Notes on Vintage Checklists:
Telescoping Lightsabers:
In the very early releases of “A New Hope” figures, the lightsaber accessory
had an extra-long thin tip in it. The thin tip could fully retract (telescope)
into the thicker lightsaber base (sometimes referred to as
‘double-telescoping’). In all three of the figures that came with a
lightsaber (Ben Kenobi, Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker), these ‘telescoping
lightsabers’ were inserted in their arm slots, blistered and sent out. The
change was quickly made to a shorter thin tip that did not retract into the
thicker part of the lightsaber. The Luke Skywalker was released in the Early
Bird Kit (bagged) and also carded, so while it is rare, there are more known to
exist than the Darth Vader and Ben Kenobi telescoping lightsaber figures.
Early Figure Variations on Later Release Cards:
Many resculpts, additions or subtractions were made during the “A New Hope” figure run. Some of these are Han Solo’s head size
(from small to large) and C-3PO having removable limbs and being packaged with a cargo net. The original sculpt or figure
release was not intended to go beyond the “A New Hope” figure run. These variants are found (rarely) on later Star Wars movie
figure cards due to retailers sending them back to Kenner due to overstock and Kenner removing the figure from the old card and
having them blistered to a newer card and sent out again to be sold at retail.
Product Numbers:
Most products released by Kenner from the ‘Star Wars’ line until the final ‘Power of the Force’ line had a number that was specific
to the individual product. On action figures, this can be found in the upper corners and looks like, ‘NO. 00000’ (an abbreviation for
number, ‘NO.’ followed by a five digit number). Whenever possible, this number follows the product listed for further assistance in
identifying the product. This also helps to establish definite individual items that are similar to other items (case in point -
Bespin Security Guard. The ’caucasian’ guard has a different product number than the ‘African-American’ guard).
Card Front Photo Variations:
Most card front photo variations are found in the “Return of the Jedi” release. Kenner decided to make the photo changes to keep
the figure current with the movie title and freshen the line. The card front photo variations rarely have an impact on the value of the
figure.
Card Back Variations:
Card back variations are frequent due to the amount of mail-away promotions and figure additions to the current line. There will be a
list of these different card back variations before each release for identification purposes. The only card back where the value is
significant due to the back of the card is the very first release card back with 12 figures pictured.
Black Stickers over Serial Numbers:
The card serial number (located in the upper left corner of the card front) was often misprinted. When this happened, Kenner placed a
black sticker over it. Many cards have these stickers over the serial number. Most of the misprints occurred during the “Return of the
Jedi” release, but they can also be found on earlier and later release cards.
Origin of Production:
Kenner had 3 manufacturing plants during the release of all of the vintage ‘Star Wars’ action figure & collectibles lines. Each plant
was located in different areas of the world. Hong Kong was the major producer of most figures released. Taiwan and Mexico were
the other 2 sites that saw more limited production runs. Some variations can be directly related to the figures origin of production.
These variations are usually related to paint and /or minor sculpt differences. The main difference is the size and placement of the
sculpted or stamped date and place of origin. Hong Kong used a larger sized type and Taiwan a significantly smaller type size.
Mexico produced figures are quite rare and the type size is unknown at this moment
in time. When it becomes known, this paragraph will be updated with that information.
Early Bird Mail-In Offer:
Note: This is listed first because it is the definitive beginning of Vintage Star Wars Action Figure collectibles.
___ offered in late 1977 and sent out to redeemers in early 1978
Early Bird Certificate Package - 1977 - NO. 38140
___ box w/certificate to redeem the Early Bird Mail-In Package.
Early Bird Mail-In Offer - 1978
Note: Included: 4 figures listed below in individually sealed, clear, plastic Kenner bags, plastic foot pegs (for use with Action Display
Stand) in clear, sealed Kenner bag and a certificate to redeem an exclusive, Action Display Stand (w/peg holes) and backdrop. All the
bags were packaged in a white, plastic tray and all contents were packed in a plain white mailer box.
