So how many sets are out there?

[jedisearcher]

Whilst looking at a certain spreadsheet I was wondering how many sets of 12 and 20 Palitoys are really out there. I thought I'd read someone on here saying 5 or 6 sets exist, but when you think about people who aren't on here, or those who don't limelight, surely the number must be much higher? I suppose you see the rare ones that aren't locked up in full collections coming up for sale occasionally, so I assume the number of Lukes, Chewies and Power Droids are the limiting factor.

I don't think it's unreasonable that there would be 3 or 4 times the 'known' number in reality?

 

[Grant]

In short probably more than what's thought to be out there. I remember going to pick up a collection of SW stuff back in 2011 and whilst I was there the guy showed me his entire collection which included a full set of Palitoy 12 backs. He hadn't been on a forum for 8+ years at that point. Incidently he'd stopped collecting for years too. He told me his entire run set him back about £8k. These days that would cover Chewie and Luke but I'm no expert.

 

[sith-smith]

When I first thought about collecting Palitoy back in 2001/2, I was told that only 15 lukes existed. He was back then considered to be the hardest by far to find.

Chewie wasn't considered any tougher than leia, Han or Ben.

I would imagine that 15 sets were known about back then as people generally talked about the set, rather than individual characters. The 15 lukes were each part of a complete set. Though this is just a rough guess based on the way dealers/collectors spoke. As in 'It's impossible to put a set of the first 12 together because only 15 lukes exist and they're all locked in collections.'

Now many more have come to light since then, lots of people I know put sets together...in fact I've helped 5 or more people complete a set. One guy had two (nearly 3) Complete sets at one time. I've had each one twice, some 3 or more.

It is hard to gauge how many people currently have a complete set. Lots of people have had one, but not all at the same time, so the same figures get passed around, which may over inflate the number of complete sets thought to exist.

Off the top of my head I can think of around 10 complete sets. That's just people I know of. They all still have their set now. There are probably others that haven't immediately come to mind and other collections that I have never heard of. 20 plus wouldn't surprise me. It could be a few above that or a significantly number above that.

I imagine there are loads of almost complete sets too!

I don't know that there is any way of knowing. Not everyone who has a set would admit to it if a census was put around. Heck a lot wouldn't even know we were discussing it as they never frequent forums!

Interesting thought though. If someone asked me if it was possible to put a set together from scratch, I'd definitely say yes.

 

[mr_palitoy]

There are still new sealed palitoy 12 back finds coming to auction through vectis and the like, so figures like chewie and Luke are easier to get now than they were previously.

What you really need for a full set now is deep pockets as a set of 12/20 will cost you £20-30k these days.

And if we're counting I have a 12/20 set.

Cheers Jason

 

[jedisearcher]

Thanks guys, I find this all very interesting. In addition to the spreadsheet I was talking about, I saw a thread on Facebook and there was what looked like a full set of the first 12 in the background and I don't think it was someone who posts on here so there's another +1

When new Vectis stock comes up I always wonder where it comes from. It always seems to be stuff people haven't seen before.

As to cost, obviously it depends on quality, but yes it's a significant chunk of cash to start from scratch now.

 

[_Lee_]

Personally id say there are a good few more in private hands. Not every person likes it to be known. However, i also know some people who have said they have a set when they are in fact resealed :twisted: i see nothing wrong with a resealed set, but dont make out they are sealed moc. Some people do it to give it the ' Billy big bollox'

I know of two sets belonging to people who dont use online forums at all, so thats another 2 in the mix

Lee

Edit: and its not impossible, you just need a bit of money, patience and luck.

 

[mr_palitoy]

Thanks guys, I find this all very interesting. In addition to the spreadsheet I was talking about, I saw a thread on Facebook and there was what looked like a full set of the first 12 in the background and I don't think it was someone who posts on here so there's another +1

When new Vectis stock comes up I always wonder where it comes from. It always seems to be stuff people haven't seen before.

As to cost, obviously it depends on quality, but yes it's a significant chunk of cash to start from scratch now.

I think the thread you saw was on my vintage Facebook group which has my first 12 palitoy moc as a banner.

Jason

 

[jambobbyb]

I couldn't even finish a set of beater Kenner 12 backs! :lol:

 

[theforceuk]

I couldn't even finish a set of beater Kenner 12 backs! :lol:

No how you feel. :lol:

 

[sith-smith]

It's odd how iconic the first 12/20 have become as a grail/focus. Especially when there are other parts of the Palitoy debut run that are far harder to complete and other card productions runs from other countries!

I guess this is a UK forum so kinda understandable and they were the first ones a lot of us remember as kids.

Of all my Palitoy I think the first 20 would be the last I'd ever sell.

 

[jambobbyb]

Ignoring the palitoy Kenner angle I think the first 12/20/21 really were the start of something and that's why they draw such a crowd, I can't even remember 12 backs I was born in 76 and I didn't start playing with Star Wars stuff till I saw Star Wars and ESB on TV just before Jedi came out.

 

[theforceuk]

It's odd how iconic the first 12/20 have become as a grail/focus. Especially when there are other parts of the Palitoy debut run that are far harder to complete and other card productions runs from other countries!

When you say the first 12/20 do you mean all the 20 backs or just the new 8?

Kenner is more nostalgic for me than Palitoy as I was not born until 1980 only remember ROTJ and Tri-logo cards. Still like the Palitoy one's though.

 

[palitoyjunky]

Palitoy only did the 2nd series of 8 figures on 20 back cards so no 12 back figures exist on 20 backs-not like Kenner :!:

Indeed there are a fair few sets out there no doubt :!: As Gary once said the 12 and 20 back set is the easiest Palitoy Logo set to put together and I don't mean to sound arrogant here Note however we r talking standard complete sets. If one starts to talk of the large head Han 12 back being included the number of complete sets r drastically less as there r only around 6 large head examples out there. Including the VCJ too I know of only 2 complete sets :!:

With a bit of help I put a mint set(including large head Han) together in just over a year and a half. Started early 2009 and was done in Nov 2010

 

[Andyclarke]

I have had 19 of the 20 over time all but chewie. Nothing sold as a set. I even picked up two beautiful unpunched Luke's in one go along with about 40+ other 12 backs and 5 Luke X Wing 20 backs about 8 years ago. These would have gone along way to making up sets.