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404. 1980s-Era Light-Up Darth Vader European Promotional Costume ### STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES B

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:37,500.00 USD Estimated At:75,000.00 - 150,000.00 USD
404. 1980s-Era Light-Up Darth Vader European Promotional Costume ### STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES B
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STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980) - 1980s-Era Light-Up Darth Vader European Promotional Costume - A light-up Darth Vader costume used for touring and promotional events in the UK circa 1980s with its original vintage electronics and showing evidence of extensive use. In addition to the 1980s promotional events, this specific costume was on display at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas circa the late 1990s.

Lucasfilm commissioned a small number of high-quality Darth Vader costumes to be manufactured for use in marketing events circa the releases of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The first in-person appearance tour featuring Darth Vader also included Boba Fett as part of the marketing campaign for The Empire Strikes Back. Following Return of the Jedi's release, a more extensive tour produced by toy-manufacturer Palitoy ran from 1983 to 1985 throughout the UK and other parts of Europe to boost sales of Star Wars toys. Newspapers informed the public of the opportunity to "Meet Darth Vader," a chance for which many children rushed; the tour was thorough and featured Vader appearances at cities and towns throughout the United Kingdom and other European countries. After the Palitoy promotional tour concluded in 1985, other UK-based promotional events such as home video release celebrations and other occasions continued to feature Darth Vader throughout the 1980s.

The costumes used for these appearances were of comparable quality to the film-used versions. They were produced in the UK by N.J. Farmer, who previously worked for Palitoy and had a longstanding relationship with Lucasfilm. Lucasfilm provided Farmer with original castings and patterns on which to base their promotional costumes. While components such as the fiberglass helmet in this costume are nearly identical to the film-used examples, the costume features unique and distinctive greeblies on the chest box, a visible on/off switch mounted on the side of the chest box to control its lights, and a visible cord which supplies power to the chest box via the belt. These elements appear extensively in photographs of Darth Vader appearances in the UK and Europe in the 1980s.

Except for a pair of boots, this costume comes complete with all other original hard and soft components included. The helmet was molded from a genuine film helmet and painted black and gray with machined aluminum "tusks," dual-layer metal grills in the vents, a single acrylic lens piece which is screwed in place, foam padding for wearer comfort, and elastane straps. The faceplate and dome, which is labeled "669" on the interio r, are secured together via a two-piece ring mounting system. The fiberglass upper body armor is painted black and gray with hinged shoulder bells. The facemask is believed to have been repainted sometime after its 1980s usage, and the helmet dome was repainted recently to restore its finish. The shoulder and chest armor may have also been repainted. Replica boots have been added to complete the costume for display.

The illuminating chest box and belt are key elements to the costume and retain their original finish and vintage electronics, which are still in operable condition. These components exhibit wear and tear from appearance use, including damage to the leather at the back of the belt. The chest box features functional flashing red lights in the coin-slot greeblies, and the belt boxes featuring illuminating green buttons; the electronics are original, but the battery pack has been updated to a modern rechargeable battery. The belt also includes a metal buckle, vintage plastic battery-holder pack, and metal lightsaber clip. The final "hard component" of the costume is the vacuum-formed shin greaves featuring fastening strip fasteners.

The black cotton cape features a leather-trimmed collar with a metal chain across it and a matching interior robe layer with evidence of N.J. Farmer manufacturers labels that were removed at some point. The quilted black leather vest features a zippered and buckled back, the cotton shirt features quilted black leather sleeves and a tie-up back, and the quilted black leather pants feature boot stirrups and a fastening strip fly with a significant tear on their back which has since been repaired. The codpiece is made of black leather with a felt backing.

This Farmer-manufactured promotional costume's components exhibit wear commensurate with its extensive use and age. It remains one of the nicest examples to come to market, showing evidence of heavy usage at promotional events and retaining original period electronics.

Contains electronics; see electronics notice in the Buyer's Guide.

Special shipping required; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.

Estimate: $75,000 - 150,000

Bidding for this lot will end on Thursday, August 15th. The auction will begin at 9:30AM PDT and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Friday, August 16th, Saturday, August 17th or Sunday, August 18th.