A New HopeThe Empire Strikes BackReturn of the Jedi Classic Star Wars is a sub-theme of the Star Wars theme of products. It includes many of the vehicles and characters from the Star Wars Original Trilogy, which consists of Episodes IV, V and VI. The events of these Episodes occur in LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy and LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga. As the main characters in the classic trilogy, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader are seen in many of the sets, as is the case with other main characters like Han Solo, Princess Leia, and more. However, Rebels, from pilots to Endor Commandos, are also very common, as are Stormtroopers. This subtheme is based on the happenings between the boarding of the Tantive IV to the Victory Celebration following the destruction of Death Star II. All the Minifigures in this theme up through 2004 had a yellow skin tone (see Biggs Darklighter), except those depicting aliens (Chewbacca/Greedo) or dark skinned people (Lando Calrissian).
In late 2004, skin colors were switched to a light nougat for more realistic minifigures. Mini sets are a cheaper and easier way to buy LEGO Star Wars sets that are reasonably accurate, yet easy to build. Most classic Trilogy mini sets are no longer sold, being now a part of the Clone Wars subtheme. Many are minikit sets that may be viewed in the LEGO Star Wars video games after collecting all of the minikit canisters. Four series of planet sets have been released through 2013. These sets include a minifigure, planet, and microscale vehicle. Though not very common, LEGO has released a few Technic Star Wars sets. These usually came with features like movable arms or a turning head. These sets, however, did not last to the present. Many sets in the Classic Trilogy are Ultimate Collectors' Series sets, due to their large size or importance in the Original Trilogy. Most of these sets are display sets, and can be released as Exclusive or Hard to Find items. The most popular UCS set is the 10179 Millennium Falcon due to its status as the largest LEGO Star Wars set released, containing over 5,000 pieces.
Unlike most Ultimate Collectors' Series sets, this set includes minifigures, explaining its popularity. Magnet sets and pens have also been released. Minifigures incuded with these items can be used in vehicles or dioramas, and are usually rare or hard to find characters. Few promotional sets have been released, but more are likely to be in the future. Many Star Wars Keychains have been released, usually featuring characters of repute such as Darth Vader. Luke SkywalkerBen KenobiLuke Skywalker (Endor)Scout TrooperLuke Skywalker (Pilot)Dak RalterRebel Trooper (Hoth)R2-D2Biggs DarklighterRebel MechanicDutch VanderDarth VaderAstromech DroidDarth VaderEmperor PalpatineHan SoloLuke SkywalkerBoba FettChewbaccaLuke SkywalkerHan SoloA-Wing PilotHan Solo (Carbonite) (Version 1)B-Wing PilotAstromech DroidHan SoloChewbacca (Meant to be Old Brown)Princess LeiaC-3POTIE PilotImperial PilotRoyal GuardLobotPaplooScout TrooperStormtrooperWicketImperial OfficerGamorrean GuardT-16 PilotBib FortunaJabba the HuttGonk DroidB'omarr MonkEV-9D9Princess Leia(Slave)SnowtrooperAT-AT PilotLando CalrissianLuke Skywalker(Cloud City)Princess Leia(Cloud City)Hoth Rebel Trooper (Version 2)GreedoSandtrooperLuke Skywalker (Dagobah)YodaHan Solo (Hoth)Princess Leia (Hoth)
Droid BrainDarth Vader(Light-up-lightsaber)Emperor Palpatine (Grey)Imperial OfficerOwen LarsJawa (x3)R5-D4R1-G4ASP DroidTreadwell DroidA-Wing Pilot (Light Flesh)Rebel Mechanic (Grey)B-Wing Pilot (Light Flesh)Ten NumbIG-88DengarBespin GuardPrincess Leia (Slave, light flesh)R2-D2 (serving tray variant)Gamorrean Guard (Brown arms)Lando Calrissian (Guard disguise)Grand Moff TarkinImperial Officer (Version 2)R2-Q5Mouse DroidWedge AntillesAT-ST PilotK-3PORebel Trooper (Hoth) (Version 3)General VeersAT-AT Pilot (Version 2)Shadow StormtrooperRebel TrooperLuke Skywalker (Tatooine, new)Luke Skywalker (Stormtrooper disguise)Han Solo (Stormtrooper disguise)Princess LeiaBen Kenobi (hood)Darth Vader(new design)R2-D2(new design)C-3PO(new design)Emperor Palpatine (new design)Assassin DroidR2-Q5IT-ODeath Star DroidDeath Star TrooperDianogaRebel Trooper (Version 4)TauntaunAdmiral AckbarMon MothmaLando CalrissianGeneral MadineMon Calamari OfficerDarth Vader (new design)Captain Antilles WicketPaplooChief ChirpaPrincess LeiaRebel CommandoZev SenescaHoth OfficerRebel Soldier (Hoth, redesigned)Imperial Officer (Hoth)Luke Skywalker (Hoth)SkeletonWampaSecurity DroidSandtrooper (Black pauldron)Ben Kenobi (New Face Design)BosskLuke Skywalker (New hair)Princess Leia (New hair colour)TokkatLograyDengar 2011 redesignIG-88 2011 redesignAdmiral PiettPrincess Leia(Slave)
