A HAUL of sealed Star Wars figures untouched for 40 years is expected to sell for more than £400,000 next month.
The 400-strong collection, left forgotten in a cupboard, has been called the most important find to date for fans of the sci-fi films.
PA:Press AssociationA haul of sealed Star Wars figures untouched for 40 years is expected to sell for more than £400,000 next month[/caption]
It includes 24 Yodas, eight Boba Fetts and eight Darth Vaders.
And a Luke Skywalker figure with a rare double-telescoping lightsaber may fetch £16,000.
They were unearthed when the owner told an old friend, auction boss Tom Tolworthy, he was considering selling them.
He bought multiple copies back in the 1970s and ‘80s — some for his children and the rest stored in their original shipping containers.
“Obviously, he had exceptional foresight,” commented Mr Tolworthy.
Star Wars expert Chuck Lang said: “They’re original, never removed from the cards, and many are in mint condition. They’re the real deal, and very impressive.”
“This is a once in a lifetime find. We’re a number of years out from when the original Star Wars movies were released, and to find so many figures of this quality all at once, untouched and in a non-collector’s hands, is just amazing.”
The sale will be in Denver, US, on February 1.