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The Taiwan Blaster – close up look

by From My collectionidentifying repro star wars items.UncategorizedVintage Kenner Pix of figures or variationsWeapons

If you have ever sorted thru hundreds of Blasters you will know there are several variations. Known as the Version 1-7 as a standard form of ID. Some, such as the Correct Blaster for Boba Feet with a TAIWAN COO. are unique. Its known as a V-5. But in appearance and when sorting thru a pile it can be difficult to ID as a V-4 is nearly similar.

Boba Fett Taiwan Blaster bottom

On the top is the V-4 – solid black, but can be found in many variations bluish green and somewhat transparent, to black to grey. Below is the correct Blaster for the Boba Fest Taiwan figure . Note the angle of, and the pattern on the handle. The Taiwan blaster has a much more defined triangular pattern on the grip. Note the distinct larger and blockier to the side and bottom cartridge. Note the tip and bottom of the barrel more distinct angle- the circle is farther down and the tip is more angular. Both are found in solid black plastic. I’ve found the best way to really make sure you have the correct one is take a photo and compare –

SWfigvars2022 cover

Star Wars Vintage Kenner figures with more than one date of manufacture how many are there ?

by From My collectionidentifying repro star wars items.UncategorizedVintage Kenner Pix of figures or variations

The Vintage Kenner toy line spanned 8 years from 1977 to 1985. The figures with 1977 dates hit the store shelves for the 1978 Christmas season. Over the years there have been a few figure that actually carry more than one date of manufacture on them.

The first is the original R2-D2- which can be found with both a 1977, and a few with 1978, although the latter is very rare.

R2-D2 Coo markings-

This is likely the result of a a result of the mold for R5-D4, which also can be found with both a 1977 and 1978 date. The R5-D4 is most often found with a 1978, although he can be found with a no coo and a MIHK 1977 mark.

R5-D4 Coo markings

Lando Skiff Guard can be found with a 1982 and 1983 date. the 1982 only it appears on any Made in Mexico Lili Ledy figures. The 1982 is much more valuable here in the USA.

Lando Skiff Guard Coo comparisons.

The last figure to be found with two dates is Barada. which has a 1984 that is very rare and issued it appears mostly in Europe, and 1985. The 1985 is common can be found on both baggie figures as well as card back figures.

Barada Coo date marks

There are numerous other figures that have no date, or no coo, or a date /coo that has been cut off. There are hundreds of Coo mark variations , all which I show in my guide. So to answer the question 4. But wait there’s more…

1995 a collectors box set was releases with a vintage style Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Chewbacca, and Han solo, They resemble the original figs, but are a new mold. These are dated 1995 and made in China.

Classic Edition 4 pack 1995

The more recent Retro collection has added to the mix a whole slew of newer dated figures so be aware. It’s always good to look over the legs and the butt…. of your action figures…. You people…

happy collecting

Retro Collection just a few…

Vintage compared to repro AT-AT Chin guns how to Identify.

by From My collectionidentifying repro star wars items.News and other Star Wars collecting stuffVintage Kenner Pix of figures or variations

The reproduction AT-AT chin guns for the Kenner 1980 Imperial Walker are nearly identical to the originals. There are some differences here is how to identify them.

Original is shown on the top on all photos.

here is what to look for.

The original chin guns has a frosty look to the front of the cannon-the round hole is also distinct and deeper. On the repro version the front is the same gloss consistency as the rest of the cannon, and the round hole is rather shallow.

The body of both are near exact. the only other difference is as the end – where they bend to catch the light forth lightbulb.

– On the vintage one it is rounded, and looks polished – where on the repro it looks more cut-

All in all the repro guns look excellent. although to the purist, this should help you identify a reproduction.

IMG_1055 copy

Reproduction R2-D2 Card back – what to look for on reproduction card backs.

by News and other Star Wars collecting stuffVintage Kenner Pix of figures or variations

How to identify a reproduction Kenner 12 back Star Wars card back – some tips and what to look for.

repro 12 back R2-D2 card.

Reproduction card backs are becoming more prevalent on the market. Some dubious sellers are trying to sell them as new. Here are some tips and what to look for.

-Hanger location – Correct location and cut on the right should be centered above the T also note the color of the repro card back a lighter gray card.

repro left orignal right.

-Bubble- Its pretty obvious here the repro bubble on the left . note size and edges.

repro left. original right

-Fonts- the price font is incorrect – the number font is also incorrect. Ages 4 and up incorrect font when compared to the original .

original left repro right

Blister seal on bubble- should have a pebbled look to card

Color of card and sheen are different on repro cards. they are flatter less glossy and smoother in finish .

The figures on tases cards are most likely authentic, although it is hard to say with our close inspection all the accessories are. Beware of Fakes. Happy collecting.

Princess Leia 12 back – reproduction card back left original right.
12 back reproduction card back left original right

SWfigvars2022 cover

2022 4th Edition is here !

by Uncategorized

Well, that took a while. Keeping up with changing prices in the marketplace has been most challenging. If your a collector looks like your collection is increasing in value quite well. Finally the Update is online !

The now update has about 20 more pages, more variants- more info – more pictures. including deep dive in to repro items, boxes, cardbacks, weapons.

For those who have purchased, thanks expect an email for a free updated version. Thanks to all and enjoy !

SW-A detail

Ever wondered what is the difference between Star Wars Kenner 12 back A B and C cards. ? Here is your answer.

by From My collectionNews and other Star Wars collecting stuffVintage Kenner Pix of figures or variations

Here are the 3 earliest Kenner Star Wars card backs. The A B and C. on a US Kenner 12 back . All three shown here are Made in Hong Kong, there are several Lukes and Leia’s that were made in Taiwan, and are much harder to find.

The first Star Wars figures were released on what is called now A SW12 A , all the fronts were the same for all three, but there are differences between the three versions on the back .

The 12 A has a short stubby saber shown, Being the figures originally were to have a double telescoping saber. the first card a 12 A shown below

12 back Kenner Star Wars A cardback

The 12 B card has an extended Saber , and the same text box below the saber. 12B below.

12 back B card- longer saber

The 12 C has the same saber, but the paragraph of text has been shortened. 12 C below

Kenner Star wars 12 Back C card.

Here is a close up detail between the 3 .

12A chard back

12 back B card detail – note longer saber.
12C card back – the text is now shortened in paragraph between sabers

Reproduction SW card back below – this is a fake reproduced card

Reproduction card on left.

12ABC

12 back Kenner Star Wars A cardback
12 back B card- longer saber
Kenner Star wars 12 Back C card.
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Rare Short Scarf Hoth Rebel Commander

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Rare Short Scarf Hoth Rebel Commander

One of the hardest to find variants of the Kenner Hoth Rebel commander is the US is the Short Scarf Hoth Rebel Commander. It is likely a short mold pour on the Scarf. The rest of the figure has same exact molding and a Hong Kong COO. Take a look at him here in comparison to common figure. There are some minor painting detail differences, but appears to be the same molded figure. What are your thoughts on classifying this figure ?

comparison Short scarf and regular scarf Hoth Rebel Commander.