Had to choose between an original Star Wars blaster and a replica last month at a con in Orlando

I was at MegaCon in Orlando last month and found both a real ANH E-11 prop (screen used in the background) for $1,200 and a super detailed replica for $400. I went with the replica because I could actually handle it without gloves and paranoid insurance stuff. It's held up great at home but I keep wondering if I should have grabbed the real one since it had that worn in look from the actual set.

2 comments

2 Comments

terryr4627d ago

I actually watched a whole video from a prop collector who explained that a lot of those "screen used" blasters from the original trilogy are actually pretty beat up (like, barely held together with tape and glue) because they were never meant to be seen close up. He said the ones that pop up at cons often have cracks in the resin or missing pieces that make them fragile, not a great investment if you want to handle it at all. So honestly, $1,200 for a background piece that might fall apart in your hands sounds risky to me (especially without some kind of provenance paperwork). The replica route makes more sense if you want something that looks good and can survive a drop or two. Plus, you can always weather it yourself if you want that worn in look, there's a ton of tutorials on YouTube for that exact model. I think you made the smart move, especially since you're actually enjoying it at home instead of locking it in a display case.

rayc3827d ago

You ever tried to weather a replica yourself? I did mine with some sandpaper and a lighter - took a weekend but it looks like it came straight out of a Jawa's hands. The real prop probably had more cracks than character anyway. Plus you can actually take yours down and show kids without feeling sick if it gets a ding.

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