Smurf enthusiasts may be surprised to learn that the original Smurf characters appeared in Europe in 1957. First seen in a comic strip in a weekly publication called Spirou, the Smurfs became an overnight success story. Their many fans prompted the creation of 25 storybooks and numerous toys and novelties.
The name "Smurf" has an interesting and somewhat surprising origin. It was derived from the French colloquial word schtroumpf, which is the equivalent of "watchamacallit" in English. If it were not for the imagination of award-winning cartoonist Perro "Peyo" Culliford this particular delight would not be possible. In Peyo's native Belgium, schtroumpf translates into "smurf," and this whimsical expression seemed to have just the right magic to name his little blue creations.
Every country acquainted with Smurfs has a different way of pronouncing the name, a fact that adds an interesting twist to collecting. In Belgium and France they are still known as "Schtroumpfs," while in Holland they are called "Smurfens." In Italy the Smurfs are called "Puffi" in Spain the "Pitufos," and the Japanese know them as "Sumafu." The "Smolfs" are Denmark's favorite blue and white friends, and Germans call them the "Schlumpfs." Obviously, the Smurfs have universal appeal.
European countries carried at least 73 Smurf figurines that were never imported or sold in the United States. In fact, for 1992, the German manufacturer of Smurf figurines, Schleich, added to their line a bride and bridegroom and video Smurf figurine.
These PVC figurines are enthusiastically sought by today's Smurf hunters. Special collectible Smurfs are still being sold exclusively in Europe, and these are equally coveted by serious Smurf collectors. Some avid Smurf hunters are willing to travel the world in search of elusive Smurf memorabilia unavailable in their homeland.
The Smurfs did not arrive on North American shores until 1979, when the popular Saturday morning cartoon series finally hit the air waves. Since then hundreds of toys and novelties have been produced including stuffed toys, porcelain figurines, limited edition plates and mugs, pins, key chains, windup toys, books, comics, postcards, watches, clothing, record albums, and even latex dog toys shaped like Smurfs.
Fast-food restaurants and other businesses were also quick to adopt the Smurfs as promotional items. Because these Smurfs were usually produced for only a short time, they make great additions to a collection of Smurf memorabilia.
The most familiar Smurf collectibles found are the 2-inch rubbery vinyl Smurf figurines in hundreds of designs and styles. The Schleich firm began manufacturing these figurines in 1965, and most of the Smurfs from this factory are clearly marked with the company name and country of origin.
In later years Smurf figurines were produced in Hong Kong, Tunisia, Macau, Portugal, Sri Lanka and China. Countless hundreds of Smurf figures have been produced since their introduction to the toy market, and it could take a lifetime of searching to complete as entire set of every figure made.
Because all Smurf figurines are hand-decorated there are often variations in painting style, such as in facial expressions or eye positions. These pieces are of special importance to serious Smurf collectors, who actively seek out the rarities caused by human error. Also of important value to Smurf hunters are characters whose molds have been destroyed and those bearing manufacturer's markings that are no longer used. It takes a well educated Smurf lover to recognize the subtle variations that can make a Smurf novelty highly desirable. Smurfs issued during holiday occasions such as Easter or Valentine's Day were made in far fewer quantities than regular figures, and these too are popular choices with collectors.
Smurf toys and other collectibles are a perfect choice for starting a child or adult on the road to a fascinating hobby. A huge collection of Smurf figurines can be displayed in a small area, making them ideal for collectors having limited space.
When seeking out Smurf toys for your collection, choose only those that are in mint, unplayed-with condition. Pay special attention to unusual items, and be sure to tell your friends and family that you have become a Smurf collector. Perhaps they will have unwanted items to add to your collection.
If you are already a serious Smurf collector, you will be delighted to learn that there is a special club devoted entirely to the pursuit of Smurfs. Smurf Collectors Club International was established in 1986 to accommodate a growing number of Smurf enthusiasts. The club has a membership of more than 900 collectors worldwide - in the United States, Germany, Australia, Holland, Italy, Hong Kong, England, Scotland, Belgium and France. The club publishes a quarterly newsletter featuring collectibles from 68 countries. A limited edition Smurf figurine produced exclusively for the club each year is also available to members only.
OF COURSE MOST OF OUR VISITORS KNOW THAT THE SCCI CLOSED IT'S DOORS IN THE SPRING OF 2001 AND REFERRED ALL IT'S CLUB MEMBERS TO MUSHROOMVILLAGE.COM We continue to serve collectors worldwide, publishing a free monthly newsletter and offering a variety of free collector resources on our web site. We now have well over 2,000 members in the USA, Canada, Mexico, England, Ireland, Wales, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, Barbados and Venezuela! The Internet has provided an enormous boost to Smurf collectors around the world, making networking among them a breeze! Smurf collecting is as strong as ever!
