Guide to Vintage Star Wars Figures

Guide to Vintage Star Wars Figures

Sep 2, 2024

Guide to Vintage Star Wars Figures

Guide to Vintage Star Wars Figures

In-Depth Guide to Vintage Star Wars Action Figures: The First 12

When Star Wars was released in 1977, it marked the beginning of one of the most successful and beloved franchises in film history. Along with the movies came a wave of merchandise, and the action figures became particularly iconic. For collectors, the first 12 Star Wars action figures released by Kenner hold a special place in the history of both the franchise and the toy industry.

George Lucas and the Birth of Star Wars

George Lucas, born in 1944, created the Star Wars universe. After the unexpected success of the first film, Lucas leveraged merchandising rights, which led to the creation of the Kenner Star Wars action figures. Kenner, a subsidiary of General Mills, was relatively small at the time but secured the license to produce these toys, which became a monumental success.

The First 12 Star Wars Action Figures (1978)

The initial 12 figures were released in 1978:

  1. Luke Skywalker: Featuring a yellow lightsaber and white Tatooine outfit. Key feature: telescoping lightsaber, making it a unique find.
  2. Princess Leia Organa: Dressed in a white robe with a vinyl cape, complete with a blaster.
  3. Han Solo: Brown vest and white shirt, later versions included a larger head.
  4. Chewbacca: Taller figure with a crossbow.
  5. R2-D2: Dome head that clicks when rotated.
  6. C-3PO: Shiny gold body, known for its tendency to lose paint over time.
  7. Darth Vader: Black suit, with a telescoping red lightsaber.
  8. Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi: Brown robes and a telescoping blue lightsaber.
  9. Stormtrooper: White armor with a blaster rifle.
  10. Death Squad Commander: Gray uniform with a black helmet, later renamed Star Destroyer Commander.
  11. Jawa: Cloth robe in the early version, vinyl in later versions.
  12. Sand People (Tusken Raider): With a gaffi stick and vinyl cape.

Collecting: Carded vs. Loose Guide to Vintage Star Wars Figures

  • Carded Figures: These are the holy grail for collectors. A carded Luke Skywalker from the original 12-back series can fetch £4,000 to £10,000 depending on condition and the card’s quality.
  • Loose Figures: More affordable but still valuable. Loose figures can range from £50 to £500 depending on condition, accessories, and rarity.

 

Manufacturers by Country

  • Kenner (USA): Produced the majority of figures, known for their distinctive card backs.
  • Palitoy (UK): Similar to Kenner but with slight variations in packaging and sometimes figure molds.
  • Meccano (France): Smaller runs, with different card designs and rarer to find.
  • Lili Ledy (Mexico): Known for minor color variations in the figures, making them highly collectible.
  • Glasslite (Brazil): Produced unique figures like the Vlix, which are now extremely rare.

The First 20 Star Wars Figures

The first 12 were followed by additional figures to make up the first 20:

  1. Greedo
  2. Hammerhead
  3. Walrus Man
  4. Snaggletooth
  5. R5-D4
  6. Death Star Droid
  7. Power Droid
  8. Boba Fett: Originally advertised with a firing rocket, this was never mass-produced due to safety concerns, making early prototypes incredibly valuable—worth up to £20,000.

Vehicles and Playsets

Kenner also released a number of vehicles and playsets alongside the figures:

  • Landspeeder: One of the earliest vehicles, featuring a spring-loaded mechanism to simulate hover movement.
  • X-Wing Fighter: Luke’s iconic ship, with retractable landing gear.
  • TIE Fighter: Darth Vader’s preferred spacecraft, featuring a unique wing-popping action.
  • Death Star Playset: A multi-level plastic playset, complete with a trash compactor.

Rarer Versions and Subsequent Releases

As the toy line expanded, certain variants became particularly desirable:

  • Vinyl Cape Jawa: The earliest Jawa figures had a vinyl cape, quickly replaced by a cloth cape. A vinyl cape Jawa can fetch upwards of £15,000 if carded.
  • Blue Snaggletooth: Originally included in the Sears Cantina Playset, the blue version was later replaced with a shorter red version, making the blue Snaggletooth highly collectible, often reaching £1,000 to £3,000.

Buyers Guide: What to Look For

  1. Condition: Always inspect for wear, especially on carded figures. Bubbles should be clear and intact.
  2. Authenticity: Be wary of reproductions, especially with rare figures like Boba Fett.
  3. Packaging: The card back and bubble quality can significantly impact the value.
  4. Accessories: Ensure all original accessories are present; missing parts drastically reduce value.

Conclusion

Collecting vintage Star Wars action figures is not just about nostalgia—it’s an investment in pop culture history. The original 12, along with subsequent releases, continue to captivate collectors. Whether you’re looking for carded or loose figures, vehicles, or playsets, the key is understanding what makes each item special.

At Looking at Toys, we offer a wide selection of vintage Star Wars figures and accessories, perfect for both seasoned collectors and those new to the galaxy far, far away. Explore our inventory to find your next collectible piece!

