📖 Smurf figures: reading the markings under the feet (Peyo, Schleich, Bully)

Almost all Smurf figures carry moulded inscriptions under the feet, on the back, on an arm or under the base. They name the licensee authorised by Peyo, the manufacturer and the country of manufacture. These marks let you recognise an original figure, date it roughly, and be wary of copies.

1. Look for "Peyo"

• Licensed figures carry the mention "Peyo" (sometimes "© Peyo"): it is the creator's signature. A first reflex: if it is absent, the figure deserves more caution.
• On the very first figures the marking is sometimes just "Peyo" on an arm or on the back, with no manufacturer name. According to an experienced collector, the oldest moulds are first unmarked, then marked "Peyo" (sometimes with "W. Germany"), then carry the Schleich emblem.

2. Read the manufacturer

• Known markings include Schleich, Bully and "W. Berrie Co. Schleich": the McCord Museum in Montreal holds, for example, a King Smurf dated 1973 marked "© PEYO / W. GERMANY / Bully", and a Schleich Spy Smurf dated 1966.
• A Baseball Pitcher Smurf carries, according to a catalogue entry, "W. Berrie Co.", "Schleich", "© Peyo", "Made in Hong Kong" and "© 1983 Peyo": several inscriptions on one figure are normal.
• Bully and Schleich are separate companies: collectors tell their variants apart.

3. Read the country

• Licensed figures were made in West Germany, Hong Kong and Portugal. According to a collecting site, the Clown Smurf (no. 20033) exists in Hong Kong, Portugal and West Germany versions.
• The "History" Smurfs were made in Hong Kong with the same moulds, and the words "Hong Kong" are rubbed out and replaced with "Macau" on two of them.
• Collectors report that figures from Portugal have duller colours than the glossier German versions: this is collectors' observation, not a rule.

4. Spot the rare markings

• A moulded "M" denotes a template ("Muster") copy, very rare according to the Lancashire Evening Post.
• The first mass-produced PVC figures made by Schleich date from 1965: the Normal Smurf, the Gold Smurf and the Convict Smurf.

⚠️ Watch out for

• Good-quality copies from Hong Kong and China have been circulating in recent years, according to a collecting site: compare the marking and finish with a reference figure.
• Unlicensed figures exist too: the "PVC No Toxico" figures, made in Spain, are not authorised. Figures marked "Eura Spain" or "Hering / Made in Brazil" are productions from other countries: do not confuse them with the German series.
• For a piece marked "M" or a rare series, ask for photos of all the inscriptions before buying.

Sources : Blue Buddies (par pays) · Blue Cavern forum (ordre des marquages) · Musée McCord · LastDodo (fiche d'un Schtroumpf) · Lancashire Evening Post

Updated on Oct 5, 2026. These pointers are indicative and do not replace an expert's opinion: for a valuable piece, have it appraised.