More than three-and-a-half decades since its debut on cinema screens, movie producer George Lucas's sci-fi franchise Star Wars remains a perennial draw for collectors and fans.
And the force of Star Wars collectibles clearly isn't lost on eBay's executives.
The world's largest online marketplace is gearing up a charity sale to coincide with yet-another Star Wars release, this time the "Complete Saga on Blu-ray."
While the world enjoys the rerelease of all six Star Wars films in the high-tech format today, September 12, (internationally) and September 16 (in the US), collectors will have a chance to bid on rare merchandise with all proceeds going to charity.
 Probe this... A screen used 'probe droid' featured onscreen in |
Star Wars fans will be pleased and unsurprised to learn that eBay's charity sale boasts plenty of the franchise's famous 3.75 inches-tall figures. When manufacturer Kenner began manufacturing the figures in 1977, they changed the action toy market for ever.
Compared to standard larger action figures, the 3.75-inch toys were cheaper to make, cheaper for children and more tempting as collectibles. Lucas (pictured top right) has been enjoying profits from these armies of mini figures ever since.
And he isn't the only one. Among the world's most famous Star Wars collectors is Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio. The Inception and Gangs of New York star auctioned his personal collection of Kenner-made Star Wars figures in 2006.
The pieces sold for thousands, including a vinyl Jawa figure that achieved $4,500 and a Boba Fett and Princess Leia duo which realised $4,000.
Film-used Star Wars props are among the most-valued on the markets, such as these three pieces of fibreglass Krayt Dragon bone Episode IV presently for sale on the markets (not featured in eBay's auction)
Meanwhile, more valued memorabilia items from the 'high end' of the Star Wars collectibles markets include pieces which featured in the original film trilogy - like the TIE Fighter spaceship which crashes include Darth Vader's fighter in the iconic climactic battle sequence of 1977's A New Hope.
While measuring just 18 by 14 inches, the TIE Fighter plays a crucial role in Vader's downfall in the original film. It sold for $350,000 at a Profiles in History auction in 2008, well above its $200,000 estimate.
All of which goes to show that the Star Wars collectibles markets remain as vast as they are relentless - and there will be plenty of collectible items in eBay's charity sale.
All proceeds will benefit Stand Up To Cancer and its work to accelerate groundbreaking cancer research.
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