Rare Star Wars figure sells for 10 times estimate

A rare Star Wars figure from a "short-lived" cartoon spin-off has sold for more than 10 times its estimate of £200 at auction.

The Droids Boba Fett figure was bought by an anonymous private buyer from Swansea for £2,100 when it went under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers, in Etwall, Derbyshire, on Tuesday.

The auctioneers' toy expert said the plastic figure, which retailed for just $2.97 (£2.25) in 1985, was made to accompany the "short-lived and widely panned" cartoon spin-off series Droids: The Adventures of R2-D2 and C-3PO.

It was part of a large collection owned by lifelong fan Paul Scott, 52, from Aberdeen, who died last year.

Toy expert David Wilson-Turner said Paul's collection also included an even lesser-known character, a 1985 Droids A-Wing Pilot, which was sold for £1,250 - beating its guide price of £300 to £400 - to a buyer in Norfolk.

A rare figure of C-3PO by Palitoy, which would have retailed for less than £2 in 1978, sold for £1,700 while a full-size Boba Fett Blaster fetched £1,350.

A 1977 vinyl caped Jawa, from the original Star Wars toy line - "much rarer" than the common cloth versions made £950 - with the total collection fetching £17,600, the expert added.

The auctioneers said Paul's parents, John and June, were unaware of the memorabilia's value to collectors, and had been on the verge of donating it all to a charity shop.

John said: "I didn't know anything about the Droids or what they were, but they've gone to someone who will really appreciate them, so that's the main thing.

"Paul was nuts about Star Wars all his life and totally dedicated to his collection.

"I used to ask him why he was wasting his money on it.

"We were flabbergasted when we discovered what it was worth.

"But it's not about the money, we just want to honour him and show him how proud we are."

Wilson-Turner said: "Ironically the Droids toy line by Kenner sold poorly because the cartoon wasn't popular.

"So many shops discounted their stock, but because the production was cut short is exactly why the toys are so valuable now.

"It was a great sale and we were delighted to have been trusted with this great collection, which had been valued at £2,500 by a dealer.

"It included some rare pieces which highlighted Paul's skill as a collector."

The auction took place a day after Star Wars Day - 4 May.

Listen to BBC Radio Derby on Sounds and follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.