Posted on 08/21/2024 4:43:29 PM PDT by nickcarraway
A Boba Fett action figure from the iconic Star Wars franchise has shattered records, selling for an astounding $1.34 million.
The prototype figure, designed for Kenner’s Star Wars toy line in 1979, has now become the most expensive toy ever sold at auction.
The figure in question is a Kenner 1979 J-Slot (Version 2) Rocket-Firing Prototype Boba Fett, a toy that never reached store shelves due to safety concerns.
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Star Wars sensation: World's most valuable action figure The firing rocket mechanism was deemed too hazardous for children, prompting the cancellation of its commercial release. Despite its rarity, or perhaps because of it, the figure has become a highly coveted collector’s item.
According to Goldin Auctions, which facilitated the sale, this specific Boba Fett prototype is one of only 30 ever produced. It’s also the highest-graded example among the three known to still exist, making it exceptionally valuable.
Not only is it the most expensive toy ever sold, but it’s also now the priciest action figure and the highest-priced non-prop Star Wars item in history.
Ken Goldin, founder and CEO of Goldin Auctions, emphasised the significance of this sale: “This item is looked at as one of the most important in the hobby. This is the first time a Mailer J-Slot V2/Missile example has come up for auction, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own this iconic piece of the Star Wars franchise.”
It’s not the first time a Star Wars toy has been sold for mega money Interestingly, another Boba Fett prototype – an L-slot version – held the previous record for the most expensive vintage toy, fetching $525,000 (€470,925) in June. That figure was part of a batch of 70 prototypes, making it less rare than the recently auctioned J-slot version.
The auction underscores the enduring popularity and cultural significance of Star Wars, especially as the series continues to captivate new generations of fans worldwide.
One of the few things that got me furious when I was young was saving up a whole bunch of seals from Star Wars figures in order to order this figure. Sent them away with a check for shipping/postage and what arrived was the figure that DIDN’t fire the missle from the backpack. For a 10 year old I was livid.
I’ve despised the Consumer Protection Agency people ever since for taking away my fun....oh sure I’d of lost those missles in a matter of days...but still...
I saw this one on Pawn Stars. Rick offered peanuts and the guy stuck to his guns wanting more. Rick thought the guy wanted too much and didn’t buy it. Bet Rick is kicking himself right now...
Probably not, since he’s spending his money on toys and not on ladies.
Smart man, by the way.
Drat! Foiled again. My bid was $1.33 million, and I thought the Boba Fett figure was as good as mine.
Oh, well. At least now I have more money to bid on these Three Stooges bobbleheads.
“Be Sure To Drink Your Ovaltine.”
True, with the ladies you will never recoup your money.
Ah, memories of 1979. The Boba Fett action figure was a special collectible that you had to mail in 4 proofs-of-purchase of other Star Wars action figures to get. I still have mine (sans firing rocket).
So, does the thing work?
The money?
No, the toy. Why pay that kind of money for a toy and then not play with it?
What are his pronouns?
Sheesh. I think mid to late 70s was the beginning of the p*ssifying of Americans. This time also sprouted mandatory use of the atrocious child car seat.
I'm proud to be raised in the pre-seatbelt years and have fond memories of my junkyard-refrigerator play house.
I think mid to late 70s was the beginning of the p*ssifying of Americans.Heh, I have this sticker on my old Dodge. 😃
You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!
It’s not like Boba was firing lawn darts or something.
Safety Nazis.
I hate Safety Nazis.
My recollection is that the studio execs weren’t that impressed with the idea of ‘Star Wars’. They eventually gave the go ahead to film the movie, but let George Lucas retain all the merchandising rights, which ended up being worth a fortune.
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