An extraordinary find in a quiet attic in Northamptonshire has sent ripples through the Star Wars collecting community worldwide. The rare Yak Face figure from the 1983 classic Return of the Jedi sold for more than double its expected price at auction, bringing in a whopping £2,100 alone. Along with 15 other unopened original figures, this remarkable collection highlights the enduring fascination and value of vintage Star Wars memorabilia decades after the original trilogy captivated audiences.
A decades-old discovery tucked away in Northamptonshire
In what feels like a dream for toy collectors, a trove of Star Wars action figures, untouched for four decades, was unearthed in a loft in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. Among the pristine toys, still sealed in their original boxes complete with faded price tags, stood one figure that would shock the auction house: the elusive Yak Face.
The toys belonged to a man who, as it turns out, was not an avid collector but simply kept them from his childhood without much play. His widow decided to put the entire collection up for auction, not anticipating the buzz it would create.
David Wilson-Turner, the auctioneer and toy expert from Hansons Auctioneers, shared insights into the find: “These figures came straight from the vendor’s husband’s childhood. He wasn’t collecting per se; they were just toys that hadn’t been played with much.” The authenticity and untouched condition of these figures greatly increased their value, drawing collectors from near and far.
What makes Yak Face the “holy grail” of Star Wars toys?
The Yak Face figure is considered one of the rarest and most sought-after collectibles in the Star Wars universe, particularly in the UK and Europe. This camel-faced character was part of Jabba the Hutt’s entourage in the 1983 film Return of the Jedi. However, what sets Yak Face apart is that it was never officially sold in the United States, giving it a mystique and scarcity that collectors crave.
Initially, experts predicted the figure would sell for around £1,000, given its rarity and condition. The auction, held in Derbyshire, saw fierce competition and enthusiasm that pushed the price beyond expectations. In the end, Yak Face fetched £2,100 — more than double the anticipated sum.
This remarkable sale made headlines not only because of the figure’s rarity but also because it reminded fans of the enduring legacy of the original Star Wars trilogy and the value of nostalgia. The collection included 15 other figures, all unopened and in their original packaging, bringing the total auction proceeds to an impressive £5,460.
The cultural and collector’s value of Star Wars memorabilia
Since the first Star Wars film was released in 1977, the franchise has generated a global fanbase obsessed not only with the films but also with the countless merchandise items released over the decades. Toys, action figures, costumes, and memorabilia from the original trilogy era are especially prized due to their vintage status and cultural significance.
The Yak Face figure, produced by Palitoy in Coalville, Leicestershire, is emblematic of this phenomenon. Palitoy was the UK licensee for Star Wars toys during the early 1980s, and many British fans hold these toys close to their hearts as a symbol of their childhood and fandom.
Collectors prize original packaging as much as the figures themselves. The fact that the entire batch was stored with their original price labels intact adds a layer of authenticity and history, making this find unique and valuable.
David Wilson-Turner commented, “The fact these toys have remained unopened for 40 years is incredible. It’s rare to see such pristine examples of these figures, especially with original price tags still on. It’s a collector’s dream.”
Auction highlights and the international appeal
The auction was held in Etwall, Derbyshire, and garnered attention from collectors worldwide. Despite global interest, the Yak Face figure was won by a collector in England, underscoring the local pride and passion for Star Wars memorabilia.
Alongside Yak Face, other notable figures also commanded impressive prices. For instance, a rare R2-D2 toy figure, complete with its original price tag, sold for £520, demonstrating that even more common characters can attract serious bids when in mint condition.
The auction highlights the current robust market for vintage Star Wars collectibles. Over the years, prices for original toys have steadily increased, fueled by the franchise’s ongoing popularity and the scarcity of well-preserved items.
Wilson-Turner noted, “There is a huge community of collectors eager to find authentic, mint-condition toys from this era. Auctions like this one provide a valuable opportunity to bring these pieces back into circulation, where they can be appreciated and preserved.”
The lasting legacy of Star Wars toys in popular culture
Star Wars toys, such as the Yak Face figure, are not just playthings but cultural artifacts that capture the imagination of generations. For many, these toys represent a connection to the past and a tangible piece of cinematic history.
The 1980s were a golden era for action figures, with Star Wars leading the charge. These toys introduced a generation of children to the characters and stories from a galaxy far, far away, helping to build a fandom that continues to thrive today.
Collectors often seek out these vintage figures to complete their sets, to relive childhood memories, or to invest in items that increase in value over time. The excitement generated by this recent auction shows the power of nostalgia and the continued relevance of Star Wars in contemporary culture.
As interest in the franchise remains high, especially with new movies, series, and merchandise regularly released, vintage collectibles will likely retain and even grow in value, making them prized possessions for fans and investors alike.