___ w/Chewbacca (green bowcaster), Luke Skywalker (blonde hair, telescoping
lightsaber), R2-D2 & Princess Leia Organa
figures
Variations:
___ w/Chewbacca (green bowcaster), Luke Skywalker (brown hair, telescoping
lightsaber)...
___ w/Chewbacca (green bowcaster), Luke Skywalker (blonde hair, normal
lightsaber)...
___ w/Chewbacca (green bowcaster), Luke Skywalker (brown hair, normal lightsaber)...
___ w/Chewbacca (black bowcaster), Luke Skywalker (blonde hair, telescoping
lightsaber)...
___ w/Chewbacca (black bowcaster), Luke Skywalker (brown hair, telescoping
lightsaber)...
___ w/Chewbacca (black bowcaster), Luke Skywalker (blonde hair, normal
lightsaber)...
___ w/Chewbacca (black bowcaster), Luke Skywalker (brown hair, normal lightsaber)...
A New Hope - 1978 - 1979
Card Back Variations for “A New Hope”:
12 Figure Card Back
1. Artwork of the first 12 figures available. Below the figures are the TIE Fighter, X-Wing Fighter and Land Speeder vehicles. To the
right of the 12 figure artwork is a visual demonstration of how to work the telescoping
lightsaber. Mail-Away Offer on back is for the
Collector’s Action Stand (free w/2 proofs of purchase and $2 for shipping and handling).
2. New paragraph added between the mail-in address and expiration date. It reads; “Collector’s Action Stand FREE with
proofs-of-purchase from 12 STAR WARS Action Figures.”
3. New paragraph added to operating directions of the telescoping
lightsaber. Reads; “Pull saber out by tip or push saber out using slide lever.”
20 Figure Card Back
1. 20 figures pictured in colored frames. The bottom third of the card has the new
playsets, vehicles and accessories pictured.
Prototypes for the Patrol Dewback and Droid Factory are pictured (Creature Cantina is also pictured as a prototype).
2. The prototype photos of the Patrol Dewback and Creature Cantina have been replaced by photos of the actual production
toys.
3. Top two-thirds of card back has Mail-Away Boba Fett offer with artwork of the figure and a finger triggering the unreleased firing
rocket pack.
4. Black sticker with rounded corners has been placed over the firing rocket pack visual.
5. With black sticker over rocket pack. Red, circular sticker added to extend the mail-away offer to 3/31/80.
6. Black sticker over rocket firing pack is covered by a yellow sticker with rounded corners and a black starburst in it. The text inside the
starburst gives information about the character Boba Fett.
7. Circular red sticker added to #6 with extension to mail-away offer dated 12/31/80.
8. Black sticker is no longer used under the yellow sticker with rounded corners and the black starburst inside it.
9. The yellow sticker with the black starburst inside is updated to have squared corners.
10. Circular red sticker added to #9 with extension to mail-away offer dated 3/31/80.
11. Square red sticker added to #9 with extension mail-away offer dated 12/31/80
12. Sticker covering the top two-thirds of the card back has an promotional offer for a mail-away “Secret Star Wars Action Figure”.
21 Figure Card Backs
1. Boba Fett is now pictured as a regular figure with 20 others. Patrol Dewback and Droid Factory prototypes are pictured.
2. Patrol Dewback and Droid Factory prototype photos have been replaced with the actual production toys.
3. Bottom two-thirds of the card back are covered with a sticker that promotes a mail-away offer for a “Secret Star Wars Action Figure.”
4. Circular red sticker on card back #3 extends the “Secret Star Wars Action Figure” offer and reveals the secret figure to be
Bossk.
32 Figure Card Back
1. 12 figure card back is reused with a sticker covering the bottom third of the card back with 20 figures pictured in separate
rectangular boxes with different colored backgrounds.
Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) - NO. 38200
12 figure card back:
___ No Known Variations or Errors
20/21figure card back:
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Releases in sealed, clear plastic Kenner bag:
___ Early Bird Mail-In Kit Figure
___ from Land Speeder vehicle
Ben(Obi-Wan) Kenobi - NO. 38250
12 figure card back:
___ white hair, normal saber
Variations:
___ white hair, telescoping lightsaber
___ gray hair, telescoping lightsaber
___ gray hair, normal saber
20/21 figure card back:
___ white hair, normal lightsaber
Variations:
___ gray hair, normal lightsaber
Boba Fett - NO. 39250
20/21 figure card back:
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Releases in sealed, clear plastic Kenner bag:
___ Mail-In Offer, in sealed, clear plastic Kenner bag
Variations:
___ Mail-In Offer Prototype w/spring-loaded rocket backpack - ‘loose’
Chewbacca - NO. 38210
12 figure card back:
___ brown arms and legs, black bowcaster (produced in Hong Kong)
Variations:
___ brown arms and legs, green bowcaster (Hong Kong)
___ greenish arms and legs, black bowcaster (produced in Taiwan)
20/21 figure card back:
___ brown arms and legs, black bowcaster (Hong Kong)
Variations:
___ greenish arms and legs, black bowcaster (Taiwan)
32 figure card back:
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Releases in sealed, clear plastic Kenner bag:
___ Early Bird Mail-In Kit Figure, brown arms and legs, green bowcaster (Hong Kong)
___ Early Bird Mail-In Kit Figure, brown arms and legs, black bowcaster (Hong Kong)
___ from Millennium Falcon vehicle
Darth Vader - NO. 38230
12 figure card back:
___ normal lightsaber
Variations:
___ normal lightsaber, head sculpt produced by Takara
___ telescoping light saber
20/21 figure card back:
___ normal lightsaber
Releases in sealed, clear plastic Kenner bag:
___ from TIE Fighter vehicle
Death Squad Commander (name changed to Star Destroyer Commander in later releases) - NO.
38290
12 figure card back:
___ No Known Variations or Errors
20/21 figure card back:
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Death Star Droid - NO. 39080
20/21 figure card back:
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Greedo - NO. 39020
20/21 figure card back:
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Hammerhead - NO. 39030
20/21 figure card back:
___ eyes are looking up and to the left
Variations:
___ eyes are looking down
Han Solo - NO. 38260
12 figure card back:
___ big head, dark brown hair
Variations:
___ small head, brown hair
20/21 figure card back:
___ big head, dark brown hair
Variations:
___ small head, brown hair
Releases in sealed, clear plastic Kenner bag:
___ from Millennium Falcon vehicle
___ from X-Wing Fighter vehicle
Jawa - NO. 38270
12 figure card back:
___ with cloth robe/cape
Variations:
___ with plastic/vinyl cape
20/21 figure card back:
___ with cloth robe/cape
Luke Skywalker - NO. 38180
12 figure card back:
___ normal lightsaber, blonde hair
Variations:
___ telescoping lightsaber, blonde hair
___ telescoping lightsaber, brown hair
___ normal lightsaber, brown hair
20/21 figure card back:
___ normal lightsaber, blonde hair
Variations:
___ normal lightsaber, brown hair
Errors in Manufacturing:
___ blonde hair, lightsaber is missing thin tip (normal lightsaber)
Releases in sealed, clear plastic Kenner bag:
___ Early Bird Mail-In Kit Figure, w/telescoping lightsaber, blonde hair
___ Early Bird Mail-In Kit Figure, w/telescoping lightsaber, brown hair
___ Early Bird Mail-In Kit Figure, w/normal lightsaber, blonde hair
___ Early Bird Mail-In Kit Figure, w/normal lightsaber, brown hair
___ from Land Speeder vehicle
___ from X-Wing Fighter vehicle
Luke Skywalker: X-Wing Pilot (name on card changed to ‘(X-Wing Fighter Pilot)’ on ROTJ & POTF releases) - NO. 39060
20/21 figure card back:
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Power Droid - NO. 39090
20/21 figure card back:
___ Packaged facing to the right
Variations:
___ Packaged facing to the left
Princess Leia Organa - NO. 38190
12 figure card back:
