Star Wars figure breaks world record at Teesside toy auction

A rare Star Wars figure has broken a world record after selling at a Teesside auction for nearly £22,000.

The vintage Palitoy Jawa, with vinyl cape, is one of only a handful knownto exist.

It was marketed for a very short period of time before being replaced bythe common edition - the dark brown, brushed nylon cape Jawa.

The sale is the highest price ever paid for a Palitoy Jawa figure atauction.

Vintage Palitoy Star Wars carded figures are amongst some of the mostsought after toy collectables.

The vinyl cape Jawa being one of the rarest, especially when found in itsoriginal packaging.

The action figure was estimated to sell for between £8,000 - £10,000.

The pre-sale estimate of £8,000 was blown out of the water prior to thesale when keen pre-bidders pushed the opening price up to £11,000.

Brisk bidding from a bank of telephone bidders, room bidders plus globallyvia the live bidding internet platform resulted in the world record amount.

It was sold at Vectis Auctions in Thornaby, Stockton, for £21,600, including commission.

It was bought by an internet bidder who wishes to remain anonymous.

A spokesperson for Vectis Auctions said: "I'm not surprised by how much it's gone for."

The Vinyl Cape Jawa was being sold alongside a selection of other Star Wars figures.

A Kenner Star Wars vintage vinyl cape Jawa sold for £9,000, includingcommission.

Star Wars expert at Vectis, Kathy Taylor said: "Star Wars memorabilia is currently the most sought after franchise that we have ever seen here at Vectis Auctions":