I have some Death Star figure display stands, which came with a large collection I bought in the 90s.
This was a time when these stands weren't really of interest to collectors, and certainly weren't worth alot of money.
These stands have the three half circles on the back, and no circle around the peg....as seen on original stands.
I also have some Action Force unused items, which have these stands. These have the three half circles on the reverse, and no circle around the peg.
However, another collector has noticed a couple of differences with the 90s bought stands and known originals. Mainly that the sprue mark on originals is the opposite side of the peg, whereas the 90s bought ones have it the same side as the peg:
Also the peg itself is slightly different. The originals has a slightly tapered top, whereas the 90s bought ones have more rounded, dimple type top:
According to TIG:
'The only way it seems to tell (fake stands) is by the circle that goes around the foot peg of the repro version.'
This circle isn't seen on the 90s bought stands I have. Also the TIG original has the sprue mark next to the peg (not the opposite side as seen on the originals I own).
I've looked through my Action Force battle packs and all the stands in those have the sprue mark the opposite side of the peg.
So, could these stand variations both be original but variations from different moulds...or are the 90s bought ones fakes...made very early on?
It seems odd that these stands would be replicated at such an early date, when these stands would not have been in demand or worth alot.
Having looked in my Action Force HQ interestingly there are four of this stand below. These have the same defects, two marks, which must have been in the mould. So that means at least two variations of these original stands:
So, can people with known original display stands please post whether the sprue mark is either next to the peg or the opposite side. Perhaps we can get a concensus as to whether both stands (sprue next to peg, and sprue opposite to peg) are original...or sprue next to peg are replicas!
Hope that all makes sense and I look forward to your replies.
Thanks in advance
Lewis