Hello All,
If possible I would like to ask all your on this topic.
A few years ago these started popping up and we were able to get a few of them. We noticed there are Smurfs with and without the Mini Models markings and that this is not particular to a Smurf as there are the same models with and without these marking.
After a while they became scarce but strangely enough new models keep popping up, so either they are still being discovered or still being made.
My idea on these is that they were made in Argentina on a quest for a new production plant. It looks like this quest took Schleich around the world and they made thei business with China in the end and I must say these Mini Models are nice but not the best looking Smurfs around quality wise.
Another theory is that these molds were sold of and they are made under lisence in Argentina for the local market. This market is not the whole of South America as I was in Costa Rica 3 years ago and found Smurfs in a small store in the mall of San Jose. These were the regular Smurfs we have here as well.
My real question is, as the why will probably be speculation, is if there are more taht these you see here on the photos. Photo one shows the ones we have without the Mini Model marking and photo 2 those with.
Photo 1:
Photo 2:
Looking forward to your opinions and hopefully someone has additions to these models.
Thanks,
Dennis