Jabba's Throne Room Display
November 2021
Dave
Dave
Over the last few weeks I have built a basic display for some of my range of (mostly) vintage Kenner Star Wars figures released between 1977 and 1985. The overall box is made of plywood and perspex, with stone-effect self-adhesive tiles used to make the walls look stone. The floor is paper, printed with stone flags to provide a suitable ‘dungeon-esque’ look. I have provided ‘mood lighting’ by way of a few LEDs, either uplighting Han in carbonite with a blue/white light through the grills of the wall, or by providing a few wall-mounted red/orange lights.
|
The principal structure has been provided by adding the walls from the 2019 Jabba’s Palace Adventure Set and Jabba’s throne from the 1983 Jabba the Hutt Playset. The figures are all either Jabba’s goons as seen in Return of the Jedi, or other suitable alien characters from the Vintage Star Wars or The Empire Strikes Back ranges.
Whilst its not a movie accurate representation of what we see in Return of the Jedi, I hope it does create the right look and feel for Jabba’s Court and provides the right setting for these awesome figures. Below I provide detail around each of the pieces in the collection, providing an overview of the overall condition as well as any interesting facts about the figure. I have included the date the figure was released and the country of origin. This additional detail has been provided because there were a number of countries and factories making figures and some variations are more sought after than others. I would also like to mention Scott McNair, a close friend and expert on vintage figures, who I used (abused!) to fact check some of the details. |
2019: Jabba's Palace Adventure Set
The Vintage Collection China Hasbro released Jabba's Palace Adventure Set through Walmart stores. The set included two 3.75" Vintage Collection action figures (Han Solo (Carbonite) and Ree-Yees) and three wall panels. This display only includes the three wall panels, consisting of one wall in the middle and two side arches. The arches can either be attached sideways or facing forward, I have attached the left facing forwards and the right in line with the middle wall to create an overall ‘L’ shape running along the back of the display. The middle wall has two trophy heads, one on each side. The one on the left is the head of a Tauntaun and the other is a Jerba (Jerbas are a desert quadruped not too dissimilar to the Earth yak in appearance). |
1983: Jabba the Hutt with throne and Salacious Crumb
(Jabba the Hutt playset) Vintage Kenner Return of the Jedi Hong Kong Kenner released Jabba as a box set with his throne, the Hookah pipe with a 3-piece bowl (top, bottom, pipe on side), the side railing (which slots into the throne) and a Salacious Crumb figure. The throne has four gargoyle-like heads on the front facing and opening doors, revealing a prison area with skeleton pieces, a lizard, rats and a snake moulded inside. The doors open by turning the two outermost gargoyle heads. The two gargoyle heads in the middle have a hole in each mouth where a string (prisoner chain with collar) can be attached. The collar can go around Salacious Crumb’s neck if you wish, a shame that the original run of figures never included either a slave Leia or Oola. This version of Jabba the Hutt is sat with his tail to the side, ideal for placing on his throne. And the tail is connected to the head so that when moved back and forth it moves the head left or right. Also, both arms can be moved up and down. This Jabba has a slight discolouration from his original colour, but overall is in good condition. Crumb is made up of two pieces, with a rotating tail, shaped to perch on the front of the throne. He is in good condition for his age. |
1983: Bib Fortuna
Vintage Kenner Return of the Jedi Hong Kong This version of Bib came with three accessories, his staff, a rubberised chest piece that fastens at the back and a felt-like coat. This figure is in decent condition, not loose and no obvious rubs to his paint, the cloak is in good condition, as is the rubber chest-plate which, given the softness of the material is liable to snapping around the back. |
1978: C-3PO
Vintage Kenner Star Wars Hong Kong One of the original run of Star Wars figures from 1978, this Threepio is stamped 1977 and was released for the original Star Wars (now A New Hope) movie. Threepio has been painted all over with a chromed-yellow paint that changes the feel of the figure – making him feel very hard and almost brittle when compared to the other figures released. Overall paint is very good on this figure, with a nice uniform gold colour, but his legs are a little loose, however he does still stand well and holds his pose. |
1997: Princess Leia Organa (Jabba's Prisoner)
