Don Post Studios Helmets Value? (Royal Guard, Boba Fett, Darth Vader, and Stormtrooper)

[FilmFanatic]

Hello Everybody,

I have 4 Don Post Studios helmets, circa mid-90's.

I'm hoping to find some valid opinions as to their value. Sadly, I've come to a standstill on my movie memorabilia collection, and so some items have to go. These helmets haven't been "ok display" in years. It's time they found a new home.

Per the subject line to this thread, I have an Emperor's Royal Guard, Boba Fett, Darth Vader, and Stormtrooper. From what I can gather, the Royal Guard is the rarest, and the "deluxe" version of Vader is also of notable value - but I have no idea what versions I have. I see people mentioning specific mold numbers, but I can't seem to find numbers on the masks...but I'm probably looking in the wrong place.

I no longer have the original boxes, but none of the masks have been used outside of Vader for one random Halloween night walk around our neighborhood.

If I post photos in this thread, would you be able to help me out? I'd really appreciate any insight or guidance.

 

[dcarty]

Pictures will confirm but based on what you've mentioned so far I expect that what you have are the "standard" versions of the masks. The deluxe versions are all heavy fiberglass castings and pretty easy to distinguish. They will also have an engraved, numbered, metal plate that says Don Post Deluxe. The standard versions are all injection molded or rotocast plastic.

You can also discern by price -- the deluxe helmets were in the $1K price range when new, the standard helmets were $50-$75. There is also the Classic Action Vader which has some value. It sold around $125 or so when new and is a lightweight rotocast plastic version of the Deluxe. I think the Imperial Guard helmet sold in this price range due to its size.

As you've discovered the Imperial Guard helmet is the only one that has much collectability. The Vader and Stormtrooper helmets sold in the tens of thousands and usually sell for around $25-$40 at an average (sometimes higher if mint in mint box). The Fett helmet is in a similar price range.

The 8 year old in me has a soft spot for the Don Post helmets and I wish the market felt that way too. However, they've all been superceded by helmets that are far more accurate and they are far too plentiful to be worth much unfortunately.

Look forward to seeing the pics!

Dave C

 

[FilmFanatic]

Hi, Dave - thank you for such a quick response! Here are some pics. Sorry for the poor lighting.

I truly appreciate your insight as I don't want to ask too much or too little for them. I'm getting very nostalgic now after pulling them out for the photos...but alas, it's time they found a new home!

 

[geordietrooper]

if you haven't already you could check out starwarshelmets website here don post helmets
it will give you pretty much the same info Dave has still worth a look though
i have 3 of the standard don post and have managed to pick up a damaged classic action tie i must have a soft spot for them too lol

 

[Star Wars Helmets]

Yeah I've got a soft spot for them too - despite them being on a sliding accuracy scale of "err not too bad" to "WTF were they thinking!", with my personal favorites being the Classic Action and Deluxe TIE, Vader and Stormtroopers.. I've got most of them but am still on the lookout for a Deluxe Biker/Scout if anyone knows the whereabouts of one..

The basic range is, err quite basic, and its only really the Royal Guard that seems to go for a decent price. All the others were made in such vast quantities that theres no real value on them unfortunately.

I occasionally get emails from people who claim that their "auntie worked for Elstree/Fox/LFL in the 70's and were presented an original screen-used helmet when they retired" - which unfortunately turns out to be a squashed-in vinyl stormtrooper lid. Theres either a lot of bull$hitters out there or Lucasfilm had a really harsh way of dealing with retirees

Cheers

Jez

 

[FilmFanatic]

Thanks, everybody for your input - I truly appreciate it. So Vader, Stormtrooper, and Fett are all common. I figured as much.

What's a price range of what I could expect for the Royal Guard? Ballpark.

Actually owning a screen-used helmet would be incredible, Jez - although I imagine nearly an impossibility these days unless you want to put out a second mortgage.

 

[Star Wars Helmets]

not sure really as vie not been keeping up to date with prices, but guess $150-$200 based on condition?

 

[jedipriest]

Yeah I've got a soft spot for them too - despite them being on a sliding accuracy scale of "err not too bad" to "WTF were they thinking!", with my personal favorites being the Classic Action and Deluxe TIE, Vader and Stormtroopers.. I've got most of them but am still on the lookout for a Deluxe Biker/Scout if anyone knows the whereabouts of one..

The basic range is, err quite basic, and its only really the Royal Guard that seems to go for a decent price. All the others were made in such vast quantities that theres no real value on them unfortunately.

I occasionally get emails from people who claim that their "auntie worked for Elstree/Fox/LFL in the 70's and were presented an original screen-used helmet when they retired" - which unfortunately turns out to be a squashed-in vinyl stormtrooper lid. Theres either a lot of bull$hitters out there or Lucasfilm had a really harsh way of dealing with retirees

Cheers

Jez

I have the scout trooper version its a very strong plastic compared to black series helmets

Yeah I've got a soft spot for them too - despite them being on a sliding accuracy scale of "err not too bad" to "WTF were they thinking!", with my personal favorites being the Classic Action and Deluxe TIE, Vader and Stormtroopers.. I've got most of them but am still on the lookout for a Deluxe Biker/Scout if anyone knows the whereabouts of one..

The basic range is, err quite basic, and its only really the Royal Guard that seems to go for a decent price. All the others were made in such vast quantities that theres no real value on them unfortunately.

I occasionally get emails from people who claim that their "auntie worked for Elstree/Fox/LFL in the 70's and were presented an original screen-used helmet when they retired" - which unfortunately turns out to be a squashed-in vinyl stormtrooper lid. Theres either a lot of bull$hitters out there or Lucasfilm had a really harsh way of dealing with retirees

Cheers

Jez

I have the scout trooper version its a very strong plastic compared to black series helmets

 

[jhfagan]

Great thread!
I have the original DP Standard Vader and Standard Fett, both purchased in 1995, and recently acquired a Don Post Fett Deluxe (1996) for a great deal.
The Standard Fett broke in a fall and I had to glue his whole left side back on.
So, in doing, I decided to completely refurbish the old boy. : )
First two pics of the damage repair, the last four are after refurb and repaint.

 

[blewis17]

Yeah I've got a soft spot for them too - despite them being on a sliding accuracy scale of "err not too bad" to "WTF were they thinking!", with my personal favorites being the Classic Action and Deluxe TIE, Vader and Stormtroopers.. I've got most of them but am still on the lookout for a Deluxe Biker/Scout if anyone knows the whereabouts of one..

Jez - In 2005, I purchased a prototype fiberglass Naboo fighter pilot TPM helmet from Matthew Post, of Don Post studios; he said this was the version they showed to Lucasfilm Licensing for approval, before the vinyl versions were made and sold (see pics). I asked him about the Biker Scout/Scout Trooper "deluxe" helmet, and from what I recall he said only a few dozen were made.