Star Wars Vintage Action Figure Collectors Cases (1977 - 1985)

 

     The most visible reminder of collecting Star Wars Action Figure Collector cases is the Darth Vader Action Figure Case. I had twenty of these at home once in front of the television set. I laughed as my father told me that they looked like soldiers in a formation. The case is very durable for storing the small 3 3/4" action figures inside of it.

     The most common parts of the cases that first break from wear and tear are the plastic straps on the sides either from age or usage throughout the years. The insides of the case have small sectioned off compartments for individual figures. Each half of the case has three straps.  There is one small area with a door inside it to store weapons and accessories.

     The case was originally sold with a decal sheet listing the names of the characters to store as well as three straps which hold the figures from falling out of the small compartments. A paper insert was provided also which showed the figures to place inside of the case.  

Star Wars Collectors Cases

The following is a listing of cases that were made during the vintage era of Star Wars toys:

• Star Wars Vinyl Box Action Figures Collectors Case (1979)
• Darth Vader Action Figure Collectors Case (1980)
• Empire Strikes Back Action Figures Collectors Case (1981 & 1982)
  
• Return of the Jedi Action Figures Collectors Case (1983)
• C-3PO Action Figure Collectors Case (1983)
• Chewbacca Bandolier (Portable Carrying Strap) 1983
• Return of the Jedi Laser Rifle Action Figure Collectors Case (1984)
  

 The Vinyl cases if not protected will eventually rip and tear.  The Star Wars Vinyl Box case is still a common item. The Empire Strikes Back Vinyl Box case has three variations that do exist:

• Red Version (Rare Version)
• Grey Version (Uncommon Version
• Black (Common Version)

     The Return of the Jedi Vinyl Box Case is by far the rarest of them all.  Most auctions that I have seen ended at the lowest price of $75.00. Anything less is a great bargain. 

The Return of the Jedi Laser Rifle Case was sold in both:

• Grey Verion
• Green Version

     The only difference in all of the different types of Darth Vader cases were really the packaging. The "rare" Prototype that does exists was manufctured with a Gold plating. It is known as the Gold Darth Vader Case. There was only one version of the C-3PO Case which is shown below. The dull finished one on the right is from the Modern era. The Prototypes that do exist of the C-3PO case which fall into what I consider the "ultra rare" category are:

• C-3PO White Prototype Case
• C-3PO White Translucent Prototype Case
• C-3PO Yellow Prototype Case
• C-3PO Yellow Prototype Case (Droids Packaging)
• C-3PO Gold Prototype Case
• C-3PO Dull Gold Prototype Case

     These cases are extremely rare. If you happen to see one laying around with a cheap price, I would strongly recommend that you snap it up. Re-sell it on ebay and you should fetch a great ending auction price for it. Be sure to list it as a "featured auction". This is money well spent.

Star Wars Case

The 1980 Kenner Toy Fair Catalog described the case with the following description:

SPECIAL COLLECTOR'S CASE FOR STAR WARS ACTION FIGURES

The Collector's case holds up to 24 STAR WARS action figures in two plastic trays. The reverse side of each tray has 12 foot pegs so action figures can stand in action poses. Featured on the case front are many STAR WARS characters in full color. Action figures not included.

Star Wars Vinyl Collectors Case (Vintage) 1979

 

Star Wars Vinyl Case with Insert of the "first 12"

There is a card insert variation of the Rocket Firing Boba Fett also.

Darth Vader Case

The 1980 Kenner Toy Fair Catalog described the case with the following description:

STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK DARTH VADER COLLECTOR'S CASE--NEW!

A dramatic, three dimensional sculpture of STAR WARS' classic villain. This collector's item collector's case is 15 3/4" high, holds 31 actio nfigures, and comes with a sheet of self-stick labels with every action figure's name--so kids can perosnalize each compartment. This handsome case also comes with a four color photo that displays and identifies every action figure! There's even a storage chamber for action figure accessories. And when DARTH VADER snaps shut, the hidden handle in back makes him a carry case. STAR WARS Action Figures not included. Ages 4 and up.

Empire Strikes Back Case

The same description as the Star Wars Case was used in the catalogs.

Empire Strikes Back Vinyl Collectors Case

1980 Version with Darth Vader

1981 Version with Yoda

1982 Version with Wampa

C-3PO Collectors Cases (Modern 1995 Case on Right)

Chewbacca Bandolier Strap

The 1983 Kenner Toy Fair Catalog described the strap with the following description:

STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI CHEWBACCA BANDOLIER STRAP

Just like the one that CHEWBACCA wore in the movie. But this bandolier strap is made for kids...not WOOKIEES. It holds 10 Action Figures and includes two pouches for accessories and/or secret messages. Fits over the shoulder for play, even hangs for display. Action Figures sold separately. Ages 4 and up. 

Chewbacca Bandolier Strap

     If you have any questions, feel free to email me through ebay. I will not sell or buy items outside of ebay. My Star Wars items are for my personal collection. I firmly believe in sharing knowledge through others and ebay is a excellent well of knowledge and a fantastic source for one to find items that they desire. I also believe that if you keep on looking, you will find what you desire on the wonderful world of ebay.

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