Smurf marbles: history, identification and a guide for vintage collectors

TL;DR – ‘Smurf marbles’ are not glass marbles. It is the affectionate nickname given by children in the 1970s and 1980s to the small, approximately 5–6 cm PVC figurines produced by Schleich and Bully. Highly sought-after on the pre-owned market, they are quite distinct from the limited edition resin or lead versions aimed at today’s adult collectors. This guide will help you identify them, date them and understand their place in the world of Smurf collectables.

“Smurf marbles”: where does this term come from?

Ask any child from the 1980s: they’ll tell you they had “Smurf marbles” in their bedroom. Yet there weren’t any glass marbles in there.

The term sprang up spontaneously in school playgrounds. These small PVC figurines, 5 to 6 cm tall – round, colourful and light – resembled the marbles that were being swapped around at the time. We carried them about in our pockets, displayed them on our desks and collected them with the same fervour. The term stuck. Even today, thousands of French people type ‘Smurf marbles’ into a search engine to find these figurines from their childhood.

Key point: ‘Smurf marble’ = a collectable PVC figurine, produced under official IMPS licence, mainly by Schleich and Bully. Not a glass marble, not a generic toy.

The history of vintage PVC Smurf figurines

The origins of the Smurf figurine

Peyo created the Smurfs in 1958, in the pages of *Johan and Peewit*. The little blue creatures first appeared in comic books, then the first figurines under the IMPS licence were launched in the 1960s.

The real boom in France came with the TV series. On 27 December 1982, Antenne 2 broadcast the first episodes as part of the programme *Récré A2* – this is confirmed by the French television archives. The cartoon, produced by Hanna-Barbera, was shown on a continuous loop for years, and with it, demand for figurines skyrocketed on the toy shelves. It was then that the PVC Smurf figurine became an everyday item for an entire generation.

Schleich – the leading manufacturer

Schleich is a German manufacturer. It is the starting point for any serious collection. The brand has been producing PVC Smurfs since the late 1960s, and the range continued to expand for two decades.

What makes these figurines so valuable to collectors is precisely their traceability via the markings on the base:

• W. Germany → produced before German reunification, i.e. before 1990. These are the oldest and often the most sought-after pieces.
• Made in Hong Kong → production outsourced, typically from the 1970s–1980s.
• Made in Portugal → the transitional period of the 1980s, frequently associated with the Peyo/IMPS copyright and the moulded Schleich name.

These markings are the first clue to identifying an authentic vintage Smurf figurine. Schleich still markets an official collection today, with numbered references (20001 to 20850+), but contemporary pieces obviously do not bear the same markings as the original vintage items.

Bully – the other big name in vintage PVC

Bully is the other key manufacturer in the 1980s Smurf collection. Its PVC Smurf figurines from the 1970s and 1980s are highly sought-after on the pre-owned market, sometimes even more so than certain equivalent Schleich pieces.

They can be recognised by the word ‘Bully’ moulded into the base, often accompanied by the Peyo copyright. Some Bully moulds were, in fact, adopted by Schleich from 1980 onwards, creating interesting variations for discerning collectors. The exact country of origin of Bully remains a matter of debate within the community – so be wary of overly definitive statements on this point.

How can you identify and date a vintage Smurf figurine?

Read the markings on the underside of the base

This is the first thing you should do, without fail. Turn the figurine over and read everything that is moulded beneath the feet:

• Manufacturer’s name (Schleich, Bully, W. Berrie for US export versions, etc.)
• Country of manufacture: W. Germany, Hong Kong, Made in Portugal, Macau, Sri Lanka – each entry corresponds to a specific period and production region.
• Copyright Peyo / IMPS: essential on any official item. Its absence is a red flag.
• Mould number: this allows you to identify the exact model in reference catalogues.

A ‘W. Germany’ marking alongside ‘© Peyo’ and the mould number cast into the figurine: this indicates a vintage European piece, likely from the 1970s or early 1980s. A figurine with no legible markings should be treated with the utmost suspicion.

Visual criteria for authenticity

Beyond the markings, an experienced collector’s eye will spot several details:

• The quality of the PVC: originals feel slightly supple yet firm to the touch, without being excessively brittle.
• The sharpness of the details: facial features, hands and accessories are precisely rendered. Recent unauthorised reproductions often feature smudges or blurred details.
• Period colours: the Smurf blue of the originals has a specific shade, slightly different from that of reissues. The white caps sometimes yellow with age – this is not a fault, but proof of age.
• The base: vintage Schleich figurines usually have a well-defined oval or round base, with a characteristic flat surface.

Variations and manufacturing errors

This is where the rare Smurf figurine comes into its own. Certain colour variations – a red hat instead of a white one, a slightly different skin tone – or moulding errors make for exceptional pieces. Specialist collectors catalogue these meticulously, and they can fetch prices far higher than the standard version of the same model.

Marking variations are also documented: the same figurine may exist in ‘W. Germany’, ‘Hong Kong’ and ‘Portugal’ versions, with subtle differences in pose or finish depending on the series.

Pixi and the lead Smurf figurines – another world of collecting

Pixi is a French company founded in 1982 by Alexis Poliakoff and Philippe-Antoine Guénard. A recognised specialist in hand-painted metal figurines, Pixi has developed an official collection of Pixi lead Smurfs in limited editions, each numbered and accompanied by certificates of authenticity.