The Power of the Force China This Princess "slave" Leia figure was released by Kenner (now Hasbro) in 1997 as part of the Power of the Force 2 toy line. Like pretty much all of the figures in this range, she has the bulky, He-man look. She has a plastic skirt, which is non-removable, and came with a removable plastic neck chain and collar. This figure is in pretty good condition overall, with no blemishes or scuffs to the paintwork. She stands well, but due to the wide leg stance does not fit the vintage figure stands. I have included this 'modern' (relatively) figure because Kenner never released any suitable figures as part of their original runs for Return of the Jedi. |
|
1980: IG-88 (Bounty Hunter)
Vintage Kenner The Empire Strikes Back No COO (Country of Origin) This is a really nice example of the IG-88 figure with no paint rubs (regularly seen on the black belt he is wearing) and good stiff legs so he stands easily. Originally, he came with two weapons – a blue rifle and blue blaster – now missing with this figure. I do have another version of this figure, with the weapons, but he is with the rest of my bounty hunters. From doing a bit of research, this is a 'hollow tube' version of IG-88. This can be seen on his face, the two eyes are hollow. He is a silver metallic colour and his facial paint is red (rather than a duller iron metallic colour and orange eyes), he is missing the COO and the copyright (c) is small. All of these are implying that this is a China made variant from the Smile factory. Whilst not super-rare, the hollow-eyed version is slightly more sought after by collectors, so nice to have him in the display Technically, IG-88 wasn't part of Jabba's Court at the time of Return of the Jedi, however as a major underworld assassin/bounty hunter, I am sure he would have been at some point! |
1984: Rancor Keeper
Vintage Kenner Return of the Jedi Taiwan Another really nice example of the figure. The Rancor Keeper is complete with his rubbered head-dress and staff/rancor-prod. The only mark is a very (very) slight rub to the spike on his right upper armband. He stands very well, but due to his bulk he doesn’t fit ideally on the vintage bases. |
1983: Gamorrean Guard
Vintage Kenner Return of the Jedi Macau A decent Gamorrean here and the first of the two in the display. Overall, he is in good condition, but suffers from rubs to his horns, fangs and sandals – all common problems for this almost 40-year-old figure. He is complete with his axe and has good tight limbs so stands really well, with or without a base. |
1983: Max Rebo and Organ
(Max Rebo Ban 3-pack) Vintage Kenner Return of the Jedi Hong Kong A very nice example of Max Rebo here, he was released as a 3-pack along with Droopy McCool and Sy Snootles and given the number of accessories in the pack, they are often found split up and missing pieces. Indeed, it is common to see some of the keys on the organ missing as they are a single piece of plastic and easily snapped off. He does have some fading to the blue of his arms, head and legs (a very common problem) but has got incredible vibrant pink eyes. His organ is in overall good condition, all parts are complete, but a few of the gold ornamentation around the outside have had the paint rubbed off – not much but a little. |
1983: Droopy McCool
(Max Rebo Ban 3-pack) Vintage Kenner Return of the Jedi Hong Kong This is an almost flawless example of Droopy McCool, with only a slight rub to his nose. He is complete with both his clarinet-like wind instrument and his microphone – which (as with Sy Snootles’ mic) is incredibly delicate. |
1983: Sy Snootles
(Max Rebo Ban 3-pack) Vintage Kenner Return of the Jedi Hong Kong The third part of the Max Rebo Band 3-pack, Sy Snootles is the lead singer in Jabba’s throne room. This Ms Snootles is in excellent condition, retaining great colour and suffering from no rubs to her lips, horn or eyes. Her legs are a little thin so a stand does help her stay upright. She is complete with a plastic skirt and spindly microphone. |
|
1983: Lando Calrissian (Skiff Guard Disguise)
Vintage Kenner Return of the Jedi No COO A good example of Lando with just the smallest of rubs to his boots and the seat of his pants. Despite being date stamped 1982, he was released in 1983. Otherwise in great shape, and not suffering from the common hair rub associated with having his helmet pulled off and on. Lando is ‘looking up’ as his eyes have been painted on slightly off centre, but that almost makes it look like he is peaking over the front of his disguise! He stands well and comes complete with a soft plastic helmet and force pike. |
1983: Klaatu
Vintage Kenner Return of the Jedi No COO A great example of one of Jabba’s guards, Klaatu is almost flawless, with only the smallest of rubs to his boots. He comes complete with force pike and skirt. The skirt is made of two different materials, a faux leather top and faux fur bottom. It is common to see either no skirt (as is the case for the other one of these I have in the display) or to have the fur rubbed and bald in places. As such, this Klaatu is in very good condition. |
1978: Snaggletooth (red)
