May the force be with you – a vintage Star Wars figure has sold for an out of this world price at a Cumbrian auction house.
The 1977 figure of Luke Skywalker sold for £2,900 at Mitchells Vintage and Antique Toy Sale, making it the highest price ever achieved for a toy at the Cockermouth saleroom.
After an intense online bidding war between collectors in Australia, Spain, Malta and the UK, the toy finally sold to a collector in Lancashire.
When the auctioneer called the Carlisle-based vendor to tell him the good news, his exact words were “No way!”.
Auctioneer and toy specialist Ewan Duff knew it was likely to sell for a high price because of the unprecedented level of interest before the sale nationally and internationally.
The 3.75in action figure was sold to coincide with the release of the film Star Wars, the first instalment of the franchise.
The figure came with a light sabre and was in pristine condition within its original bubble and card packaging.
At the sale, another Palitoy Star Wars action figure, a stormtrooper with laser rifle in its original packaging, sold for £420.
Comics were also among the highest selling lots in the sale.
A full year of 1962 Topper comics. incuding Victor bound in two volumes, made £420.
The Beano also did well with The Magic Beano Book from 1943 selling for £380, in spite of some pages missing, and a group of Beano comics from 1951-52, including the edition featuring the first appearance of Dennis the Menace, made £350.
A first edition of Winnie the Pooh by AA Milne, published by Methuen & Co in 1926 made £280.
Soft toys, dolls and accessories were also among the most valuable lots.
Two mid-late 20th century miniature plush dogs with a small jointed teddy bear and two miniature jointed bisque dolls were sold for £480.
Four boxes of mid-century dolls house furniture including 1960s Doltoi bedroom furniture and Elgin of Enfield dining room furniture made £200.
A group of 1970s and later Sindy dolls dressed in various outfits sold for £160.
A 1960s Pelham Puppet SL Mike Mercury in Super Car with its original box made £140 and an early 20th century wooden painted model of a castle went for £190.
Mitchells’ next vintage and antique toy sale will take place in spring 2022.
For more information, contact Ewan on 01900 827800.
