STAR WARS (1978) - DARTH VADER 12 BACK-A AFA 80 NM (DOUBLE-TELESCOPING, POP 4).
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Item Description
AFA POP INFORMATION IN PRINTED CATALOG IS INCORRECT. INFORMATION HAS BEEN UPDATED FOR ONLINE LISTING.
The impressive breadth of the Jeff Jacob Collection was apparent in our January 2025 auction, which saw collectors from far and wide converge to propel 435 lots to a total of $1.4 Million in bids.
The second offering of items from the Jeff Jacob Collection is just as awe-inspiring, led by another stunning selection of Star Wars toys, with the decades of care and dedication that went into Jeff's quest to find the best-of-the-best readily evident. Perhaps no piece better exemplifies this commitment than one of the most important Star Wars production pieces to ever hit the auction block - an AFA 80 NM example of the Darth Vader action figure with the initial "Double-Telescoping" (or "DT" as commonly referred to by collectors) lightsaber design. When it comes to vintage Kenner Star Wars figures, the term "Double-Telescoping" never fails to capture the attention of collectors as Kenner only produced three figures with this feature - Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader. These three were released before the lightsabers were modified to remove the double-telescoping design due to cost and manufacturing issues. While not noted by AFA, it also bears mentioning that this figure is packaged with SKU on footer.
Due to the massive success of Star Wars upon its theatrical release in 1977, a growing fanbase clamored for more. That fervent anticipation had no small part in cementing the success of Kenner's iconic Star Wars toyline upon its release in early 1978, which saw more than 40,000,000 toys sold that year alone to the tune of over $100,000,000 in sales revenue. That first wave of Kenner toys included the initial "DT" design, which saw limited production numbers before the design changes were implemented. As a result, very few "DT" figures remain in their original state; those that do come to auction bring high interest and even higher prices from collectors. The fact that this example remains unopened and in this high grade condition presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors.
Card exhibits just the slightest trace of edge wear and has been punched. A faint surface ripple can be seen at bottom right corner on front of card, this is somewhat less visible on back of card. The blister is crystal clear and free of any cracks/dents. The figure displays wonderfully as carded, with the "DT" saber presenting nicely. Card has been encapsulated within one of AFA's Archival cases and AFA subgrades are as follows - C80 B80 F85. At time of cataloging, only nine examples in total have been graded by AFA according to current AFA Population Report, w/only four examples in an AFA 80 grade (just one higher).
Hake's has set many Star Wars sales records since presenting the Russell Branton Collection to the collecting community, a trend that continues with recent sales of an AFA 85 12 Back-A "DT" Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Jeff Jacob Collection for $105,182 in January 2025 and an AFA 85 12 Back-A "DT" Luke Skywalker for $84,370 in our March 2025 auction. The Double-Telescoping Darth Vader offered in this auction is infinitely rarer as carded, and just the fourth carded "Double-Telescoping" specimen we have offered at auction; our last example (AFA 75) having been sold over five years ago. Since that time, vintage Star Wars figures have continued to climb in value, none more so than the one of the most coveted Kenner Star Wars figures, presented to you here courtesy the Jeff Jacob Collection. This is the first time an AFA 80 example of the Double-Telescoping Darth Vader has been sold at auction.
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