Star Wars Extravaganza Fetches Over $228K
It’s safe to say that the force is strong with “Star Wars” collectors. In a major sales event at the end of October, Vectis Auctions in Stockton-on-Tees hosted a “Star Wars Extravaganza,” attracting international collectors and generating a staggering amount of money in sales. With items ranging from rare action figures to life-size helmets, this 10-hour auction drew over a thousand active bidders.
What Happened at the ‘Star Wars’ Auction?
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away — kidding, kidding. The auction actually happened at the end of October in Stockton-on-Tees, England. The massive “Star Wars” memorabilia auction was held by Vectis Auctions and generated over £177,000 (USD 228,931). The “Star Wars Extravaganza” event spanned 10 hours, during which over 600 items — including figurines and life-size helmets — were auctioned. One collector even sold his entire collection to pay for his upcoming wedding — eat your heart out, Han Solo.
What Were the Biggest Sales?
The auction’s top item was a rare vinyl-caped Jawa figurine, which sold for £9,180 (USD 11,873) after fees. Other notable items included a Meccano Luke Skywalker model that was expected to fetch £2,000 (USD 2,586) but ended up selling for £7,595 (USD 9,810), and a Meccano Boba Fett that brought in £8,330 (USD 10,745).
How Did the Auction Perform Compared to Expectations?
Pre-sale estimates for the collection were initially set between £94,000 (USD 121,286) and £120,000 (USD 154,834), but the final total went far beyond this, proving how strong the force, err, the demand for “Star Wars” memorabilia is. Joanne McDonald from Vectis Auctions described the event as “beyond our expectations,” crediting international interest for the record-breaking day.
Who Participated in the Auction?
The auction attracted more than 1,000 potential buyers and drew 10,000 viewers online. To accommodate the large, global audience, Vectis ran three bidding terminals to serve buyers from the UK, the US, Canada, and other countries. This high international turnout seemingly spanned the entire galaxy.
What Does the Auction’s Success Mean for ‘Star Wars’ Collectors?
Like vintage stamps or vinyl records, it’s safe to say that there will always be a demand for Star Wars items. According to Ms. McDonald, the auction’s success is a positive signal for the “Star Wars” collectibles market, suggesting that interest remains strong among both established and younger collectors. Many items sold are expected to go to international buyers, especially in the United States, indicating a robust future for these nostalgic collectibles. Not to mention, the auction comes shortly after a prototype Boba Fett figurine sold for a record-breaking $1.342 million in a separate event, marking the highest price ever paid for a “Star Wars” toy.