Only three examples are graded higher:

AFA 90 – 2 examples

AFA 85+ – 1 example 

No Mailing Label on Shipper Box

Earliest Release feat. Luke Skywalker with Telescoping Saber

The first Star Wars action figures ever released, this set represents the dawning of an era, an era remembered fondly by all who lived it. We are pleased to offer one of the finest Early Bird Sets ever to hit the market, a glorious AFA 85 example complete with highly coveted 85-85-85 subgrades. The set is highlighted by a factory fresh box without mailing label. Additionally, it features the earliest version of the Luke Skywalker action figure, complete with double-telescoping lightsaber. 

The story of the Early Bird Set begins in 1977 around Christmas time. Kenner was not prepared to release Star Wars action figures for the holiday season but felt they had to release something to satisfy the public demand. In the end, they decided to release a Star Wars “Early Bird Certificate Package”, a large Star Wars branded envelop that contained several items, most importantly an Early Bird Certificate “good for 4 authentically detailed STAR WARS Action Figures”. Certificate holders were instructed to mail it in to Kenner in exchange for four action figures. Beginning in February 1978, Kenner began sending out plain white boxes featuring only a mailing label on the outside. Inside of the white box was a white plastic tray containing the first four Star Wars action figures: Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and R2-D2. The tray also contained a baggie of white pegs used to attach the figures to a display stand. Finally, a small Star Wars catalog and Collector Stand Offer were included as well.

Our offering is unique for several reasons. Most notably, there is no mailing label on the white shipper box. It was never applied. Boxes without mailing labels are exceedingly rare and highly desirable. Top collectors agree that a box free of a mailing label, featuring the name and address of an unknown person, makes for a superior presentation. Second, our example contains a Luke figure with DT saber. The earliest version of this kit contained Luke Skywalker with double telescoping lightsaber. The later mailings included the standard Luke with regular lightsaber. The condition of this set is truly special - see photos for condition. With just 3 examples graded higher, this AFA 85-85-85 example is just about as good as it gets.

The Star Wars Early Bird Set is one of the most well-known and sought-after pieces in the hobby. An early release “investment grade” example is one reserved for an elite collector seeking best-in-class.

Encapsulated by AFA 85, (85-85-85), #12654629

Est. $35,000 – and up