Sci-Fi Bulletin: Exploring the Universes of SF, Fantasy, Horror and Spy-fi!

One of the rarest and most coveted Star Wars posters originally produced for the 1977 film is to be offered in a special auction of Sci Fi, Movie TV and Music Posters at Excalibur Auctions on Saturday, November 6, 2021.

The Hildebrandt Brothers version for the original Star Wars (which at that point had no episode number or subtitle) was withdrawn after a couple of weeks and replaced with the more commercial ‘Style C’, featuring Tom Chantrell’s artwork, a firm favourite with fans and more in-keeping with the fantasy aspects of Lucas’ space saga.

This version was rated a score of 5.0/6.0 by starwarsmovieposter.com for rarity, making it the second rarest Star Wars poster ever and it was given a 10/10 rarity rating by the industry bible for Star Wars posters, Stephen Sansweet’s aptly named Star Wars Poster Book.

This iconic poster is in excellent, original rolled condition (as issued), and is totally unfaded, bearing its original deep unfaded dark colour tones.

Commenting on the poster, Jonathan Torode, Excalibur Auctions specialist in charge of the sale, said: “This poster is the holy grail for avid Star Wars fans! Because such a small number of them were issued they are incredibly rare and therefore not often seen on the market very often. We anticipate very competitive bidding for it on the day.” The poster carries a conservative estimate of £5,000-£6,000 but it is expected to go for much more.

Other Star Wars lots include an inside peak into the making of the Star Wars films, as it comes directly from a private individual that worked in the film industry for over 25 years. It is a large, limited edition black and white photograph featuring the original cast at the first script read-through for the film Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015).

The photograph shows Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill, plus all of the new cast members. Framed in Perspex and featuring the etched Star Wars logo, it is in its original box and therefore is as new condition. It carries a conservative estimate of £200-£400.

A special edition ‘£8 note’ created for the film Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) is one of a limited premium edition of circa 50. It is presented in an engraved Perspex frame and an original presentation box. It it is estimated to fetch £800-£1,200.

A lifesize full-length 6’5 Star Wars ‘Deathtrooper’ statue from the film Star Wars: Rogue One also features in the sale. Created to promote the film, this figure comes directly from the source – a film production member who worked in the industry for over 25 years. Highly rare and limited in their production, these are a firm favourite for Star Wars fans around the world. The figure carries an estimate of £2,500-£3,500.

A life-size Darth Maul promotional statue by Pepsi/Frito Lay is also up for auction. Standing at circa 6 foot, it was used as a promotional display item for Pepsi products from the film Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and is quite rare, as they are usually not found in the UK. It comes with its original shipping box in which it has been carefully stored since 1999, when it was made. It is estimated to fetch £800-£1,200.