On May 31st Heritage is giving film collectors and Star Wars fans a chance to bid on some truly out-of-this-world goods! Their Star Wars Signature Auction features some truly great gems, hard-to-find pieces, and items that a Star Wars collector would want to have in their own collection! There are over 150 items in this auction, so here are my pics of the gems you should keep an eye on!
Episode IV - A New Hope Promotional Poster
Marvel Comics played a pivotal role in the marketing behind Star Wars. Before Star Wars was the pop culture force we all know today, George Lucas hired Charles Lippincott to head the marketing for the movie. Star Wars was a tough sell. Science fiction movies were a niche genre that was still largely looked down on, resulting in many companies turning Lippincott down on his offer. However, Marvel Comics saw the potential in the space opera, and their partnership was born.
This poster by artist Howard Chaykin was one of the first pieces of merchandise ever produced. Per Heritage, only 1,000 pieces were made, with very few selling between San Diego Comic-Con and Kansas City WorldCon in 1976. If you're looking for one item to add to your collection, this is said item. Heritage notes that this poster is in Very Fine+ condition, and could go between $6,000 - $12,000 in auction.
Rocket Firing Boba Fett Prototype Figure
The Kenner Star Wars figures have become one of the most sought-after collectibles in the Star Wars fandoms. Certain figures can fetch impressive prices, but only one figure can rule them all. The Rocket Firing Bobba Fett Prototype is the figure to possess in ones collection. There are only two of these in existence, so seeing one on this auction is truly something special. The background to his figure is as crazy as seeing this figure:
Offered as a mail-away premium, the Rocket Firing Boba Fett was highly promoted by Kenner, lodging it in everyone's imaginations. For four proof-of-purchase seals cut from any Star Wars 3 ¾" action figure card back it could be yours. It seemed a cruel trick, when the Boba Fett figures that shipped, arrived with their plastic missiles sonically welded in place. It was a clear letdown. Helping along this disappointment was a small polite letter explaining Kenner's safety concerns over the toy necessitating the change. It offered in substitution any Star Wars 3 ¾" action figure of choice if the consumer wasn't satisfied with the redesign. Looking back, the removal of the rocket launching mechanism should have been no surprise. Almost immediately anything to do with it was being mysteriously obscured by stickers ignoring the feature. Kenner's legal department already had concerns over the toy's safety, but the company's outgoing President Bernie Loomis was highly in favor of the project
If you have the money and only want to buy one piece of Star Wars memorabilia, this is it. This is the "Crown Jewel of Unproduced Toys". This figure has been graded an AFA 60 EX, but if we can be honest with ourselves the grade doesn't mean anything. The rarity alone will attract more than just Star Wars fans, and I'm excited to see where the bidding will end!
The Mandalorian Din Djarin Helmet Season 2
The Mandalorian took the world by storm when season one aired. From the adorable Baby Yoda (ok, Grogu) to the acting chops of Pedro Pascal, the character has quickly become a fan favorite and both has become pop culture staples. This fiberglass resin helmet was used in The Book of Boba Fett as well as The Mandalorian season 2, and per Heritage was worn by Pascal while filming. While there is wear to the helmet, that truly adds more flair to it. While this would be one hell of a cosplay accessory, this would be better suited to being shown off in a collection.
