfCollector]

Wow---that's really exciting. I've got several of the ones you mention and actually remember the playing with the early ones (Policeman, swimmer, postman) on the bus ride home from the toystore after my grandma bought them for me. Just can't believe that was over 30 years ago!!!

It'll prob take me the weekend to go through all of them, thanks for sending such clear instructions on how to do it.

Any ideas for cleaning them? Q-tips and Alcohol? Johnson's baby shampoo and cotton balls?

[bill walters]

Hi They have some cleaning supplies on here. But I usually just soak them in warm soap and water. You might try the search top right (cleaning). I have not tried that search but it should work. Of course you will get a few Smurfs with that. There is a Smurf called Cleaner. And several others that are cleaning things. I do use a Q-tip for the hard to reach places. But nothing harder than soap and water. I have not tried the cleaner they have here. May work great. I am pretty sure I saw a link that said cleaning Smurfs somewhere. Look around I will too if I find it I will tell you where it is. Bill

[VintageSmurfCollector]

Hey Bill,
Just wanted to let you know, I read more about cleaning on discussion boards on this site as well as on other sites and concluded that the harsh chemicals being recommended weren't really necessary in my case. As my smurfs are in pretty good condition, I decided the most mild would best serve my purposes. Taking your recommendation, I soaked them in baby shampoo and then went for a 'hard to get' place or two with a Q-tip. Will post photos soon!
Susanna

[bill walters]

Hi Susanna; Glad I could help. If you have any more questions. Just post them here and someone will help you. Bill