Friday, March 3, 2023

Prototype R2-D2 or bootleg?

A fellow collector sent me some photos of a R2-D2 figure he spotted online, which is currently at auction, and it's described as both a "prototype first shot" and an "unpainted Spain bootleg" in the title. In the item description, it is referred to as a "rare unpainted first shot prototype". It is an oddity to be sure, but no origin details have been mentioned. Due to the crude construction near the seam, it makes me first think of a custom made from resin, but it could also be exactly what the seller describes. Prototypes and bootlegs aren't something I tend to collect myself, but thought it would be interesting to catalog nonetheless.