(image credit: Heritage Auctions)
An extremely rare Star Wars Boba Fett action figure has set a new record as the world’s most valuable toy, selling for an astonishing $525,000 (£411,000).
This hand-painted, missile-firing model is one of only two in existence and surpassed the previous record held by a one-of-a-kind Barbie, which sold for $302,000 (£236,000) in 2010.
Produced by toy company Kenner in 1979, the Boba Fett figure was designed with a “rocket firing backpack” but was never released to the public due to safety concerns.
Reports of competitor Mattel’s missile-firing Battlestar Galactica toys posing choking hazards led to the decision to glue the rocket in place before distribution.
Originally, the toy was meant to be sent for free to customers who purchased four other Star Wars action figures.
Despite being one of approximately 100 prototypes, this particular model is unique for its hand-painted details. It was salvaged from a box of discarded toys intended for employees to take home, as documented in a letter of provenance by Star Wars expert and dealer Brian Rachfal.
The figure’s legendary status was highlighted by Heritage Auctions executive vice president Joe Maddalena, who noted its widespread recognition even among non-collectors.
This sale, conducted by Heritage Auctions, also included a second Boba Fett figure, a Skywalker lightsaber, and a third draft of George Lucas’ screenplay for the original film.
The Star Wars Signature auction attracted over 1,500 bidders and raised a total of $1,662,000 (£1,301,000).
The auction house described the event as a thrilling moment, solidifying the Boba Fett action figure’s place in history as the most valuable toy ever sold.
Source: news.sky.com