This is a world radically different from Schleich’s PVC figurines, in line with our comparison of comic book figurine manufacturers. We are no longer talking about a child’s toy but a collector’s item for adults, carefully sculpted, hand-painted and produced in runs of just a few hundred pieces. Certain Pixi scenes – such as ‘The Smurfs’ Family Photo’ (300 pieces) or ‘The Smurf Steps on the Gas’ (410 pieces) – perfectly illustrate this ambition.

The Pixi lead Smurf comic-style figurine is aimed at collectors who are no longer seeking the nostalgia of a pocket-sized figurine, but rather the enduring quality of a miniature work of art. Both approaches are valid and complementary.

From vintage “marbles” to contemporary resin statuettes – the evolution of the Smurf collection

The collector who grew up with their Schleich marbles in the 1980s is now aged between 45 and 55. And they are discovering, often to their surprise, that there are now limited edition, hand-painted resin figurines featuring their favourite characters, with a level of detail and fidelity to Peyo’s work that is incomparable to the PVC figurines of that era.

Figures such as Sassette, the Poet Smurf and Grossbouf are available as statuettes with a limited print run made from resin, complete with a certificate of authenticity and individual numbering. This isn’t a replacement for vintage figurines – it’s another way of honouring the same passion, as shown in our guide dedicated to the Smurfs collection.

The two markets coexist and complement one another. The vintage PVC Smurf collection is found at car boot sales, comic book fairs and resale platforms. The contemporary, high-end editions, on the other hand, are aimed at the same collectors who are now adults and who prefer to display rather than trade – check out our selection of Smurf figurines to discover these contemporary pieces.

Where can you find vintage Smurf marbles and how can you buy them safely?

The market for vintage Smurf figurines is active, fragmented and can sometimes be tricky. Here are the main sources:

• eBay and Delcampe: the widest choice, but also the greatest risks. Always ask for photos showing the underside of the base before making a purchase.
• Garage sales and flea markets: the best bargains are still to be found here, especially outside the capital. Get there early.
• Comic book fairs and toy fairs: specialist sellers know their stock well and can answer your questions about markings.
• Facebook groups and collectors’ forums: the community is close-knit and sellers are generally reputable.

Points to watch out for:

• Always check the condition of the PVC (for warping, flaking paint or the smell of degraded plastic).
• Check the markings on the base – a figurine without a Peyo/IMPS copyright mark is suspicious.
• Be wary of recent unauthorised reproductions: they are flooding certain platforms at low prices and have no collector’s value.
• A reputable seller knows their items and can tell you where they come from.

Storing and displaying your collection of vintage Smurf figurines

PVC ages. If not stored properly, it yellows, warps or even deteriorates beyond repair. Here are a few simple rules to keep a vintage Smurf figurine in the best possible condition:

• Avoid direct light: sunlight fades the paintwork and weakens the plastic within a few months.
• Control the temperature: heat warps PVC, especially delicate parts (arms, accessories). Do not place a display cabinet near a radiator.
• Clean gently: use a slightly damp cloth, without any chemicals. Never use alcohol or solvents on painted PVC.
• A closed display case is recommended: it protects against dust without requiring frequent cleaning, and shows the pieces off to their best advantage.
• Store fragile items flat: some figurines with accessories (hats, musical instruments) are vulnerable to knocks.

A well-preserved collection retains its value – and its evocative power intact. For further information, see also our guide for beginner collectors of comic book figurines.

FAQ – Smurf marbles: collectors’ questions

What exactly is a Smurf marble? It is the popular nickname given to the 5–6 cm PVC Smurf figurines produced under official IMPS licence, mainly by Schleich and Bully, between the years 1960 and 1980. The term ‘marble’ comes from their small size and their use in children’s games. They are not glass marbles.

How do you date a Schleich Smurf figurine? Look under the base. ‘W. Germany’ indicates production before 1990, often from the 1970s or 1980s. ‘Made in Hong Kong’ indicates production that was outsourced during the same year. ‘Made in Portugal’ is typical of the 1980s. The presence of the Peyo/IMPS copyright and the mould number confirms authenticity.

What is the difference between a Schleich figurine and a Bully figurine? Both are official PVC figurines licensed by Peyo/IMPS. Schleich is a German manufacturer that is still in business today. Bully produced its Smurf figurines in the 1970s and 1980s; some of its moulds were taken over by Schleich from 1980 onwards. Both brands are mentioned on the base and both are sought after by collectors.

Is a vintage Smurf figurine worth a lot? It depends entirely on its rarity, condition and model. A common figurine in good condition can be found for a few euros. Certain rare variants or items in perfect condition with their original box can fetch much higher prices, according to collectors and specialist sources. The value fluctuates with the pre-owned market.

How can you tell an original from a reproduction? Three things to check: 1) the markings on the underside of the base (manufacturer, country, Peyo/IMPS copyright); 2) the quality of the PVC and the sharpness of the details (reproductions often have rough edges and imprecise colours); 3) the historical accuracy of the model (a model that has never appeared in Schleich or Bully catalogues is inevitably a copy).

Useful sources

• Bluedwarfs.com – Schleich Smurfs catalogue: an essential reference for identifying and dating Schleich figurines by mould number and markings.
• Pixietcie.com – The Smurfs Collection: official Pixi & Cie website, featuring hand-painted lead figurines and numbered limited editions.
• Imaginationhobby.com – Bully and Schleich figurines from the 1970s and 1980s: specialist in vintage PVC figurines, a good benchmark for market prices.
• Archives80.com – The Smurfs on television: archives of the first French broadcast of the cartoon (27 December 1982, Antenne 2).

Discover our full selection on our ‘Collectable Comic Book Figurines’ pillar page.