30 April 2025
Rare Rebel Pilot Helmet to go under hammer this summer
3 minutes
May the Fourth be with you as Star Wars’ memorabilia prices sky-rocket.
May the Fourth be with you during Star Wars’ bidding wars because rare or significant memorabilia is skyrocketing to record-breaking prices.
Last summer, a rare prototype Boba Fett action figure became the most expensive toy sold at auction after fetching a world record $1,342,000 (£1 million) in New Jersey, USA, through auctioneer Goldin (goldin.co). The J-Slot V2/2 plastic figure of the rocket-firing bounty hunter was produced as a prototype by manufacturer Kenner in 1979.
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(Image: Record breaking Boba Fett toy achieved more that £1m at auction. Credit Golin) |
(Image: Boba Fett record. Credit Goldin) |
In March, two major props from the original Star Wars trilogy went under the hammer, achieving well above their estimate.
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(Image: Chewbacca Bowcaster) |
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In Propstore’s Los Angeles auction, Chewbacca's Bowcaster (above) sold for $768,600 (£578,000) and Luke Skywalker's Mark Hamill Medal of Yavin (below) sold for $378,000 (£284,000).
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(Image: Medal of Yavin) |
And there’s more Star Wars drama to come with a rare Rebel Pilot Helmet from The Empire Strikes Back due to go under the hammer later this year, the 45th anniversary of the film.
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The best of British talentDesigned by Oscar-winning British costume designer John Mollo, who also designed costumes for the main characters Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia and Darth Vader, this upcoming auction headline prop was custom-made for the 1980 sequel. In September, this piece is making its first appearance on the market in more than 25 years, estimated at $200,000 – $400,000 (£150,000 – £300,000), having been carefully preserved in a private collection. (propstoreauction.com). It was originally sourced from the collection of Patricia Carr, the assistant production manager, whose pivotal role helped bring to life Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back. Patricia Carr was one of British Film Industry’s female icons who paved the way for women to follow in her footsteps by becoming one of the first female production managers. Her other credits include Alien 3, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Who Framed Roger Rabbit and The Mummy. She passed away in August 2024. The Rebel Pilot Helmet therefore has exceptional provenance and Brandon Alinger, chief operating officer at Propstore, said: “It is a privilege to present a piece as rare and historically significant as this, especially in the year marking the film’s 45th anniversary. Designed by John Mollo and sourced from Patricia Carr, the Rebel Pilot Helmet embodies the enduring contribution of UK talent and craftsmanship to the Star Wars saga.” |
Insurance Advice
If you own an item with special provenance, be sure to add the information to your insurance policy as this could impact its value. Retain the invoice, paperwork, photographs and serial number (if relevant) as effective record-keeping is an essential part of building a collection.
You will need to keep up to date with its value, as in the event of a claim you don’t want to realise you’re underinsured. It’s also important to decide upon the basis of valuation. Most times it should be for insurance purposes, but in some circumstances you may be able to insure at auction value, although bear in mind that what you agree may be the most you get back.
To speak to Howden about your art insurance call 020 8256 4901 or email privateclients@howdeninsurance.co.uk