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Rare Star Wars toy collection fetches $500,000 at Sotheby's auction

By Thomas Page, for CNN

Updated 1314 GMT (2114 HKT) December 14, 2015

A rare collection of Star Wars memorabilia sold for a whopping $505,202 at an auction held at Sotheby's New York last week.
18 photos: Sotheby's Star Wars: The top lots
A rare collection of Star Wars memorabilia sold for a whopping $505,202 at an auction held at Sotheby's New York last week.
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Sold almost exclusively through Sears Canada in 1980, this extremely rare set of figurines including Boba Fett, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo was the top-selling lot at the auction. Estimated to sell for between $8,000-12,000, in the end the set went for a handsome $32,500.
18 photos: Sotheby's Star Wars: The top lots
Canadian 7 Figurines Multipack - $32,500 – Sold almost exclusively through Sears Canada in 1980, this extremely rare set of figurines including Boba Fett, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo was the top-selling lot at the auction. Estimated to sell for between $8,000-12,000, in the end the set went for a handsome $32,500.
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These two complete sets of 62 coins were only available by special request from Kenner. Even though they were the second lot overall in terms of value, they fell short of the expected sale price of $35,000.
18 photos: Sotheby's Star Wars: The top lots
Power of the Force coin sets - $27,500 – These two complete sets of 62 coins were only available by special request from Kenner. Even though they were the second lot overall in terms of value, they fell short of the expected sale price of $35,000.
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Before the auction this doll was figured to be the most valuable lot. Consultant James Gallo, who spent a week and a half sifting through NIGO's collection, valued the item at between $12,000-18,000. The rare figurine has a double-telescoping lightsaber, and was removed from production swiftly due to the lightsaber's propesity for snapping.
18 photos: Sotheby's Star Wars: The top lots
Luke Skywalker with double lightsaber - $25,000 – Before the auction this doll was figured to be the most valuable lot. Consultant James Gallo, who spent a week and a half sifting through NIGO's collection, valued the item at between $12,000-18,000. The rare figurine has a double-telescoping lightsaber, and was removed from production swiftly due to the lightsaber's propesity for snapping.
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This 6 by 9 inches rarity is in great condition and features the Hungarian title for Return of the Jedi: "Jedi Visszatér." It sold for three times as much as it was expected to.
18 photos: Sotheby's Star Wars: The top lots
Hungarian Boba Fett Action Figure - $15,000 – This 6 by 9 inches rarity is in great condition and features the Hungarian title for Return of the Jedi: "Jedi Visszatér." It sold for three times as much as it was expected to.
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This Master Replicas Limited Edition Stromtrooper helmet was expected to fetch about 500 dollars, but went instead for a whopping $8,125.
18 photos: Sotheby's Star Wars: The top lots
Stormtrooper helmet - $8,125 – This Master Replicas Limited Edition Stromtrooper helmet was expected to fetch about 500 dollars, but went instead for a whopping $8,125.
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Blink and you'll miss him, but Yak Face featured aboard Jabba's barge in "Return of the Jedi." Lucas' vast cinematic universe allowed for an abundance of merchandising opportunities, and today niche characters such as Yak Face are hot property. Estimated to sell between $4,000-6,000, it went for $7,250.
18 photos: Sotheby's Star Wars: The top lots
Yak Face - $7,250 – Blink and you'll miss him, but Yak Face featured aboard Jabba's barge in "Return of the Jedi." Lucas' vast cinematic universe allowed for an abundance of merchandising opportunities, and today niche characters such as Yak Face are hot property. Estimated to sell between $4,000-6,000, it went for $7,250.
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Measuring 6 by 9 inches each, these Han Solo action figurines from 1978 went for close the expected sale price of $5,000.
18 photos: Sotheby's Star Wars: The top lots
Hans Solo Action Figures, 1978 - $4,750 – Measuring 6 by 9 inches each, these Han Solo action figurines from 1978 went for close the expected sale price of $5,000.
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No, your eyes don't deceive you. "Return of the Jedi" originally started life as Revenge of the Jedi -- a title that lasted so far down the line that even some of the initial merch was already being manufactured. In the end Lucas decided revenge wasn't befitting a Jedi, and the only legacy we have of the film's more sinister title are backing cards such as this. This went for exactly Gallo's top-end estimate: $4,000.<br /><br />
18 photos: Sotheby's Star Wars: The top lots
Revenge of the Jedi Darth Vader Proof Card - $4,000 – No, your eyes don't deceive you. "Return of the Jedi" originally started life as Revenge of the Jedi -- a title that lasted so far down the line that even some of the initial merch was already being manufactured. In the end Lucas decided revenge wasn't befitting a Jedi, and the only legacy we have of the film's more sinister title are backing cards such as this. This went for exactly Gallo's top-end estimate: $4,000.

