Science fiction Film enthusiasts and toy collectors were certainly enticed by the latest exciting sale at an auction house in Thornaby, Stockton this week. Vectis Auctions proudly unveiled the sale of more than eighty Star Wars Toys that were put up for auction by super-fan Craig Stevens. Among the main items that seemed to draw the interest of the specialist buyers was a prototype for a rocket-firing Boba Fett, which is believed to have gone to an anonymous bidder who paid a staggering £18,000 for the privilege.

Further Star Wars sequels planned

Star Wars’ popularity is peaking once more it seems with the release last year of the latest instalment in the adventures of Han Solo and his compatriots breaking box office records.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (also known as ‘Episode VII’) seems set to be followed by further films from the lucrative franchise in the next few years, with two further sequels scheduled in already for next year and 2019.

‘Cult figure’ from 1980 film

Die-hard fans of Star Wars will remember that the character of Boba Fett - a bounty hunter that featured in the 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back – only appeared for three minutes on screen, but attained ‘cult figure’ status as a result. Even so, back in 1980 the Boba Fett figure would probably have sold for around £1.50, so the mouth-watering sale price at auction in 2016 would have no doubt been welcome news to Mr Stevens’ ears.

Mr Stevens said that he hoped that it would “go to a good collector who will look after it and cherish it like I have.”

World’s largest toy auctioneer

Vectis Auctions have more than 25 years of experience in their chosen industry, having being established back in 1988.

Since then they have grown into the world's largest toy auctioneer and serve customers in more than 60 countries worldwide.

With more than 50 auctions per year, they are well-known for attracting staggering bids for rare toys and merchandise, many of which represent world record high prices. In the past those have included a Dinky pre-war box of delivery vans that lured collectors to the tune of an eye-catching price of £34,000.

Star Wars toys are big business

It’s expertise as a renowned seller of Star Wars toys is also evident judging by previous auctions of such merchandise. With a track record that boasts the sale of a set of twelve 1997 Star Wars figures for £10,000, and a rare Star Wars medical droid collectible that went for £7,000 in the past, it is not difficult to see why.