Scout TrooperStormtrooperRebel CommandoRebel CommandoC-3POSandtrooper (Squad Leader)Sandtrooper (Sergeant)Death Star TrooperImperial OfficerR5-J2TIE Fighter PilotJek PorkinsR5-D8Luke SkywalkerPrincess LeiaGold Leader (Dutch Vander)R5-F7Boba FettLuke SkywalkerLando Calrissian (Guard Disguise)KithabaBib FortunaGamorrean GuardOolaB'omarr MonkJabba the HuttSalacious B. CrumbLeia Organa (Boushh Disguise)Han SoloX-wing PilotLobotAT-ST PilotSnowspeeder PilotHan SoloA-Wing PilotLuke SkywalkerMalakiliRancorTIE PilotB-wing PilotSnowspeeder PilotLuke SkywalkerGeneral RieekanHoth Rebel TrooperHoth Rebel TrooperSnowtrooperRee-YeesLeia Organa (Slave, redesign)R2-D2 (Serving tray, redesign)Max ReboWeequayEwok WarriorTeeboChief ChirpaScout TrooperLuke SkywalkerPrincess LeiaHan SoloRebel CommandoRebel CommandoOne of the joys of collecting is being able to tie a collection to something that everyone knows. One great way to do that is by collecting LEGO Star Wars sets.. These sets combine two hobbies into one: Star Wars fandom and LEGO collecting.
As with any collectibles, the real quest is for unopened sets, and the earlier the sets the better. The key to buying vintage LEGO Star Wars sets lies in knowledge, the knowledge which sets are which and how to tell the earliest sets from the later ones. This means knowing how to identify particular sets and what makes any given set interesting to collectors. The more any given buyer knows, the better able they are to make an informed decision, and the more likely they are to be satisfied with it. Star Wars may have begun as a single movie released in 1977, but since then it has become a worldwide phenomenon. The franchise has spawned six movies, as well as assorted games, books, comics, TV series, and even toys. It has become a part of American mythology, with characters everyone knows. With that kind of popularity, it is no surprise that Star Wars has spawned a host of collectibles that have done nothing but risen in popularity over the years. LEGO is one of the simplest toys ever invented.
At the core, they are nothing more than blocks designed to securely snap together. While the company has been making toys since 1932, the first "automatic binding bricks," the forerunner of all LEGO construction sets were released in 1949. By 1958, the tube coupling system had been patented, and LEGO bricks had gained the basic design they have kept ever since. 1978 saw the release of the first LEGO mini figures, laying down basic design principles that are still followed. From then on, LEGO grew to become a worldwide toy powerhouse and a household name across the globe. For LEGO collectors, perhaps the most important fact about the LEGO Star Wars sets is that Star Wars was LEGO's first license in the company's history. Every LEGO product prior to 1999 had been based on the company's own characters and intellectual property. Star Wars changed all that. From then on, LEGO was a full player in the global marketplace, combining its brand and strengths with those of other companies. The first LEGO Star Wars sets were released in 1999, just in time for the opening of the Phantom Menace, the first new Star Wars film in over fifteen years.
When looking for vintage Star Wars LEGO sets, there are a number of factors that every collector should consider. Most of these factors apply to almost every collectible toy, but that universal applicability does not make them any less important when dealing with a LEGO Star Wars Set. For many collectors, the most important thing is that the collectible be as close to brand new condition as possible. This means that in many cases, the most collectible toys are those that were bought new and never opened. One reason for this is that collectible toys are not really toys in the classic sense at all. Toys exist that children can play with them. Collectibles exist so that adults can own and look at them. They are more about memory than play, and keeping them pristine in the packaging helps keep that memory. Unopened sets are always the most desirable. While many collectors look for an unopened box, not all are able to find them or have the resources to get all the vintage LEGO Star Wars sets they want in sealed boxes.