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Boba Fett has always been a fan favorite, and he was among the most popular -- and populous -- characters featured in NIGO's latest sell-off. One of the most surprising results of the sale, this 15th anniversary poster -- estimated to fetch between $300-500 -- went for over ten times more than expected.
18 photos: Sotheby's Star Wars: The top lots
Empire Strikes Back 15th anniversary poster - $3,750 – Boba Fett has always been a fan favorite, and he was among the most popular -- and populous -- characters featured in NIGO's latest sell-off. One of the most surprising results of the sale, this 15th anniversary poster -- estimated to fetch between $300-500 -- went for over ten times more than expected.
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A very limited release, this figurine went for 50% more than predicted. Context would explain why: old Anakin, dressed in his Jedi robes, was expunged by Lucas in the Blu Ray editions of "Return of the Jedi," replaced by the younger and much-maligned Hayden Christensen from the prequels, much to the chagrin of fans. The implication therefore was the Anakin no longer died as a Jedi, completely altering the redemptive narrative Lucas had spent three films setting up.
18 photos: Sotheby's Star Wars: The top lots
Power of the Force Anakin Skywalker - $3,000 – A very limited release, this figurine went for 50% more than predicted. Context would explain why: old Anakin, dressed in his Jedi robes, was expunged by Lucas in the Blu Ray editions of "Return of the Jedi," replaced by the younger and much-maligned Hayden Christensen from the prequels, much to the chagrin of fans. The implication therefore was the Anakin no longer died as a Jedi, completely altering the redemptive narrative Lucas had spent three films setting up.
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As previously mentioned, the Mandalorian clone and bounty hunter was a popular item on sale, and this figurine, from Canada, went for over $2,000.<br />
18 photos: Sotheby's Star Wars: The top lots
Canadian Empire Strikes Back Boba Fett - $2,250 – As previously mentioned, the Mandalorian clone and bounty hunter was a popular item on sale, and this figurine, from Canada, went for over $2,000.
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Made for the Japanese market, these Takara C-3PO figures from 1978 some with the full phonetic spelling on the backing card. In a field in which defects are welcomed for their rarity, the off-color C-3PO on the left probably increased this lot's value.
18 photos: Sotheby's Star Wars: The top lots
Takara C-3POs - $2,000 – Made for the Japanese market, these Takara C-3PO figures from 1978 some with the full phonetic spelling on the backing card. In a field in which defects are welcomed for their rarity, the off-color C-3PO on the left probably increased this lot's value.
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Replica lightsabers are a lucrative business -- especially if they're signed, such as this one. Master Windu's from Episode II had a distinctive purple blade, made at the request of actor Samuel L. Jackson so he would stand out in fight scenes. Many merchandisers had already jumped the dun however: in early figurines from "The Phantom Menace" Windu is accompanied by a blue blade.
18 photos: Sotheby's Star Wars: The top lots
'Attack of the Clones' Mace Windu replica lightsaber - $2,250 – Replica lightsabers are a lucrative business -- especially if they're signed, such as this one. Master Windu's from Episode II had a distinctive purple blade, made at the request of actor Samuel L. Jackson so he would stand out in fight scenes. Many merchandisers had already jumped the dun however: in early figurines from "The Phantom Menace" Windu is accompanied by a blue blade.
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We told you Boba was popular, didn't we? This 1995 prototype from the Power of the Force range shows him in all his nude glory, selling for well over its $400-600 estimate. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
18 photos: Sotheby's Star Wars: The top lots
Power of the Force Boba Fett prototype - $1,875 – We told you Boba was popular, didn't we? This 1995 prototype from the Power of the Force range shows him in all his nude glory, selling for well over its $400-600 estimate.




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This replica of Luke's lightsaber from "Return of the Jedi" nevertheless went for big bucks. In the "Star Wars" canon the blade was constructed on Tatooine in a scene much mythologized by fans. Director Lucas and actor Mark Hamill long-denied that they'd ever shot such a scene, but in 2010 finally revealed in to the public at Star Wars Celebration V. It features as a bonus in the Blu Ray boxset. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />STAR WARS RETURN OF THE JEDI LUKE SKYWALKER LIGHTSABER, MASTER REPLICAS, 2002<br />With case and plaque, limited edition 2454/2500<br />11 inches in length<br /><br />ESTIMATE 800 — 1,200 USD<br />
18 photos: Sotheby's Star Wars: The top lots
'Return of the Jedi' Luke Skywalker replica lightsaber - $1,625 – This replica of Luke's lightsaber from "Return of the Jedi" nevertheless went for big bucks. In the "Star Wars" canon the blade was constructed on Tatooine in a scene much mythologized by fans. Director Lucas and actor Mark Hamill long-denied that they'd ever shot such a scene, but in 2010 finally revealed in to the public at Star Wars Celebration V. It features as a bonus in the Blu Ray boxset.




