Hake’s July 26-27 auction led by Star Wars comic book concept art, Boba Fett’s L-slot prototype…

YORK, Pa. — If lovers of modern art could grant one wish, it might be the discovery of a major, hitherto unknown Picasso. While Picasso lovers may have a very long wait ahead of them, those who revel in the uniquely imaginative art and imagery of the Star Wars saga may well see their wishes granted later this month, when Hake sells to auction six extraordinary works of art from the early days of Star Wars. .

The July 26-27 pop culture memorabilia auction features six consecutive lots of original Star Wars artwork that only a small circle of insiders would know about. Each lot contains never-before-seen concept art that legendary comic book artist Al Williamson (1931-2020) created in the late 1970s for a project star wars daily cartoon. Williamson, already considered an industry titan for his work with EC Comics and for drawing the 1960s Flash Gordon comic strip, prepared 12 strips to cover the paper’s first two weeks of publication (Sundays weren’t not included). However, the deal never went through. Russ Manning (1929-1981) was asked to write and draw the star wars strip, which he did from 1979 to 1981, when poor health forced him into retirement. At that time, Williamson returned to handle art and storyboard duties until the strip’s conclusion in 1984.

As for the disposition of Williamson’s original concept art, the first six strips were gifted to George Lucas, while the six strips intended for the second week of release were given to Star Wars marketing genius Charles Lippincott (1939 -2020). “Mr. Lippincott’s six gifted works of art have never left his family, and now it’s our privilege to represent his widow by offering original never-published art to collectors of Star Wars, comic books and movies. fine art from around the world. This is an absolutely unique opportunity,” said Hake President Alex Winter. The art is cataloged in six consecutive lots, each carrying a pre-sale estimate of $10,000 to $20,000 .

Who better to share the limelight in the Star Wars section of the auction than one of the highest rated prototype Boba Fett rocket-firing action figures Hake’s has ever come across in its 55 years of business? story ? The encapsulated L-slot version – “L-slot” referring to the shape of the dorsal slot that secures the rocket release button – of Kenner’s 1979 Star Wars toyline is rated AFA 85 NM+ (housing d ‘archives) and comes with a notarized CIB LOA. “We’ve seen record price after record for Boba Fett prototypes here at Hake’s,” Winter said. “In March 2022, an AFA 50 VG J-slot version sold for $204,435; while three different L slots – each rated AFA 85 NM+ – have sold for successively higher prices since 2018, reaching $165,200. In June, an AFA 80+ NM example of an L-slot Boba Fett sold at our all-Star Wars auction for a world record $236,000. That of our July sale is of an even higher level. Bid estimate: $200,000 to $350,000

Many rare standard production figures were consigned to the July event, including a 2.25-inch Jawa (vinyl cape version) from Kenner’s 1978 Stars Wars toyline. Rated AFA 85 NM+ on an unpunched 12 Back-A blister card, the Jawa figure is preserved in an archival case and is up for auction with an estimate of $35,000-$50,000. The highlights continue with a right-arm GI Joe: A Real American Hero Commando Snake Eyes action figure from Hasbro’s 1982 toyline. This coveted “Joe” on the first variety of cards is rated AFA 80 NM. According to the AFA’s population report, there are only two known examples in a higher grade, justifying an estimate of $10,000 to $20,000. Completing this trio of action figure royalty is an 8-inch green Goblin from Mego’s “The World’s Greatest Super-Heroes” line. Issued in 1977 and rated AFA 80+ NM (archive case), it is the only rated example included in the AFA population report. His pre-auction estimate is $10,000 to $20,000.

A host of comics will be available for auction, including classics such as Marvel’s amazing fantasy #15. A landmark Silver Age issue published in August 1962, it features The Amazing Spider-Man (Peter Parker) and Parker’s Aunt May and Uncle Ben. In good CGC 2.5+ condition, it is estimated between $35,000 and $50,000. A treasure from Marvel’s Bronze Age, The Incredible Hulk #181 was released in November 1974 and features the Wolverine’s first full appearance. A must-have comic in CGC 9.6 NM+ condition, its pre-sale estimate is $20,000-$35,000.

Original pen and ink drawing by Mike Sekowsky for DC Comics Justice League of America #19, May 1963, is significant because it depicts the members of the Justice League revealing their secret identities for the first time. The art on this particular page (16) includes Batman, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Green Lantern, The Flash, and Green Arrow, showing them first as superheroes entering their own private dressing rooms and then emerging into their civilian dress and introducing himself to another. Estimate: $10,000 to $20,000

It is unlikely that any baseball memorabilia collector would not be familiar with the T206 Honus Wagner card or Sports News Babe Ruth’s rookie card, both of which regularly sell in seven figures in any condition. But even the most advanced collectors might not be aware of an ultra-rare 1888-89 N173 Old Judge (Cigarettes) premium postcard featuring Baseball Hall of Famer Mike “King” Kelly. Distinguished as captain of the Boston Beaneaters and previously with the Chicago White Stockings and Cincinnati Red Stockings, Kelly finished his career with the New York Giants. “There are only five known cabinet cards featuring Kelly in street clothes, and only two have appeared at auction so far,” Winter said. “Our example will be the third, and it’s new to the market.” A winning bid of $75,000 to $100,000 is expected.

Collectors of political memorabilia know they will always see something exquisitely rare in a hake sale, the July 26-27 event being no exception. Highlights include a Ulysses S Grant and Schuyler Colfax 1868 jugate cotton glazed field parade flag with a 35-star canton. Perhaps the finest of the four known examples, this extremely desirable flag is listed in Herbert Collins’ reference son of history and is estimated between $10,000 and $20,000. Fast forward to the 20th century for a James M Cox and Franklin Delano Roosevelt jugate button from the 1920 US presidential election. At 5/8 inches in diameter, it represents the smallest size in which this particular type of pinback has been manufactured. “There are very few Cox/Roosevelt buttons in any size, and all are believed to have been maker’s samples,” Winter noted. The bid estimate for this elusive political gem is $10,000 to $20,000.

A primitive and possibly unique Led Zeppelin concert poster leads the music collectibles section. Printed in black on white textured card stock, it promotes a 1969 show in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, featuring the opening band Copperpenny. Reportedly, the show attracted only 2,000 fans, a quarter of what the venue could accommodate. Sporting the image of an airship and displaying ticket prices of $4 or $5, the poster has been preserved for posterity in the collection of the venue’s sound technician. Estimated between $10,000 and $20,000, it will be forwarded to the winning bidder with a letter from the original owner’s brother, along with a COA from Hake.

Hake The July 26-27, 2022 auction is now open for bidding. For a free print catalog or additional information on any item for sale, call 866-404-9800 (toll free) or 717-434-1600; or email hakes@hakes.com. View the full catalog online and register to bid on https://hakes.com/.