Star Wars Collectibles | the need to know

22/08/2025 | Robert Wilkin , Emma Garnham

Star Wars Collectibles | the need to know

 

What are Star Wars Collectibles?

Star Wars collectibles cover a whole array of items produced in relation to George Lucas' blockbuster film franchise. From movie posters, to action figures, to set souvenirs, there's a wide and insatiable market for Star Wars collectibles. A particularly strong aspect of this market are the action figures produced by Kenner between 1977-1985. Read on to find out just what makes these items so valuable to the eagle-eyed toy collector. 

 

Kenner figures
When Star Wars debuted in 1977, George Lucas had the merchandising rights to the Toy line. Major Toy companies passed on the opportunity – until Kenner Products, a small Cincinnati based Toy company said yes.

The film’s unexpected popularity caught Kenner off guard. They couldn’t manufacturer figures fast enough for the Christmas of 1977, so they sold an ‘Early Bird Certificate Package’ this was a cardboard display that promised kids that they would receive the figures by mail in early 1978. This gamble worked and became synonymous with the franchise.

When it comes to Star Wars action figures collectors usually focus on the original Kenner line 1977-1985, for example the Vinyl Cape Jawa or Princess Leia Organa. With some the Last 17 or The Power of the Force range being the most sort after (Yak Face, Imperial Gunner). Kenner also made action figures for the later animated cartoons Droids and Ewoks and these have also been very popular with collectors for example (Vlix, Sise Fromm, Wicket and King Gorneesh).

 

Below are some examples which have recently sold at C&T Auctioneers: 

 

Learn more

If you're interested in exploring the galaxy of Star Wars collectibles, why not check out the links below:

 

 

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