STAR WARS RETURN OF THE JEDI LUKE SKYWALKER LIGHTSABER, MASTER REPLICAS, 2002
With case and plaque, limited edition 2454/2500
11 inches in length

ESTIMATE 800 — 1,200 USD
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Princess Leia doesn't mess about, and when she took out a thermal detonator in Jabba's layer you knew she meant business. This replica, signed by Fischer, went for well above its prediction.
18 photos: Sotheby's Star Wars: The top lots
'Return of the Jedi' thermal detonator replica - $1,603 – Princess Leia doesn't mess about, and when she took out a thermal detonator in Jabba's layer you knew she meant business. This replica, signed by Fischer, went for well above its prediction.
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This replica of Han's blaster is probably in far better condition that the original prop created by Roger Christian. The set decorator and prop designer crafted Solo's weapon from a Mauser, attaching various nozzles and scopes to the pistol. But on a shoestring budget, many of the props were only secured with superglue.
18 photos: Sotheby's Star Wars: The top lots
'Star Wars: A New Hope' Han Solo balster replica - $1,500 – This replica of Han's blaster is probably in far better condition that the original prop created by Roger Christian. The set decorator and prop designer crafted Solo's weapon from a Mauser, attaching various nozzles and scopes to the pistol. But on a shoestring budget, many of the props were only secured with superglue.
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STAR WARS AUCTION025N09402_8PZW7-edit-2star wars sotheby 01044N09402_8PZYM-edit-2star wars sotheby 02sothebys storm trooper helmet034N09402_8RQQH-edit-2star wars sotheby tease197N09402_8QLV3-edit291N09402_8PY7G-edit019N09402_8RQQS-edit-2089N09402_8Q3FN-edit142N09402_8Q3XF-editsothebys auction mace windu332N09402_8PZSW-edit043N09402_8PZ3F-edit099N09402_8RWFH-edit095N09402_8PY7N-edit

Story highlights

  • Japanese mega-fan NIGO put up for sale his massive collection at Sotheby's New York
  • The auction raised over $500,000, with a Canadian figurine pack from 'The Empire Strikes Back' the top-selling item

(CNN)Star Wars fans are a fanatical bunch, and when they've got the money to support their deep love for the series, crazy things can happen.

Take NIGO (real name Tomoaki Nagao), the Japanese designer behind luxury clothing brands Billionaire Boys Club and A Bathing Ape. The Star Wars mega-fan is not short of a few dollars, and a fair few of them have been ploughed into his memorabilia collection.

On Friday he put up for sale a small fraction of it at Sotheby's New York in an auction dubbed "Return of the NIGO." Everything from lightsabers to cookie jars went under the hammer, and the 600 items went for a cool $505,202. Not bad for a bunch of retro -- and in some cases faulty -- toys.

Top dollar

Inside Sotheby's first ever 'Star Wars' auction
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Inside Sotheby's first ever 'Star Wars' auction 00:46

The surprise top-selling item was a pristine multipack of seven figurines from "The Empire Strikes Back," sold exclusively in the Sears supermarket chain in Canada.

    Read More

    Featuring Boba Fett, Luke Skywalker and Lando Calrissian, it went for three times the estimate, a massive $32,500.

    Another of the big sellers was a glorified cardboard box. A 1977 store display from an 'Early Bird Certificate Package' went for $20,000. The reason: there are only five in existence.

    Rules of the game

    In the toy market, niche is key. Faulty and niche is even better. Recalled items increase their rarity, and that's where the big money is.

    A Luke Skywalker with a double-telescoping lightsaber was sold for $25,000 because it wasn't up to scratch. Manufacturers Kenner soon realized that the delicate lightsaber was prone to snapping off, and soon halted production. Now the one sold in New York is one of only 20 examples left in the world.

    Yak Face, Luke and his father Anakin, among the most valuable items sold at Sotheby's on December 11.
    Yak Face, Luke and his father Anakin, among the most valuable items sold at Sotheby's on December 11.

    At the other end of the spectrum is Yak Face. Who? Exactly. If Luke was the star of the original trilogy, Yak Face was barely a walk on extra. The creature from Jabba's barge in "Return of the Jedi" was a blink-and-you'll-miss-it addition in the vast Star Wars universe, and because of that a Power of the Force edition figurine went for $7,250.

    There were also some sentimental dollars to be had. An Anakin Skywalker figurine also from "Return of the Jedi" was sold for $3,000, and it's easy to see why. The elderly Anakin, spectral and dressed in Jedi robes, was expunged by Lucas in the Blu Ray edition of the film, replaced the younger and much-maligned Hayden Christensen from the prequels, much to the chagrin of fans. The implication therefore was that Anakin no longer died as a Jedi, completely altering the redemptive narrative Lucas had spent three films setting up.

    The key to the value of all the lots was their pristine unopened condition. And if you can think of nothing sadder than unopened toys, remember: the look but don't touch approach will pay off eventually.

    Read more of CNN's coverage of "The Force Awakens"