Considered the Holy Grail of “Star Wars” memorabilia, a rare Boba Fett action figure up for auction could fetch a record amount.
There are less than 30 of the 1979 Boba Fett J-slot rocket-firing prototype figure believed to exist according to the auctioneer Hake’s Auctions. At the time, originally 80-100 examples of the prototype were shipped to Kenner from Hong Kong for safety testing purposes; which resulted in only “non-firing” examples with sonically welded missiles being released to the public.
The action figure was pulled from the shelves after its missile-firing backpack was deemed a choking hazard to children. However, before the recall, the action figure was offered as part of a mail-in rebate promotion, in which “Star Wars” fans and collectors could mail in a proof-of-purchase to get their hands on it. The Boba Fett figure was still produced, however, the rocket backpack was solid and without any firing mechanism.
With bidding currently north of $120 thousand on Thursday, the Boba Fett J-slot action figure currently tops the current record of $112,926 for any auctioned-off “Star Wars” toy. It is believed the Boba Fett J-slot action figure can fetch anywhere between $200-$500 thousand.
First introduced in an animated segment of the infamous “Star Wars Holiday Special,” Boba Fett was the bounty hunter hired by intergalactic gangster Jabba the Hutt to hunt down and capture Han Solo in “The Empire Strikes Back.” He reappeared in “Return of the Jedi” (he died after falling into the Sarlaac pit), and his backstory was explored in “Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.”
Bidding on the Boba Fett J-slot action figure ends November 7.