These collectors are thus forced to look for opened sets. The first thing they are likely to look for is completeness. It is not enough that it be the set they want, it also matters that the entire set is there. Every single piece has to be in the box for it to matter. In many cases it can be almost impossible to find the one piece that a set may be missing, even if someone buys several incomplete sets. It is just easier to buy a complete set than having to worry about finding all the pieces to complete a partial one. Even when complete, not all sets are created equal. What sets the better Star Wars sets apart is the condition of the pieces. LEGO bricks in good condition are clean, have crisp edges, and snap together easily and securely. LEGO bricks that have seen a lot of use and wear are not as desirable as others; they are often more readily available to buyers on a tight budget. Many collectors are also drawn to rarity. The less common the set, the more they want it. One factor in play here is price.
Rare sets are harder to come by and usually more expensive. This means that the buyer may find themselves paying more for a set that is in less than perfect condition. With 370 different sets available, the question then becomes which sets count as vintage. The easiest way to make that determination is to limit it to sets that are no longer in production and particularly those from the first year. There were 13 different sets launched in 1999, with eight focusing on the Phantom Menace and the remaining five associated with the original trilogy. The following table lists the eight Phantom Menace LEGO sets from the first year of the license and provides a short description. This can help collectors figure out which ones they need. Qui-Gon Jinn fighting Darth Maul on Tatooine Fighter only and no figures Qui-Gon Jinn, Jar Jar Binks, and two Battle Droids Anakin Skywalker, Padme Naberrie, Anakin's Pit Droid Anakin Skywalker, R2D2, and two Battle Droids Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Jar Jar Binks
10 Figures including Anakin Skywalker The first thing a buyer should do before buying is to get to know the sets they are interested in. This can help them decide on which sets to look for and which are of lesser importance to them. There were five LEGO Star Wars sets based on the original trilogy released in 1999 as shown on the following table. This also provides a short description of each set. Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi Luke Skywalker and two Scout Troopers Luke Skywalker, Dack Ralter, and Hoth Rebel Luke Skywalker, Biggs Darklighter, R2D2, and Rebel Technician 7150 Tie Fighter and Y-wing Darth Vader, R5D4, and Dutch Vander These sets make a perfect starting point for any fan of the classic trilogy interested in starting a collection of vintage LEGO Star Wars sets. They offer a variety of vehicles and several different versions of the Luke Skywalker figure. One of the best places to buy vintageLEGO Star Wars sets iseBay..
A quick keyword search such as " LEGO Star Wars&" is all you need to find dozens of sets. eBay also offers filters to eliminate those sets that might not meet your requirements but appeared in the results anyway. If you are on a tight budget, you can set a limit and filter out every set that exceeds it. Finally, you can look at each listing to see exactly what the seller is offering and the condition of the set. Listings also provide a link to the seller's profile page where you can see if they offer other sets and see if they might be able to combine two or more sets in a bundle so that you can save on shipping. Star Wars was the first license that LEGO acquired, making the Star Wars sets attractive to both LEGO and Star Wars collectors. Buyers looking for vintage sets should not haphazardly buy any on the market. The most desirable sets are those which have never been opened, but some of the rarer and more valuable sets may be especially difficult to find or rather expensive. Whatever set a buyer is looking for, they should do research so they can accurately judge its condition and completeness.
Rash decisions can result in less than ideal purchases of vintage sets. Therefore, spending some time to research a set ensures buyers can find and buy vintage LEGO Star Wars sets with confidence. eBay is a good place to look for LEGO Star Wars sets. Many of the rarer, out of print sets are available here. In addition, the sight is easy to search and straightforward to use. No matter what movie, or character is your personal favorite, you can be there at the birth of Darth Vader or the final demise of the Empire. Begin browsing with a simple search for Star Wars LEGO and narrow the results as much as desired by using the menu options. Alternatively, to search for something specific, use the Advanced Search feature. It is also possible to get loose minifigs or extra bricks, without having to buy a whole kit. If any questions about a listing come up, just ask the seller. There is a contact link on his or her profile page, along with other helpful information. For example, some sellers offer free shipping, a helpful service given the weight of the larger sets.