___ No Known Variations or Errors
20/21 figure card back:
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Releases in sealed, clear plastic Kenner bag:
___ Early Bird Mail-In Kit Figure, in sealed, clear plastic bag
R5-D4 - NO. 39070
20/21 figure card back:
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Sand People (name on card changed to Tusken Raider on ROTJ card) - NO. 38280
12 figure card back:
___ cheek tubes are filled/solid (in later releases some are hollow)
20/21 figure card back:
___ cheek tubes are filled/solid (in later releases some are hollow)
See-Threepio (C-3P0) - NO. 38220
12 figure card back:
___ regular release
Variations:
___ head and torso sculpt produced by Takara
Errors in Manufacturing:
___ C-3P0 (w/removable limbs) - blistered on regular C-3PO card, w/black netting behind figure
20/21 figure card back:
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Errors in Manufacturing:
___ C-3P0 (w/removable limbs) - blistered on regular C-3PO card, w/black netting behind figure
Releases in sealed, clear plastic Kenner bag:
___ from Land Speeder vehicle w/R2-D2
___ from Land Speeder vehicle w/Luke Skywalker
Snaggletooth - NO. 39040
20/21 figure card back:
___ red outfit, shorter figure
Releases in sealed, clear plastic Kenner bag:
___ blue outfit, taller figure, from Sears Cantina Playset
Stormtrooper (name on card changed to ‘Imperial Stormtrooper’ for POTF release) - NO. 38240
12 figure card back:
___ No Known Variations or Errors
20/21 figure card back:
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Releases in sealed, clear plastic Kenner bag:
___ from TIE Fighter vehicle
Walrus Man - NO. 39050
20/21 figure card back:
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Mail-In Offers:
Note: All were delivered in a plain white mailer box unless otherwise noted. The contents were always packaged in sealed,
clear plastic Kenner bags. See ‘Early Bird Kit’.
Boba Fett - from 20/21 card back offer
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Action Display Stand - mail-in redemption from Early Bird Kit or offer on card back
___ released as a boxed retail accessory later in the ‘A New Hope’ run (see Accessories further down this list)
Sears Mail Order Exclusives:
Note: Delivered in a plain white mailer box with figure names printed on it in black ink. The contents were always packaged in
sealed, clear plastic Kenner bags.
Sears 2-Packs
Snaggletooth & Greedo - NO. 38331
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Walrus man & Hammerhead - NO. 38391
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Sears 3-Packs
Chewbacca, C-3PO & R2-D2
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Darth Vader & 2 Stormtroopers
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Jawa & 2 Sand People
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Death Squad Commander, Han Solo & Luke Skywalker
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Multi-Packs:
Note: Some figure variations and/or errors in manufacturing may appear in the multi-pack releases, but these differences have not
been noted.
Series 1 - no backdrop included
Android Set - NO. 38640
___ w/Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2), Chewbacca & See-Threepio (C-3PO)
Hero Set 1 - NO. 38660
___ Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi (white hair), Han Solo (small head, brown hair) & Princess Leia Organa
Villain Set 1 - NO. 38650
___ w/Darth Vader, Death Squad Commander & Stormtrooper
Series 2 - w/Exclusive Star Wars Backdrop
Creature Set - NO. 39480
___ w/Greedo, Hammerhead & Walrus Man
Droid Set - NO. 39460
___ w/Death Star Droid, Power Droid & R5-D4
Hero Set 2 - NO. 39450
___ w/Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi (white hair), Han Solo (large head, dark brown hair) & Luke Skywalker: X-Wing Pilot
Villain Set 2 - NO. 39470
___ w/Boba Fett, Sand People (filled cheek tubes) & Snaggletooth (red suit)
12” Figures:
Note: The 12” figures that have the “Empire Strikes Back” logo on them (Boba Fett & IG-88) are listed here because the vintage 12”
line was so short lived.
Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) - NO. 38630
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi - No. 39340
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Boba Fett - NO. 39140
___ regular 1978 release
Variations:
___ ‘Empire Strikes Back’ box - 1979
Chewbacca - NO. 38600
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Darth Vader - NO. 38610
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Han Solo - NO. 39170
___ No Known Variations or Errors
IG-88 - NO. 39960
___ no 1978 release
___ (Empire Strikes Back box) - 1979
Jawa - NO. 39350
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Luke Skywalker - NO. 38080
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Princess Leia Organa - NO. 38070
___ No Known Variations or Errors
See-Threepio (C-3PO) - 38620
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Stormtrooper - NO. 39180
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Accessories:
Action Display Stand - NO. 38990
___ retail version, printed box (see Mail-In Offers on this list)
Star Wars Action Figure Collector’s Case - NO. 39190
___ vinyl w/printed artwork, holds 24 figures
Playsets:
Cantina Adventure Set - NO. 38861 (Sears Exclusive)
___ w/Greedo, Hammerhead, Snaggletooth (blue outfit and tall) & Walrus Man
Creature Cantina Action Playset - NO. 39120
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Death Star Space Station (w/Dionaga Trash Monster) - NO. 38050
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Droid Factory - NO. 39150
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Land of the Jawas Action Playset (w/escape pod) - NO. 39130
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Roleplay:
Laser Pistol (Han Solo) - NO. 38110
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Lightsaber (inflatable/light-up) - NO. 38040
___ image of 2 children dueling w/yellow lightsabers on box front
___ image of Ben Kenobi Dueling with Darth Vader on box front
Three-Position Laser Rifle - NO. 69310
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Vehicles & Beasts:
Darth Vader TIE Fighter - NO. 39100
___ no battle scene included
Variations:
___ with battle scene included
Imperial TIE Fighter - NO. 38040
___ figures sold separately
Variations:
___ w/Darth Vader & Stormtrooper, yellow “Special Offer” sticker on box front
Imperial Troop Transport - NO. 39290
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Land Speeder - NO. 38020
___ figures sold separately
Variations:
___ w/ Luke Skywalker & C-3PO, yellow “Special Offer” sticker on box front
___ w/ C-3PO & R2-D2, yellow “Special Offer” sticker on box front
Millennium Falcon Spaceship - NO. 39110
___ figures sold separately
Variations:
___ w/Han Solo and Chewbacca, yellow “Special Offer” sticker on
box front
Patrol Dewback - NO. 39240
___ No Known Variations or Errors
X-Wing Fighter - NO. 38030
___ figures sold separately
Variations:
___ w/Luke Skywalker & Han Solo, yellow “Special Offer” sticker on box front
Collector’s Series Vehicles - 1983 Reissue
Note: The Collector’s Series Vehicles were reissues of the original “A New Hope” vehicles. The only difference is the upper left corner
of box front has a red starburst with; “Collector’s Series” text. The vehicles were made from the ANH vehicle molds and so they are
listed in the first line of Star Wars Action Figures and Accessories list.
Darth Vader TIE Fighter Vehicle - NO. 39100
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Landspeeder Vehicle - NO. 38020
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Millennium Falcon - NO. 39110
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Patrol Dewback - NO. 39240
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Radio & Sonic-Controlled Vehicles:
Jawa Sandcrawler (Radio-Controlled) - NO. 39270
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Land Speeder (Sonic-Controlled) - NO. 38540 (J C Penney Exclusive)
___ No Known Variations or Errors
R2-D2 (Radio-Controlled) - NO. 38430
___ no Adventure Obstacle (first release)
Variations:
___ w/Adventure Obstacle (later release)
Games:
Adventures of R2-D2 (Kenner)
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Destroy Death Star Game (Kenner)
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Star Wars (Parker Brothers)
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Star Wars: Escape the Death Star (Kenner)
___ No Known Variations or Errors
Last Updated 05/04/03 By Thomas Grey
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