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.

C-3PO matte finish?

A C-3PO figure made it's way to auction, it is the alternate paint verison (gold) of the Comics Spain release, but this sample appears to be more of a bronze matte finish, rather than gold. It could have weathered with time and other elements, or it could be a paint error, as there is no known variant with this finish for the figure.

Newly discovered Droids Bootlegs?

A pair of newly discovered bootlegs have been spotted at auction, this time both droids molded in the correct colors and painted to look like the Comics Spain releases, but both deformed and sloppily painted. No confirmation on country of origin or year produced as of yet. The R2-D2 is difficult to discern at first, but the C-3PO has some glaring differences, from the green nose to the hilariously gaping mouth.

Kneesaa: Paint Error (3)

Princess Kneesaa of Endor, would surely never leave the hut without painting her lips, yet here is a sample found with no "lipstick" applied. It's always possible that it was intentionally removed by an owner, or rubbed off with time and play, but we leave no error undocumented.

Disney C-3PO: Custom!

Found at auction, this Disney Star Tours sample of C-3PO is incorrectly listed as Comics Spain, and has also been customized to include a keychain. While a number of the Comics Spain figures were indeed sold as key rings, they were produced that way at the factory level, and you'll be able to notice the difference at the top of the head, where a pin / screw was inserted. With the Comics Spain versions, you'll be able to distinguish paint on the metal, because the rings were inserted before the figures were hand-painted. With this Disney custom, you can see force was applied to drive it into the head at a later time.

C-3PO base color revealed!

Some collectors have often speculated what the base color is for the gold C-3PO figure released by Comics Spain, and whether they were simply repainted copies of the standard yellow figure. From the well worn sample seen below, it appears that the base color was actually different, a light pink or even flesh tone. A number of years ago, another sample surfaced of the same color, with no paint, so it could have been chemically stripped. The same may have been true for the solid yellow samples that have come to market.

Wicket Key Ring: exclusive to Japan?!

Another Wicket key ring has been found, and oddly enough, it hails from Japan like the previous sample noted in 2018. I confirmed by comparison that they are indeed unique figures, including some alternate deco. While all of these originated in Spain, its interesting to note that both Wicket key rings were discovered in Japan.