POP 2
NONE GRADED HIGHER.
Presented is the preeminent example of the most famous action figure ever released, one that needs no introduction: the 1978 Star Wars Luke Skywalker with “Double Telescoping” lightsaber on 12-back card. LCG Auctions is incredibly thrilled to bring this once-in-a-lifetime collectible to auction for the very first time.
With the debut of Kenner’s highly anticipated Star Wars toyline in 1978, action figures became a fixture in nearly every American family household. Action figure mania continued into the 1980’s with franchises like G.I. Joe and Masters of the Universe becoming ubiquitous in popular culture.
The singular figure credited for starting it all, and the icon of all vintage action figures, is the original Star Wars Luke Skywalker on 12-back card released by Kenner in 1978. Kenner initially equipped Luke, Ben Kenobi, and Darth Vader with a lightsaber that offered a double telescoping feature. Quickly realizing this feature was too complex, too fragile, and too expensive to manufacture, they ceased production and revised the lightsaber into a simpler design. Very few carded figures with the original double telescoping feature survived in their original state. With “double telescoping” lightsaber, these early versions are extraordinarily rare on 12-back card, and they have long been considered a “holy grail” amongst collectors in any grade.
The record sale for a production action figure was established nearly five years ago when a carded 1978 12-back Ben Kenobi (AFA 80) with “Double Telescoping” saber sold for $76,700 at auction followed by a $62,800 sale of a "DT" Darth Vader (AFA 75+). Our Luke Skywalker offering, graded AFA 90, is one of only two “DT” examples graded at this level across all cardbacks, and the first to ever come up for public sale. AFA 90 is also the highest grade achieved of all three characters equipped with “Double Telescoping” lightsaber.
Our exquisite “DT” Luke offering is virtually flawless. The 1978 12 Back-C card exhibits vibrant color with no fading, no edge wear, and no creases or veins. The bubble is crystal clear and retains perfect form with no sign of bubble lift whatsoever. The action figure itself, complete with the ever-important “Double Telescoping” lightsaber, stands perfectly upright with white robe/shirt free of discoloration. Light frosting is present on the right side of the black belt and right hand. A vintage “Rose’s” price tag adorns the top corner and helps round out the nostalgia. A truly remarkable piece - there are none graded higher.
It is a tremendous honor for us to be chosen to present this “holy grail” to the hobby for the very first time.
Encapsulated by AFA (90, 90-90-85), #10675072
For this listing, LCG Auctions is offering qualified individuals a 90 day time payment plan with a 30% non-refundable deposit due within two weeks after the close of the auction. If you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, please contact us at [email protected] before bidding.
Estimate: $100,000 – and up