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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 –

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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.

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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

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R2-D2 COO Sticker variations

by From My collectionVintage Kenner Pix of figures or variations

Take a close look at your R2-D2  stickers did you know there are variations of the sticker itself.  Some which  specific to the particular COO mark.

R2 has become a much harder figure  to get in excellent condition in  the recent years and you should always make sure your sticker is not a reproduction.  See more info in my guide on Star Wars action figure variations.

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Gold Limited Edition Stormtrooper- umm.. Nope ..

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

Recently A collector sent over these images asking if they are authentic. A Rare Gold Limited Edition Stormtrooper.  Sorry  collectors this is about as fake a custom as you can get.  It is obviously  a gold painted stormtrooper on a reproduction cardback with a  repro bubble.  Note the awful footer as well. It is obvious from the font it is a reproduction card back. This figure was never released in the 1977-1984 era.   It likely originated in Europe where  repro  bubbles and card backs are prevalent .

If you like customs  it is another one to add to your collection, but buyer beware,  it has little value and is not a legitimate Kenner release.

Images provided.

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2018 edition – Newest Update Now Available!

by Uncategorized

The 2018 Update is now online!
The Newest version of my book Vintage Kenner Star Wars Figure Variations of North America is up for sale on the web.

go to : www.starwarsfigurevariations.com

previous buyers will be receiving a code via email to get the newest copy for free. !
I have edited valuations, added about 50 more pages, some new fig variants, and vehicles, and corrected some errors.
get your copy now on sale for 24.99

It is a downloadable PDF, so you can export to a tablet for easy use.

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1979 Kenner Product Catalog A look inside

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

Page Images  from 1979 Kenner Products Catalog.  It is crazy to look at the figures shown  in the stills and think of the value all three Double Telescoping Figures, and a Vinyl Cape  Jawa.  The catalog premiers Boba Fett with the concept art pictures as well.  Look and drool.  Concept Catalogs have been becoming increasingly popular to collectors and are rare  prices are going form $200 and up for issues, – the Oldest being the rarest.