The Smurfs were created by Belgian illustrator Pierre Clifford, better known as Peyo. They first appeared in 1958 as minor characters in the Johan and Peewit comic strip, which was printed in Le Journal de Spirou. The Smurfs soon became popular characters in their own right and featured in cartoon strips, comic books and animated films.
The first range of Smurf merchandise, consisting of three figurines, was produced in 1965. These were followed over the years by many more toys and other items. The Smurfs even had their own music career, most notably with Dutch singer Vader Abraham.
Their success continued throughout the 1970s and in 1981, the American animation company Hanna Barbera, who were also responsible for The Flintstones and Scooby Doo, gave the Smurfs their own cartoon series.
This particular toy was produced as part of a promotion for the fast food chain, McDonalds. It would have been included as a free gift with one of their children's "Happy Meals".
