22 August 2024
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The J-Slot Missile Boba Fett Star Wars Prototype Action Figure (Image: Goldin Auctions)
An incredibly rare prototype Boba Fett Star Wars action figure has become the most expensive toy ever sold at auction after going under the hammer for £1 million.
The 3.75ins J-slot Rocket-Firing Boba Fett Star Wars action figure was sold by Goldin Auctions for a world record £1.04 million or $1,432,000 (including Buyer’s Premium) to an undisclosed buyer earlier this week. This smashed the previous world record for a toy, an L-Slot Boba Fett prototype, which sold for £412,185 ($525,000), which was also sold by Goldin Auctions in May.
Above: The J-slot Boba Fett Rocket-Firing prototype figure was sold by Goldin Auctions and comes with a certificate of authenticity (Image: Goldin Auctions)
About the Kenner 1979 J-slot Rocket-Firing Prototype Boba Fett
In 1979, Kenner, the company behind the Star Wars toy line, ordered around 100 prototype Boba Fett figures. The figure was marketed as a mail-away figure, with the promise of rocket-firing capabilities. Around 30 of the figures were J-slots, like the prototype sold, the remaining 70 were L-slot figures. The prototypes were then subjected to rigorous testing including destructive methods to test their quality.
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During the testing phase of the L-slot figures, one of the launching missiles from a Battlestar Galactica toy, produced by rivals Mattel, took the life of a young child. As a result, and in an attempt to find a workaround, Kenner commissioned the J-slot with the idea that it would be harder to misfire the missile. Ultimately, this was inefficient and the Boba Fett figure was deemed as potentially harmful to children. Kenner instead opted to have the missile sonically welded to the back of the Boba Fett figure.
Related article: 1979 Boba Fett J-slot rocket-firing prototype poised to topple world record
Above: The Mailer version of the J-Slot Missile Boba Fett comes in a box, is painted and is accompanied by 2 missiles and a blaster (Image: Goldin Auctions)
There are around 26 examples of the J-slot Boba Fett prototype known to collectors and most bear the scars of the quality control tests. Unlike the other Rocket-Firing Boba Gett specimens on the market, this J-Slot (V2) is the Mailer version and this J-Slot V2/2 Missile sold is one of just three examples in existence, with this specimen the highest-graded example of the three. This is also the first time a Mailer J-slot V2/ Missile example has come up for auction, making it a once in a lifetime opportunity for collectors. The Mailer version has a box, is painted and rests inside an archival case, with 2 missiles and a blaster. The original Maple Plain Company box and plastic wrap are secured in the display and appear as they would if mailed to a collector in 1979. Also included is two Kenner business cards and a certificate of authenticity from Collectible Investment Brokerage, which attests to the authenticity of this extremely rare collectible figure.
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