[steveparkes]

Okay, I promised I'd post this a couple of days ago (sorry - been very hectic around here).

Last sunday I went to the big shopping complex Lakeside near Dartford for a day out. Whilst I was there I popped into Borders (big bookshop).
Whilst browsing the books, I happened upon a Dorling Kindersley book called 'DK Collectables - Price Guide 2007'

I picked it up and went straight to the back to look if it had smurfs in
(I always do this with these antiques & collectibles guides), they never usually have. However, this one HAD got smurfs in it!!!!
Well, even though there were only 3 pages, I had to buy it!

I must say that the information is very interesting. I can't post it here word for word, as I don't want to get into copyright issues, but the gist of it is this:

'A number related to the mould used is stamped on the base (which we knew), the date is NOT the date that a particular model was made, but is either the date that the shape was released, or the date that a worn out mould was replaced with a new one. (did anyone know that???)'

It does say other stuff in the heading 'collectors notes' but not much else we didn't know.

However, when I looked at the valuations, most of them seemed fair..but one really stood out at me. It was a bit entitled 'a closer look at a smurf', and featured the Smurferman figure (2.0119). It said:

'Some claim that this model is much rarer than most think, as it had to be withdrawn shortly after it was introduced, as the 'S' motif on his chest was not licensed by DC Comics'. It gives a value of the Smurferman figure as between 50 to 80 pounds!!!!!!!

Here are some scans of the pages:



[/img]

[Bunno Smurf]

Hmmm thats pretty interesting stuff, Steve. That "S" thing seems to make a lot of sense if there was a copyright issue. I wonder how many they did make and how soon they did have to stop production.

[Rachel]

Thanks for posting about the info Steve, it is wonderful to see that smurfs are finally being taken a little more seriously here in the UK.

I will probably try and pick up a copy of the book at some point but to be able to read it from your scan is great.

I do wonder where they have got some of their info from as I can't say I agree with it 100%. For example, I knew about the re-issue dates on some molds eg. Papa smurf but as far as I know and what is stated in other German books is that the date given is the date the figure was licensed rather than released which explains why a few figures have dates on them which are actually 3 or 4 years before the figure was available for sale.

The story about the smurferman figure is bizarre as we all know this isn't a particularly rare smurf and the fact that it was available for an 18 year period hardly counts for being withdrawn quickly due to licensing problems.

The prices they have given are also a bit out IMHO, £2-3 for the Gift & Flower but then £4-6 for the Astro??


Great report Steve and of course Thanks for phoning too, although I was rather drunk it was very exciting to hear this news.

[Syd Smurf]

Yes Rach & me were quite happy when we heard this news...and we were also pretty chuffed about the smurfs being included

I do wonder where they have got some of their info from as I can't say I agree with it 100%. For example, I knew about the re-issue dates on some molds eg. Papa smurf but as far as I know and what is stated in other German books is that the date given is the date the figure was licensed rather than released which explains why a few figures have dates on them which are actually 3 or 4 years before the figure was available for sale.

After hearing about the paint dots info in this guide I had a hunch they had been doing some research on Blue Imps...at least partially and well...who could blame them but it did sound like some of the info you have already put together and since you are based in the UK and have the most informed website in general it wouldn't be a huge shock to anyone.

One point I wanted to make about the years is that usually a W Germany variation of a smurf is quite often a year earlier or later (can't remember off hand) to the Hong Kong variation...then again quite often these moulds would be slightly different anyway and may even include slightly different colours or different coloured PVC base.

Did I confuse anyone else beside myself here??

It's good news about the smurfs being included Steve as it made us a little happier at the time although we were already smiling pretty hard.

Excellent news

Dyar

[steveparkes]

Apparently they got their info from the people at this website:

http://www.neetstuff.com/
(I've sent them an email asking where they got the info about the superman smurf, I'll let you know if I hear anything

[Syd Smurf]

Well they didn't do enough research if that was the case....maybe you should a link to blue imps so they can catch up a bit.

It would be interesting to hear where they got the info about the Smurferman figure....I have never heard that before but then again I am always learning things on here everyday anyway....I am not sure if I totally believe what they say since the smurf was produced over many years as Rach says....which makes sense as I don't think anyone has any problems finding at least one of the variations out there. Maybe they became confused and were only talking about one of the rarer variations but even so that price was fairly high for one of these.

I guess it comes down to where they do their research in the end

Dyar

[Little lucie @ Simon]

Hi Steve, you have an interesting book there. Simon was getting excited about the superman info as he has tons of these. Only for me to burst his buble a little after with Rach's post I think Rach is right tho'. Lucie

[Rachel]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RARE-Smurferman-S ... dZViewItem

I suppose it was only a matter of time! This is why it is so important to only give correct information, especially when it is being written in a collectibles guide!

**RARE 'Smurferman' Superman Smurf - Valued at £80!!!**

'Smurferman' figure no.20119 with "Bully, W.Germany" mark on the base.

The figure is valued at £80 in the DK Collectables Price Guide 2007, by Judith Miller (see photo) - so you will be getting a bargain investment here!!!!

The value of this item is only going to increase with time, especially with the Smurf movies that are being produced!! When they are released, the value of original Smurf items is going to shoot up!!

This model is much rarer than most think, as it had to be withdrawn shortly after it was introduced, as the use of the 'S' motif on his chest was not licensed from DC Comics.

These are highly collectable and desired items.

The figure is in mint condition - a fantastic addition to any collection.

It would even be great Christmas presents to any collector.

[SMURFYSTEVE1]

I just saw this auction on ebay too Rach and thought the price was odd although I did'nt look into the auction description as to why.......

Now I came across this topic by Steve and realised why they have priced it that way. I had no idea about this copyright issue with the figure.....

You watch once other peple catch wind of this discovery they'll all jump on the band wagon.....

Smurfy regards
Steve

[steveparkes]

I know Rach..I've emailed that auction to the lady that wrote the info for the book saying 'LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE!!!' - I knew it would happen eventually..it was only a matter of time..I've also emailed the seller to say - 'forget that info, it's about as factual as a dose of eastenders'

[Syd Smurf]

I wondered if this would happen too...I guess that auctiont answers that question.

Good luck selling it for even £8

I won't be bidding.....and I hope Syd doesn't either (unlikely as the last thing he needs around is another male superhero smurf).

£80 huh?......I wonder if I remember Staci's ebay password

Dyar

[eggie smurf]

£80 huh?......I wonder if I remember Staci's ebay password

If you're going to spend 80 on my account, make it something good please

[Syd Smurf]

You mean more upmarket like the Doofus Clowns, Tennis Players with scary eyebrows or a couple of Irwins?

Dyar

[Smurfysmurf]

I sell her my five wind ups for $80.00 apparently they are worth sooo much

[Syd Smurf]

Poor Moey...I just read about that and the dodgy overcharging seller....I would love to see them argue their case to my face....

Dyar

[Smurfysmurf]

thanks for making me laugh

Maybe I can have Steve P. look in that guide to see how much they are 'worth"


Love your Merry Christmas signature

[Rachel]

Hmmmm, well the auction finished for £9.50 which IMHO is way too much for this figure. I suppose it does just go to show that some buyers will believe what is written in a description and probably rhink they have got themselves are bargain as the BIN price was so high.