Posted on 06/26/2017 3:38:30 PM PDT by Swordmaker
(Now for something for all the Star Wars fans. . . the ultimate fan icon auction, an original R2D2 is being auctioned off.)
1298. Complete “R2-D2” unit assembled from original components spanning the original Star Wars trilogy and Episodes I & II. (TCF, 1977 - 2002)
A complete film used R2 unit is not known to be in the public domain – this R2-D2 offering represents the pinnacle of the Star Wars collecting universe. For the productions following Star Wars: A New Hope, to save time in meeting production deadlines, R2 components were reused from the previous Star Wars films. As filming progressed, R2 units were upgraded and refurbished, with outdated components being retired. This process has been confirmed by numerous crewmembers who worked on the Star Wars film franchise. This R2-D2, constructed of aluminum, steel and fiberglass elements, measuring 43 in. tall x 29.5 in. wide x 20 in. deep (in current pose), was put together over many years by sourcing original components and assembling them as a complete R2-D2. The dome was one of the few hero aluminum domes made for R2 actor Kenny Baker in the first film (A New Hope, 1977) and is the only one known in the public domain. It was used throughout the original trilogy as well as Episode I and can be screen matched by the fiber optic array to scenes in Return of the Jedi and Episode I. It features a handle to articulate the front eye from inside the unit by Kenny Baker. The metal “greeblies” (fine details added to make the device appear more complex) inserted into the front and rear of the body, and those on the feet, were made for A New Hope and used on R2 units throughout the original trilogy. The left and right legs were made for Empire Strikes Back and were acquired as complete items. One leg retains the Empire paint scheme and the other from Jedi. The middle and left foot were used on an original trilogy R2 and were used as the master pattern for the feet created for Episode I. The right foot is production made for Episode I but not used. The small opening hatch on the back of the body was used in Episode II. The barrel of the body was made for Episode I and it was subsequently painted and detailed for this R2 unit. Given the ad hoc nature of production practices, any “complete” existing R2-D2 units from the first trilogy (in studio hands) would be a compilation very similar to this R2-D2 unit offered here. No internal mechanics or workings are present. Not merely a prop, costume piece or filming miniature, R2-D2 is a major, beloved character in the Star Wars universe. Without question, this is the finest piece ever offered from this incredible franchise.
One of the most instantly recognizable pieces of pop culture in existence.
Note to bidders: This item is located in the United Kingdom and special shipping arrangements will apply.
$1,000,000 - $2,000,000
Lots of Star Trek, Star Wars, and other Hollywood goodies, costumes, props etc., are being auctioned off, including Star Trek phasers, Tricorders, Bridge stations from Star Trek, and a lot more (an earlier day has Superman's TV cape from the color years, and Excalibur from Camelot. Not to mention the one and only "Flying Fickle Finger of Fate Award" from Rowan and Martin's Laugh In.
It was a good idea but eventually had more gadgets than would have been possible
1304. “Darth Vader” production made helmet and shoulder armor from Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. (TCF, 1977) Vintage original Darth Vader helmet and shoulder/chest armor from Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. The 2-piece helmet is constructed of cast fiberglass and is composed of a faceplate mask portion with triangular open venting and interior screening at mouth and chin, tinted see-through Perspex lenses embedded in the eye sockets and metal finial components at either side of the mouth. The helmet section features the hallmark central fin and flared brow and affixes to the faceplate by a pin that snaps into a rolling clasp embedded in the forehead of the facemask. Also includes the matching fiberglass armor panel that sits on Vader’s shoulders below the iconic helmet. These original production made pieces originated from Lucasfilm and were expertly painted and detailed in the early 1980s by an FX artist who worked at the legendary Don Post Studios. The helmet and armor remain in vintage very fine condition. Comes on a professionally built steel pipe and wooden base display stand. Entire display measures approx. 34 x 29 x 26 in. Accompanied by an LOA from 35-year veteran FX artist Jim Leonard. $40,000 - $60,000
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1307. Mark Hamill “Luke Skywalker” hero Lightsaber from Star Wars and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. (TCF, 1977 & 1980) This lightsaber was used by Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in both Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back. It is the non-fighting version of the famous Jedi weapon. This particular version is constructed from an existing Graflex flashgun from the 1930s, measuring 10.5 in., and is fitted with resin black grips around the base attached with adhesive and rivets, as well as a D-ring riveted on the bottom to attach to Luke’s belt. This lightsaber is in quite good condition for its age, but is missing the circuit board detailing usually attached to the clasp. The silver tape, which originally covered the Graflex name, has also been removed. An incredibly important and iconic piece of Star Wars lore, this hero lightsaber used by Luke comes directly from the archive of Gary Kurtz, producer of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back, and is accompanied with a letter of authenticity signed by Gary Kurtz. An incredible piece of film history used for the very first appearance of the spectacular Jedi weapon which thrilled audiences the world over. Provenance: Profiles in History Auction #33, lot 347, December 11, 2008. $150,000 - $250,000
I was going to place a bid, but it’s not the droid I’m looking for.
Perfect!
I’m dead.
See also Ship of Theseus
Then perhaps this will interest you.
Just right.
IIRC, an original series Captain Kirk uniform shirt was estimated to go for 80k, it went for some ungodly and unthinkable sum.
It wouldn't surprise me if someone like Paul Allen outbids everyone.
Meh. You guys are PIKERS! My friend, ‘Sheldon’ (let’s call him) has one of the ‘original’ Five Rings!
Bidding starts at...
LOL!
Keep an eye out for the Howard the Duck suit for me...
You win the Interweb tonight!
It’s not worth 1-2 million unless it has the drink trayholder from ROTJ. Otherwise I’ll give em 5 bucks.
I just killed 1-1/2 hours, because of your link and subsequent other links on Youtube about lightsabers.
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