An item was listed on eBay this week marketed as an original Millennium Falcon model used in Star Wars. This auction, ended early (eBay Item #140184695886), was titled:
From the marketing description:
Original Millenium Falcon model used in the original Star Wars movie. I have a cousin who worked on the set. THIS IS THE ORIGINAL MILLENIUM FALCON. I’m not a star wars buff, this was a gift to me. It’s old and was used (obviously). Item sold as is.
On Dec-03-07 at 22:39:53 PST, seller added the following information:
I received this model in the winter of 1975. Several Toys were remodelled after this, after the movie was released. Shooting of the movie wrapped in 1976. My cousin’s initials were C.C. who gave this to me. I also have a relative with the initials E.L. who worked on the project as well (but I don’t know him very well).
Here are exchanges posted from “Ask seller a question”:
Q: Does the model have any type of date stamp or copyright info on it? Dec-04-07
A: There are no markings on it from any company. If you can find one on the outside of the model, I will return your money.
Q: Hi, What is the size of the ship and which movie was it in? Star Wars? The Empire Strikes Back ? Return of the Jedi? Revenge of the Sith? Nov-29-07
A: The ship is about 5 inches(or less) by 3 inches. And this is the model from the original move (Star Wars prior to The Empire Strikes back).
Q: For something of this importance, can we please have more clearer photos? Maybe some close ups of the hook holes as well. Bob Nov-29-07
A: I’ll try to revise the listing so you can see it.
Q: DO YOU HAVE PROOF THAT IT IS THE ONE? Nov-28-07
A: Several models of the same type were used during the shoot. It is one of these.No toy was made like this.On the bottom you can see the little holes/bolts where hooks were attached. If you ever watch the “making of movie” of star wars, you can see them taking them taking the models off these hooks. That should be enough proof. But I don’t have any kind of formal paperwork. Usually don’t get paperwork when you get a present from a relative.
Here is a photo from the auction (left), compared with a photo of the 1979 Kenner Die Cast toy (right, photo courtesy 12back.com):
Here is a photo of the retail toy in box (again photo courtest 12back.com):
Obviously, the piece offered at auction, marketed as a “model used in the original Star Wars movie”, appears to be nothing more than a vintage retail Millennium Falcon toy released by Kenner in 1979. Though obvious, it is a good example and reflection of the state of collecting original props on eBay.
Jason De Bord