A few bob when he was made...now Boba Fett’s worth £18,000
WHEN it comes to science fiction, the characters that most capture the imagination are those from Star Wars.
But the most sought-after action figure is not an obvious choice like Darth Vader – instead it’s a relatively unknown assassin character called Boba Fett.
Although rarely on screen, he appeared in the first three movies. Merchandisers underestimated the attraction of his appeal and this helps explain why his figures are the most valuable.
A 1977 five-inch Boba Fett by Palitoy in original packaging sold for £18,000 a couple of years ago – £1.50 when new.
Other rare Star Wars sci-fi figures include a 1978 caped Jawa made by Kenner worth £2,000 and a 1978 Ben ‘Obi-Wan’ Kenobi – again made by Kenner – with a double-telescoping lightsaber that sells for £4,000.
Spin-off merchandise action figures from American TV shows that we enjoyed as children have also soared in value over recent years.
Kathy Taylor, of auctioneer Vectis, says: ‘Eighties TV shows He-Man, Masters Of The Universe, The A-Team and The Transformers offer rich pickings for collectors. A generation that was brought up watching these shows is now becoming nostalgic for their childhood and raising prices for the figures.’
For example, a topcondition Mattel boxed He-Man from 1982 can fetch £1,000.
A giant Transformers G1 kit by Hasbro from 1984 that can be turned into a two-foot robot can also fetch as much as £1,000 if still in the original box.
Even a pack of fourinch A-Team figures by Galoob from 1983 – with Hannibal, BA Baracus, Face and Murdoch – can sell for as much as £300.
Toys from The Six Million Dollar Man sci-fi show from the 1970s can also be a shrewd investment. Merchandisers not only had the technology and capability to make the world’s first bionic man, but sold Steve Austin as a 13-inch doll.
The first 1975 Kenner figure came with a bionic eye, roll back skin and red tracksuit, plus a car engine to lift to show off his strength. It originally cost £7 but the doll can now sell for at least £200.
A movie remake of the show – The Six Billion Dollar Man – starring Mark Wahlberg will hit cinema screens in December. It is expected to boost interest and prices of other bionic dolls that already sell for £100. These include ‘bionic woman’ Jaime Sommers, boss Oscar Goldman and foes such as
Bionic Bigfoot.