The Chronicles of a Star Wars Collector

The subject of Double Telescoping Sabers (DS) brings into view some of the rarest items in Star Wars collecting. The light sabers that were developed in the vintage Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and Ben Kenobi telescoped out of the arms of the figures. The original idea had the sabers telescope out, then a smaller piece telescoped out even further. Hence the name Double Telescoping Saber. Very early in production Kenner axed this idea and moved to the single scoping saber. This was a production cost cutter. Kenner's decision to save some money created the most valuable figures out there. The Early Bird set was offered through mail in certificates sold in 1977. The original line of figures were not going to be ready in time for Christmas 1977. When one would send in this certificate, early in 1978 Kenner sent out a 4 pack of figures. Included in this package was Luke Skywalker. Therefore, you will find more Luke DT sabers in circulation. This production changed happened so early that literally only a handful of Darth Vader and Ben Kenobi DT figures were put on cards. Their is only 3 carded Darth Vader's known in existence. I believe their are 2 Ben Kenobi's. Only a handful of loose ones are around. It is hard to put a value on these figures since their are so few and the collectors that have them have held onto them. I have seen one source put a value of nearly $10,000. I do not think that has been market tested. If it has, I would like to know. The loose Vader and Kenobi could run you $2000-3000. Since more Luke's were produced he will only set you back between $100-200, depending on condition. Happy hunting. If you ever find one of these collecting diamonds, you truly have a collecting treasure.

References: Star Wars Vintage Action Figures by John Kellerman and www.toysrgus.com