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 Teesside-based Vectis auction house.
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.
The rare Jawa figurine in its original packaging (Vectis/PA)
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.
“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.
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