Blue Cavern

I thought it might be fun to see what everybody considers a variation

Do you collect "only" the "real" color variations like the yellow glass Brainy, black glass Brainy, red glass Brainy, no matter the shade or markings?

Do you only want one smurf of each, no matter what marking or color variation?

Do you collect the color variations and also the different markings?

Are you looking for excuses to keep the smurfs, and collect any difference? (even if it is only so slightly as a slightly different shade in blue)

I don't think I need to say which one I picked

I haven't included paint errors or mold numbers in here..I am not sure anybody is collecting mold numbers, but if so, please let us know as this would be interesting to know, I think...and I think everybody is keeping paint errors....but I don't consider them variations, but a bonus

Cool poll! I chose "colour variations and markings" as that seems to be what's happening. I'm trying to be a bit sensible as I am limited for space and cash whatever my non existent will power might think! Some variations I may not bother with but if I really like the smurf then I'll get the variations as well. It's all part of the fun if you ask me!

I make a note of the mold numbers but I don't collect them by mold number, if that makes sense.

I'm not sensible.. I collect the slightest difference.

Now that actually brings up a good question!!

I found two smurfs in my collection that are identical down to the words on them (markings sort of) Now the only difference is one had the hong kong on his right leg, the other had the Hong kong on the left leg. I call it a variation some might not agree. I have found this with other smurfs too where it is just the placement of the marking that is different or even sometimes the size of the markings.



gerda

Gerda, you are a lost case...but so am I...I'd keep it, too

Gerda, if you're not being sensible (and it doesn't come easily to me either!) then that's a very good reason to keep a smurf!

Colour variations and ''differences'' only. The colour variation has to be quite marked for me to keep it.

But I have quite a few where the smurf is the same except red tongue/ no tongue, eyelashes/ unpainted eyelashes, shoelaces/ unpainted shoelaces, diff shaped bases etc. I don't think these are paint errors and the differences may be down to the markings I have no idea how many diff. types there are like this so I love it when I come across one by chance

tough question.....some smurfs, I like so much that I want every possible variation, like the smurf with the flower.
other smurfs, like the one with hamburger, are not at all interesting for me.
I suppose, we all have our favourites

Margriet

Good question, I picked "color variations and different markings". That means I keep the most even not very different variations, but I sell one of the "variations", when the two smurfs for example only differ in a little little brighter colour or a green and a yellow paint dot. So, if I kept every little little little ( ) variation, it would not possible to make some money with resales.

Nice topic.

I picked 'other'. I try to get one of everything (except humans and animals and angry) plus any major mould or colour variants that are known about unless I really don't like the smurf e.g. smurf with gargamel mask or the thanksgiving (male) smurf...smurfs eating turkey, I don't think so! Oh plus one for Schleich, one for Bully and one HK. Not so fussed about variants for Supers.

If I like a smurf I try to get every variant going no matter how small.

In general though if I happen e.g. in job lot to get a smurf with a variant e.g. markings on different parts, different wording, logo, machine number, shade, paint dot, colour blue etc I'll keep it. I find it amazing the vast differences you get in this.

Basically I'll settle for almost any difference, but there must be a difference.

Short answer: all PVC smurfs

I collect all smurfs too & only put one in my spares box if it isn't identical to one I already have. The only thing that isn't important to me are the mold numbers but otherwise I'm like Gerda considering left leg / right leg markings etc as variations & keep them.

My answer would be between "only one smurf" and "real colour difference". My first aim would be all "regular smurfs"... but sometimes the colour variation is so distinct... with a smurf I really like... then I would buy the variation too

I just like them all
It feels great to find some regular smurfs with a small different detail.

Michelle

I think it's also something that might get worse.... first you just collect one of every.... then you start to get addicted and get color variations adn in the end you collect every tiny small variation haha

I always look out for the slightest difference.

Lovely topic Moey, great to read everyone's different opinions.

"only" the "real" color variations

Fun poll. I picked "any excuse to keep a Smurf."

Fun poll. I picked "any excuse to keep a Smurf."

Nicely put Christine......I couldn't of said it any better

The amount of times I have used the excuse "....but if I buy this I can sell off the doubles to pay for the whole thing" .....only to keep the majority of the smurfs in the end much to the frustration of anyone near me.

Dyar

Major colour differences
Country markings
Bully handetched
Schleich markings printed over old Bully ones
WBCO
W Berrie
made in 1 country painted in another
old Bully molds with no markings but soft pvc

I don't collect CE, markings same but on different feet as mentioned (!), mold numbers

I think I'm mad enough without heading down that route