Vintage Kenner Star Wars Hong Kong Whilst not as rare (and therefore sought after) as his larger blue cousin, the red Snaggletooth is a still a less seen figure – perhaps his small statue meant he wasn’t as popular when the range was first released? Anyway, this isn’t a bad example of Snaggletooth, his belt buckle is in good condition (they are regularly found with rubs to the silver), but he does have a few small rubs on his tooth, fingers and his toenails. He is also missing his blaster. Snaggletooth was originally seen in Star Wars in 1977, in the Cantina scene, and wasn't in Jabba's Court. But - just look at him - he definitely fits with the overall theme, and as Old Ben said, Mos Eisley was a "wretched hive of scum and villainy", so he fits with Jabba's goons! |
1983: Squid Head
Vintage Kenner Return of the Jedi Hong Kong Another very nice example of Squid Head (later known as Tessek). He stands very well and has no obvious scuffs. He also has all of his accessories, a grey blaster pistol, a woven fabric cloak with contrasting neck trim, a white faux fur skirt and a plastic cummerbund type belt. His fur skirt has a small pink discoloration but otherwise is in excellent condition. |
1983: Ree-Yees
Vintage Kenner Return of the Jedi Hong Kong Perhaps my favourite figure from childhood, the Gran called Ree-Yees (which I am sure is just a bastardisation of three eyes!). This figure is in almost perfect condition, with only the tiniest pinprick rubs on one of his eyes (you need a magnifying glass to see it!). And he comes complete with his original golden blaster rifle. All in all, a wonderful figure. |
1979: Boba Fett
Vintage Kenner The Empire Strikes Back Hong Kong Possibly the most recognisable, and one of the most sought-after vintage figures, Boba Fett. This figure has been played with by the look of it, with rubs to the chest armour (very common) as well as the brown belt pouches (probably from moving the arms up and down), and it looks like a smaller child may well have had a bit of a chew on his red rocket in the backpack! He is also missing his blaster; however, his limbs are all stiff and he stands well. I do have another version of Boba, who is in better condition and has his blaster - he is kept with my 'Bounty Hunters'. |
1983: Klaatu (Skiff Guard Outfit)
Vintage Kenner Return of the Jedi Hong Kong This is a different variation of the Klaatu character, wearing the costume that was seen outside for the Sarlaac scene of the movie. The figure is in very good condition once again, very stiff limbs, but with small rubs along the edge of his kilt around the back. He is also complete with his force pike/blaster rifle. This is the same Klaatu character that came in two versions (palace outfit and skiff outfit), so technically wouldn't be in the palace in two costumes at the same time. However, given the different costume, I am happy for this to represent a completely different Nikto. |
1978: Hammerhead
Vintage Kenner Star Wars Hong Kong A wonderful Hammerhead figure in overall good condition, his brown skin and vibrant blue tunic providing a great contrast. His limbs are nice and tight, however his head is a little loose (not something noticeable when the figure is on display) and he comes complete with his blue blaster. His eyes have been painted slightly off-centre providing the appearance he is glancing to the left. Hammerhead was another alien we originally saw in the Cantina in Mos Eisley, so fits the overall atmosphere for Jabba's Palace. |
1983: Weequay
Vintage Kenner Return of the Jedi No Coo Another of my favourite figures from childhood (don’t ask me why) is the Weequay. Once again, the vibrant blue on the sleeves contrasts nicely with the brown of his armour for a very colourful combination. The figure is nice and tight so stands well and has no apparent rubs. He also has his original force pike. |
|
1983: Princess Leia Organa (Boushh Disguise)
Vintage Kenner Return of the Jedi Taiwan This is a great Princess Leia figure, complete with both her rubber helmet (to complete the Boushh disguise) and her force pike/rifle. She is in great condition, with really tight limbs and almost no rubs – the figure (as with Lando’s disguise) often suffers from rubs to the face and hair where the helmet is removed and put on, but thankfully this version is free from that flaw. However, the helmet does have a slight rub on one corner, and Leia’s face appears to have a small beauty spot on her right cheek. An interesting fact about this figure is that the rifle goes on her back (with the stock fitting nicely under her left armpit), and her helmet fits snugly over her backpack completely changing the overall appearance of the figure! I know that technically, Leia wouldn't be in a scene as both Boushh and as a captive slave of Jabba, however, how can you not include this exquisite figure in the display? |
1978: R5-D4
Vintage Kenner Star Wars No COO This R5-D4 figure carries the date 1977 but was released in 1978 and carries the copyright GMFGI (General Mills Fun Group Inc) rather than LFL (Lucasfilm Limited) but is without a country of origin. Overall good condition, the head still clicks when its turned, and the legs are stiff. The original sticker is starting to discolour but is intact, with only small scuffs where the legs rub on the bottom. R5 was (possibly) already a scrap pile by the time of Return of the Jedi, due to his bad motivator at the Lars Homestead. However, alongside the Jawas detailed below, he does make a nice addition (and adds a good colour contrast) to the display. |
