Star Wars Boba Fett figure sold for $27K
Known as one of the galaxy's best bounty hunters and often pitched against the Rebel Alliance, Boba Fett has unleashed a new fortune in the northeastern English town of Stockton-on-Tees.
The 3.75-inch figurine, made by the now-defunct British toy manufacturer Palitoy, is part of a range of collectables from the late 1970s and early 1980s, produced for the world-famous Star Wars film franchise.
The retro model of the bounty hunter, which was featured in "The Empire Strikes Back," was sold at auction on Thursday for the sum of £18,000 ($27,000) to an Internet bidder.
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In mint condition, the figure was presented on "un-punched" card and initially had an estimate of £10,000 to £15,000.
Auction house Vectis claimed it was the most expensive "production" Star Wars action figure—which means it was originally sold in the shops—ever sold at auction.
Kathleen Taylor, who works at the English auction house Vectis, told CNBC via telephone that "prototype" models, made out of resin, can fetch even greater values.
"The prices are really starting to escalate," she said. "There's a real interest in anything related to TV and film from the 1970s, 1980s and even the 1990s."
Craig Stevens from Croydon in London was the lucky collector who pocketed the cash. Split over two days, the auction of his models is expected to raise over £100,000.
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Seventy mint figures were sold this week for a total £41,796, which the auction says makes the £100,000 figure achievable.
"I believe the time is right to sell some of my pieces to enable others to enjoy them," Stevens said in a press release. "It will be terribly heart-wrenching to see them go but I am sure that each one will go to a very good home and be protected and cherished by fellow collectors."
Boba Fett was mostly a fringe character in the original Stars Wars films, but his deadly prowess and mysterious persona made him a fan favorite.
More recognizable characters also sold well at Thursday's auction. Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi sold for £5,040, Darth Vader for £1,800 and R2-D2 sold for £1,560. Meanwhile, a figure of the main protagonist of the films, Luke Skywalker, sold for £600.
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"Boba Fett is a Holy Grail to many collectors as it is believed to be one of only three or four known to exist," the auction house said in a press release.
The collection was amassed over several decades by Stevens, according to the auction house, which said that he had a "deep knowledge of science fiction toys and had owned several collector shops over the years, including one in London's Portobello Road."
The auction house said that prices this high were not unknown, with a Star Wars FX-7 droid previously selling for £8,400 and a vinyl-caped Jawa figure going under the hammer for £10,200.