Scout Walker Vehicle | STARWARS

 

 

Vintage Star Wars action figures, Kenner Star Wars figures, First 12 Star Wars figures, Palitoy Star Wars, Boba Fett rocket firing, Vinyl Cape Jawa, Blue Snaggletooth, Star Wars vehicles, Landspeeder, Death Star playset.

Discover Rare Forgotten Vintage Toys

Discover Rare Forgotten Vintage Toys

Sep 1, 2024

Discover Rare Forgotten Vintage Toys

Discover Rare Forgotten Vintage Toys

Forgotten Vintage Toy Lines You Can Find at Looking at Toys

At Looking at Toys, we specialize in rare and collectible toys from some of the most iconic, yet often forgotten, toy lines. Here are ten vintage toy lines and manufacturers that you can explore in our store:

1. Remco Toys (1949-1997)
Remco was a pioneer in producing innovative electronic toys and playsets. They gained popularity with their “Lost in Space” action figures and the “Mighty Matilda Atomic Aircraft Carrier.” These toys were unique for their interactive features and detailed designs. Today, a mint-condition Mighty Matilda could be worth up to £800, while Lost in Space figures might fetch £300 to £600.

2. Mego Corporation (1954-1982)
Mego revolutionized the toy industry by introducing the 8-inch action figure with interchangeable costumes, making it possible for kids to create cross-franchise adventures. Lines like “World’s Greatest Super Heroes” and “Micronauts” were particularly popular. A rare Mego Micronauts Biotron in original packaging can now be valued at £500 to £1,000, while Mego Batman figures can reach £1,500 or more.

3. Ideal Toy Company (1907-1982)
Ideal was famous for launching innovative and creative toys like the “Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle” and “Captain Action” figures. These toys allowed children to mimic their favorite TV and comic book heroes. Today, a mint Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle could be worth between £400 and £1,000, depending on the condition and rarity.

4. Marx Toys (1919-1980s)
Marx Toys was known for producing affordable, mass-market toys that became a staple in American households. Their “Johnny West” cowboy figures and “Big Wheels” tricycles were incredibly popular in the 1960s and 70s. A Johnny West figure in excellent condition can now be worth up to £300, while some Big Wheels models can fetch over £1,200.

5. Palitoy (1935-1984)
Palitoy was the UK manufacturer behind the iconic “Action Man” and the original “Star Wars” action figures. These toys were highly detailed and came with a range of accessories, making them a hit among children and collectors alike. A vintage Palitoy Star Wars figure, like a 1978 Boba Fett, can be worth over £5,000 today. We have several exmples of the carded palitoy 12b and 20b action figures for sale including the elusive and ultra rare palitoy vinyl cape jawa.

6. Kenner Products (1947-2000)
Kenner is best remembered for its “Star Wars” action figures, but it also created popular lines like “The Six Million Dollar Man” and “The Real Ghostbusters.” These toys were groundbreaking for their time, featuring detailed sculpts and action features. A mint Kenner Ghostbusters Ecto-1 vehicle can be valued at £600, while Six Million Dollar Man figures can fetch around £300 to £700.

7. Tonka Toys (1947-present)
Tonka’s indestructible metal trucks were a staple of many childhoods during the 1970s and 80s. These toys were known for their durability and realistic designs, which made them popular among both kids and collectors. A vintage Tonka Dump Truck in excellent condition can be worth around £150 to £300 today.

8. Corgi Toys (1956-present)
Corgi’s diecast vehicles, particularly their James Bond Aston Martin DB5, became icons of British toy design. These models were known for their intricate details and working features, like the ejector seat in the DB5. A mint-condition Corgi James Bond DB5 can now be worth up to £2,000.

9. LJN Toys (1970-1989)
LJN was known for its action figures based on popular TV shows and movies, including “Thundercats” and “WWF Wrestling Superstars.” These figures were beloved for their durability and faithful representation of characters. A mint LJN Thundercats Lion-O can sell for £300 to £500, while WWF Wrestling Superstars figures can reach up to £800.

10. Galoob Toys (1957-1998)
Galoob was the force behind “Micro Machines” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation” action figures. Micro Machines were small-scale toy vehicles that were hugely popular in the late 1980s and early 90s. A rare Galoob Micro Machines Super Van City in its original box can now be worth up to £500, while Star Trek figures can fetch around £200 to £400.

Explore these forgotten vintage toy lines and more at Looking at Toys, where you can find a piece of toy history to add to your collection. Whether you’re hunting for vintage action figures or rare diecast cars, our inventory has something for every collector.Discover Rare Forgotten Vintage Toys

Collectible toys, vintage toys, forgotten toy lines, retro toys, rare vintage toys, Remco toys, Mego action figures, Marx toys, Kenner collectibles, Tonka trucks, Corgi diecast, LJN Thundercats, Galoob Micro Machines, Palitoy Star Wars, Ideal Toy Company, vintage action figures, diecast cars, toy collecting, rare toy values, vintage toy history.