Star Wars Toys

Q I heard a story that the first Star Wars toys were offered for sale before they were made, so the company sold an I O U letter for the first toy characters and more. Is that true? How long was it after the movie was shown before the toys were for sale?

A The Star Wars movie was released May 25, 1977. Kenner Products, a Cincinnati toy company, had bought the rights to make toys based on the film. But there was not enough time to make small plastic figures, just board games. The popularity of the movie signaled that the toys would be bestsellers, so they sold an IOU for $11.99 that could be redeemed at Christmas for an early bird box of puzzles, stickers, membership in the Star Wars Club, Luke Skywalker’s autograph and future delivery of the four figures. The toys were delivered in March 1978. Of course the early bird box, the contents, and the first toys are the Star Wars collectors ”holy grails.” It is said that a package in great condition would sell for $7,500 or more. There have been eight movies and more, and another movie due in 2019. Their popularity adds to the fame and price of the memorabilia.