Why you should NEVER buy prototypes from ebay

[TWOFOOT]

Ok I last posted this a few years ago but I think it's time to post again.

A few years ago I embarked on an experiment to see how easily I could make a prototype style figure by removing all paint and copyright markings.
Using the right chemicals (No I will not say which ones) it's VERY easy to remove ALL copyright markings and paint.
I still have these figures so they don't get into the collecting Market and suddenly have a fictional backstory and paperchain. So ONLY buy prototypes from genuine sources. I know they might be cheaper on eBay but there is a reason for that. Buyer beware!!

 

[Capetown]

:shock:

Thanks for the tip. Buying (hardcopy) prototypes off ebay has become a bit of a minefield either lately:

http://www.starwarsforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=7165

 

[TWOFOOT]

Wow that makes for some interesting reading! I had a first shot atat driver in my previous collection which I am fairly sure came from bill. It was a totally different mold from the production figure but still it makes me wonder......
A friend of mine purchased a sealed redcape bib 'prototype' from a toyfare and he only realised it was fake because the coo on the leg was different to the baggie.

 

[spoons]

Wow that makes for some interesting reading! I had a first shot atat driver in my previous collection which I am fairly sure came from bill. It was a totally different mold from the production figure but still it makes me wonder......
A friend of mine purchased a sealed redcape bib 'prototype' from a toyfare and he only realised it was fake because the coo on the leg was different to the baggie.

there are documented coo differences on baggies and figs - I think Del has the details

 

[**Delboy75**]

You can get no coo figs in some baggies (hong kong and macau for instance), but other than that they should match.
You should never have say a taiwan figure in a hong kong baggie.

 

[TWOFOOT]

You can get no coo figs in some baggies (hong kong and macau for instance), but other than that they should match.
You should never have say a taiwan figure in a hong kong baggie.

That's what we thought too. If I remember correctly it WAS a Taiwan coo in a hong kong baggie.
I imagine it's quite easy to do if you just heat seal a taped c3po baggie with a different figure in.

 

[Bill McBride]

I think this is a great example of showing people why you need to do your own research when getting into
this end of the hobby. As we are seeing from the HC debacle, I am just still shocked at how many times I'm
hearing that people didn't follow up on information, or just took people at their word.
I'm not saying that you shouldn't trust people, but part of collecting these types of items is partially the education
process. If you aren't willing to step up and do the work, then don't bother.

With these examples, although finely finished, there are still numerous details which should make anyone hit the brakes
and give them a second look. On top of the issue of documentation and provenance, these are things that shouldn't be
rushed, and questions need to be answered. If you are working out a deal with someone, and you aren't getting the
information you want, or something is rubbing you the wrong way, then just walk away. The more these pieces appreciate
over the years, the more people will try to fake them.

Bill

~ On the other hand; there have been some amazing, documented prototype pieces bought over the years, so it never hurts looking

 

[**Delboy75**]

You can get no coo figs in some baggies (hong kong and macau for instance), but other than that they should match.
You should never have say a taiwan figure in a hong kong baggie.

That's what we thought too. If I remember correctly it WAS a Taiwan coo in a hong kong baggie.
I imagine it's quite easy to do if you just heat seal a taped c3po baggie with a different figure in.

People do, thats the most common baggie so very popular for using to reseal more desirable figures.
However that baggie was only used for a couple of figures, and it was never heat sealed always taped.
So with a bit of research even non baggie collectors should soon reslise its fake.

As with any baggie its always worth making sure the figure was released in that style bag.

A Taiwan figure in a hong kong baggie is 100% fake, that just wouldn't happen.

 

[tiefighterboy]

So is this real????????
http://cgi.ebay.com/Star-Wars-Vintage-Jawa-12-1978-ProtoType-Test-shot-/280588264049?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item41545d2271

 

[Ron]

thats a lot of money for a weapon

 

[tiefighterboy]

This one gets me................
http://cgi.ebay.com/Star-Wars-Vintage-IG-88-12-1979-ProtoType-Test-shot-/280588262940?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item41545d1e1c

Did not know they made IG-88 for the Palitoy line.

 

[TWOFOOT]

This one gets me................
http://cgi.ebay.com/Star-Wars-Vintage-IG-88-12-1979-ProtoType-Test-shot-/280588262940?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item41545d1e1c

Did not know they made IG-88 for the Palitoy line.

Wow. Only $2500! Bargain!! Hang on while I go to the bank!! Pmsl!!!! :lol: :lol: