Ben Kenobi Figure Sets Star Wars Record in Hake’s Auction

You know that old hermit who lives out by the Dune Sea? Well, he may be looking for better digs soon. A carded action figure of Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi with a double-telescoping lightsaber recently sold for $79,178, setting a record for a carded Ben Kenobi figure, and reaching the second-highest price ever paid for any carded Star Wars figure.

The auction, held by Hake’s Auctions, featured several different versions of the Kenner-made Obi-Wan Kenobi from 1978. The record-setter had a few things going for it, though, including the aforementioned double-telescoping lightsaber (quickly abandoned by Kenner), a SKU number on the yellow footer (inside the plastic blister), an unpunched card, and a grade of 75 EX+/NM from the Action Figure Authority (a division of Collectible Grading Authority).

“This auction’s results are extraordinary,” said Alex Winter, president of Hake’s Auctions. “For an Obi-Wan to reach such a high price, let alone set the record, is an amazing outcome, and we hope that the consignor is happy with the final price. Even uncarded double-telescoping Obi-Wans can go for big numbers, so everyone out there check your lightsabers.”

This auction at Hake’s, #236, also featured a number of pre-production Star Wars items, including a Yoda doll prototype, a Han Solo 12-inch figure in prototype costume, an IG-88 hand-painted prototype, a number of unused backing cards, and a carded sample of Princess Leia on Hoth, wearing a pink poncho, which went for $42,834. 

See the full auction results at Hakes.com!