|
1978: Jawas
Vintage Kenner Star Wars Hong Kong There is very little difference between the two Jawas in the display. Both carry the GMFGI stamp, and both are dated 1977, despite being released in 1978. These are the cloth robe version (not the vinyl cape version which is much rarer) and both are missing their ion blaster. Both have small rubs to their hands but are overall in good condition. The only differences are to their eyes. One has tiny yellow pinpricks whilst the other has larger yellow eyes, which could well imply that they came from different factories. |
1983: Klaatu
Vintage Kenner Return of the Jedi No COO This is another example of the Klaatu with faux fur skirt, but unfortunately this Klaatu has lost his skirt (and force pike) somewhere over the last 38 years! Overall good condition, nice tight limbs, with small rubs to his boot tips. Even though this is the same character as already included, the loss of his kilt makes him appear very different in the overall display. |
|
1978: Greedo
Vintage Kenner Star Wars Hong Kong Greedo is a very brightly coloured figure, being predominantly two shades of green. He is very tight limbed and stands well, and has no rubs, but is missing his blaster pistol unfortunately. However, this figure seems to have been undersprayed on one of his arms. From doing much research online, both arms should be bright green with dark green hands, wrists, a dark green ring around the elbow joint and at the shoulder. On my figure this is the case on the left arm, but the right only has a dark green hand – the wrist, elbow area and shoulder are all bright green. Given the neatness of this, I can only assume this was a mistake when he was made, and this colour was never applied. He also has a small blotch of dark green on the back of his left leg above his boot. This might make him a rarer piece than I thought! We all know that Greedo was dead by the time of Return of the Jedi, but he must have been a regular at Jabba's Palace to be one of his goons. |
1980: Dengar
Vintage Kenner The Empire Strikes Back Hong Kong This is a good example of the Dengar figure, with good, stiff limbs and no paint rubs. There are a few variations of this figure and this one has a dark flesh coloured face (the range is from very pale to yellow) and purple/brown armour (it can be chocolate brown in some cases). He is complete with his blue rifle. |
1983: Gamorrean Guard
Vintage Kenner Return of the Jedi Macau Another decent Gamorrean here and almost exactly the same as the previous one. Overall, he is in good condition, but has similar paint rubs to his horns, fangs and sandals. This one is without his axe but has the same tight limbs so stands really well. Given we saw a couple of Gamorreans at Jabba's Palace, I am happy to have included a 2nd in the display. |
1978: Gonk Droid
Vintage Kenner Star Wars Hong Kong An almost immaculate version of the Gonk Droid, with all stickers still in good condition and red painted panels still clear and unscuffed. The droid’s legs still click but are perhaps a little loose. However, the Gonk still stands upright with no problem. |
2015: Han Solo in Carbonite
The Black Series 3.75" China This figure was originally released with a Han Solo in just a shirt as part of the 3.75” Black Series. The figure carries the year 2014 despite being released in 2015. Overall nice figure with clean paint application on the controls on the top right-hand side. Again, as with Leia in her slave outfit, this figure (can you call a box a figure?) is modern. Unlike Leia, there is a vintage version of this figure (I had one as a child), but it is a hard to find piece today (and carries a high price tag when you can find one), and (if I am honest) its not the greatest 'figure'. So (for now) I am happy to include this modern addition. And the silver finish reflects well when the underfloor lighting is turned on. |
All in all, this has been a great build, and I have enjoyed both the practical aspects of the build as well as the research I have done on the figures in my collection. I have learnt so much about the intricacies of collecting vintage figures - I had no real understanding of the variants that are around, and how differences can be traced back to individual factories around the world. This is such a great hobby, and one where you are constantly learning new things - even after 20 or more years of collecting and at the age of 48!
Now, I am on a mission to track down the weapons missing on some of the figures, whilst keeping an eye out for other suitable candidates to join Jabba's gang!
Thanks for reading, and for following us #MTFBWY
Now, I am on a mission to track down the weapons missing on some of the figures, whilst keeping an eye out for other suitable candidates to join Jabba's gang!
Thanks for reading, and for following us #MTFBWY