An auction of one of the most complete collections of loose Star Wars action figures has just been launched today on eBay for the benefit of the nonprofit Rancho Obi-Wan, which houses the world’s largest private collection of Star Wars memorabilia: http://eBayActionFigureAuction. The auction is in conjunction with the anniversary of the northern California museum and the release of the new book, Star Wars: The Ultimate Action Figure Collection (Chronicle Books, $40) Click through for all the details and the press release!
Auction of Huge Collection of Star Wars Action Figures To Benefit Rancho Obi-Wan, Mark Release of New Book
The action figure collection was built over more than 30 years by Fon Davis, a long-time ILM model maker and now owner of FonCoCreative Services, Lagunitas, CA.“Fon’s generosity in donating this collection is mind-blowing, but it was done in the true spirit of Star Wars fandom,” said Steve Sansweet, chief executive of Rancho Obi Wan Inc. and principal author of the new action figure book.
The auction includes 1,950 different Star Wars action figures starting with the vintage line in 1978 and continuing through the beginning of 2011. It makes up about 85% of the figures documented in The Ultimate Action Figure Collection; most of those not included are from the last two years. All figures are in very good to excellent condition with most original accessories. Detailed descriptions of vintage figures and photos of the collection are on the auction page. The collection has been appraised at a minimum value of $8,200 by Pete Vilmur, collecting expert and co-author of four Star Wars books.
"This incredible collection of nearly every Star Wars action figure ever produced is the largest group of figures I’ve seen offered in a single lot,” Vilmur said. “Based on the sharp condition and completeness of this collection (100% of the 1978-85 series is here, and nearly every subsequent figure produced to early 2011), I’d appraise this set at a minimum $8,200 to $8,500. There is minor wear on some of the vintage figures (as is typical around the edges of the feet) while all modern figures appear fresh off the card. All vintage accessories are accounted for unless otherwise indicated and are believed to be authentic.”
The auction includes a list of all the included action figures by inventory number and by book page number; the vast majority of all original accessories for each figure; many additional loose accessories that may be matched to each figure; many action figure stands that were included with the packaged figures; and a copy of The Ultimate Action Figure Collection with a bookplate signed by all four authors.
The new book shows and lists every Star Wars action figure—the quintessential toy of the 1970s and 1980s—from the first in 1978 through earlier this year, nearly 2,300 in all.
Rancho Obi-Wan, first established in 1998, was incorporated a year ago as a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose specific mission is to serve the public through the collection, conservation, exhibition and interpretation of Star Wars memorabilia and artifacts, using the collection to provide meaningful educational, aesthetic, intellectual and cultural experiences for a wide array of audiences and to carry on other charitable and educational activities associated with this goal. Money raised for or donated to Rancho Obi-Wan is used for maintenance, insurance, security, professional services, public outreach and related activities; none is used for acquisitions.
Visit www.ranchoobiwan.org and http://www.facebook.com/RanchoObiWan. Or follow on Twitter @RanchoObiWan
