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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

 

 

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Rare Star Wars Jawa Figure Found in my Loft

Rare Star Wars Jawa Figure Found in my Loft

Jan 10, 2024

Rare Star Wars Jawa Figure Found in my Loft

Rare Star Wars Jawa Figure Found in my Loft

 

STAR WARS JAWA VINYL FIGURE 1976 . ON CARD FOUND IN MY LOFT . LOFT FIND RARE STAR WARS FIGURE

    1. Historical Context and Rarity of the 1978 PALITOY Star Wars Jawa Figure:
      • The Jawa figure was a key part of the original line of Star Wars action figures released in 1978, marking a significant moment in Star Wars collectibles.
      • These figures, including the Jawa, were the first in a series that would revolutionize movie merchandising. They represented a pioneering collaboration between filmmakers and toy manufacturers, specifically between George Lucas and companies like Kenner and PALITOY.
    2. The Figures and Their Roles in the Star Wars Universe:
      • Each figure in the original series represented a character from the Star Wars universe, capturing the essence of the films. Characters like Darth Vader, Han Solo, and Princess Leia were not just action figures but carried the story’s narrative and ethos.
      • The Jawa figures, although minor characters in the movie, were depicted as mysterious desert scavengers on the planet Tatooine, capturing the imagination of fans and collectors alike.
    3. Understanding the Range of Original Star Wars Action Figures:
      • The range was carefully crafted to represent the diverse world of Star Wars. Each character played a pivotal role in the movies, which was translated into their miniature counterparts.
      • Collectors particularly value figures like Boba Fett, Luke Skywalker, and Yoda for their intricate designs and pivotal roles in the movies.
    4. George Lucas and the Toy Manufacturers: A Revolutionary Partnership:
      • The success of the Star Wars action figures is also a testament to the visionary approach of George Lucas. He foresaw the potential in marketing these characters as toys, which was a relatively novel idea at the time.
      • Toy manufacturers, initially hesitant, soon found an overwhelming demand for these figures. This demand led to innovations in toy design and marketing, setting a precedent for future movie merchandise.
    5. The Value of Authenticity in Vintage Star Wars Figures:
      • Collectors often seek figures in their original packaging, as this adds to their historical and monetary value. The condition of the figure and its packaging, especially for rare items like the vinyl-caped Jawa, is crucial.
    6. Collecting Tips for Rare Star Wars Action Figures:
      • As the market for vintage Star Wars figures grows, collectors should be aware of reproductions and focus on verified sources to ensure authenticity.
    7. The Launch of the Original Star Wars Action Figure Line:
      • The story of these figures is as much about innovation in toy manufacturing as it is about Star Wars. The initial rush to meet demand led to unique variations, like the vinyl cape on the Jawa figure, which are now highly prized.
    8. Legacy and Impact on the Star Wars Collectibles Market:
      • The legacy of these figures extends beyond their role as toys; they are a part of cultural history, representing a unique intersection of cinema and consumer products.
      • The community of collectors is a testament to the enduring appeal of Star Wars and its vast universe, making the collection of these figures a fulfilling endeavor for fans around the world.

Rare Star Wars Jawa Figure Found in my Loft

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Hotwheels Star Wars Episode Cars | 8 car set

 

Sonic the hedgehog – random web game.