Yorkshire soldier sells massive Star Wars collection at auction: Do you have cash in the attic?

Jason Darling auctioned his extensive Star Wars collection, which began in 1983 when he received a Palitoy Millennium Falcon for Christmas. Although the initial craze faded, Jason continued collecting through flea markets and jumble sales, amassing a vast collection by the mid-1990s. Stored during his military service in Germany, the collection remained intact for 20 years.

Now retired and downsizing, Jason decided to sell most of it, along with his Dr. Who, Batman, and Star Trek memorabilia. Jason felt it was the right time to pass on the majority of his collection, giving others the chance to enjoy and appreciate the items he had treasured for so long. The 55-lot sale, which spanned nearly three decades, featured many rare boxed items.

Highlights included a Palitoy Star Wars Return of the Jedi Millennium Falcon vehicle, boxed, which sold for £110 and a Palitoy The Empire Strikes Back Slave I – Boba Fett’s spaceship, also boxed, went for £200. Meanwhile, a Kenner Land of the Jawas action playset, boxed, matched the Millennium Falcon’s result, securing a final price of £110.

He’s not the only one who had success at the David Duggleby Auctioneers & Valuers Toys and Models sale held on March 6 in Scarborough.

From vintage wooden pieces to beloved Star Wars memorabilia, Pokémon cards, and Charlie Bears, the sale showcased the enduring appeal of nostalgic and rare collectables, highlighting both their exceptional quality and the strong demand in today’s market.

Carved toys

Carved wooden toys, particularly those crafted by skilled makers such as Frank Whittington, continue to captivate collectors with their intricate detail and nostalgic charm. Among the standout lots were two exceptional carved and painted wooden groups attributed to Frank Whittington of Forest Toys, Brockenhurst. An early to mid-20th century hunting group featuring three horses and riders, two in red hunting jackets, six hounds, and a deer, achieved an impressive final hammer price of £1,300. Meanwhile, a charming trio of early to mid-20th century jockeys on horseback, also attributed to Forest Toys, sold for £650.

Charlie Bears

Charlie Bears remain a favourite among collectors, admired for their high-quality craftsmanship, soft plush designs, and endearing personalities.

A large plush jointed teddy bear named ‘Ian’, designed by Isabelle Lee with light brown fur and a brown bow, sold for £75.

Pokémon Cards

Pokémon cards from the original sets continue to perform well at auction, with collectors eager to acquire nostalgic favourites and rare editions. The enduring popularity of classic sets like Base Set, Jungle and Team Rocket ensures strong demand, particularly for holographic and first edition cards.

It’s quite rare to come across French Pokémon cards, let alone first edition ones, making this collection a true standout. A diverse selection of approximately eighty English and two hundred French Pokémon TCG trading cards achieved a final hammer price of £360.

Do you have similar toys & models?

If you have similar items and are considering selling, we would be delighted to hear from you. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation valuation and find out how much your toys, models, and collectibles could be worth at auction!

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