How much rare Star Wars toy went for at North-East auction is Jawa-dropping

A rare Star Wars toy has fetched a five-figure sum at a North-East auction on the 40th anniversary of the film franchise's debut release.
A Jawa, left, makes an appearance at a Star Wars convention.A Jawa, left, makes an appearance at a Star Wars convention.
A Jawa, left, makes an appearance at a Star Wars convention.

A rare Star Wars toy has fetched more than £20,000 at auction, 40 years to the day since the first film in the franchise was released.

The Palitoy Star Wars Jawa figure, which is one of the most sought-after toy collectables, sold at Thornaby's Vectis auction house on Thursday.

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Coming with the rare vinyl cape, in its original packaging, it was the first issue of the figure which was available only for a short period of time before being replaced.

Bids from around the world meant it sold for £21,600, which Vectis say is the highest price ever paid for a Palitoy Star Wars Jawa toy.

Kathy Taylor, Star Wars expert at Vectis, said: "Star Wars memorabilia is currently the most sought-after franchise that we have ever seen here at Vectis Auctions. Interest is particularly

high as it is the 40th anniversary of the initial release of the first film.

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"The collector is interested in everything from the history of the toys which would include Palitoy factory paperwork to the vast selection of collectables which encompasses toys, film

props, posters, images, clothing etc.

"This is not just a UK phenomenon. On auction day our telephone and live internet bidders come from all four corners of the globe."

The auction house has sold many Star Wars items, including last year a Boba Fett figure, from the late 1970s, which sold for £26,040.