Hi guys. Sorry if this is the wrong area to post this and I know of the other vintage collectibles thread, but I was hoping to get some feedback on a few lunch box questions.
I am curious about the price difference on a 1977 vintage black metal Star Wars lunch box. I know there is 2 versions, one with just stars on the side, and the other with Luke/Vader and 3PO/R2 on the sides. I have read the version with just stars is harder to find because it was the first version. Someone in Lucas productions thought it was too boring so they added Luke/Vader and 3PO/R2.
My question is what would be a decent price on the earlier version, just with stars, in good shape, missing the thermos?
Thanks for your time, Steve : )
A link to the lunch box I am referring to is here... Thanks again for any help : )
http://theswca.com/index.php?action=disp_item&item_id=24151

Gus & Dunc's book list it at $40-$75 vs $30-$40 for the latter version.

This one was 'cheap' 400518642786

Thank you AJ. I appreciate your kindness my friend : )
I am not a lunch box collector, but was given one as a gift from a friend, and found the harder to find one at a local thrift store. They display nice because of the artwork on the case : ) but I was unsure of any details beyond that. Fun learning new things beyond collecting the figures.
Thanks again my friend... Steve

The price depends on the condition of the outside and inside of your lunch box. Also it depends if you have a thermos or not and if the thermos is in good shape and does not have a broken insides.

I have seen many with the painting on the sides on ebay. This is the version i have myself. I had paid i think was around 50$ for it but it was a steal at that time. I got lucky. Usually these go over a 100$ at end of auction and that is for the second version ( again depending on the shape of the tin ). I would say that if your lunch box is in very good shape with the thermos you "should" be able to resell it over a 100$, Your selling point would be that it is the first rarer version.

Do not forget that also this lunch box had usually a red handle. If the handle is white or Blue, it could be worth even more....

you should really do some google search on this if you plan is to sell this one off or learn the value of it...there are some good sites for this....

hopes this helps...

cheers!

Cheers Bud : ) Not planning on selling either one. I was curious if the price I paid on the harder to find box was good. One was a gift, the harder to find one (sides with stars only) I got for $30. Both in nice shape, minus the thermos and both have red handles. Seems I bought it at the right price.
I appreciate your post. I enjoy displaying them as they have great artwork. Nice touch on the top of the display case : )
Steve

yes this is an awesome piece in anyone's collection. When i started collecting this is one piece of collectible i was watching for. I tried a few times before i could win one. Mine is very nice to look at which make it even more fun.

Those are super rare to get in mint...so when you get one in very decent shape consider yourself lucky... and with your first post you may have proven that the blue handle came only with the first version.... but i am not 100% sure about this...

i know i am lucky to have one.


cheers!

Late to the party but I'd agree with Bud you could easily aim for 100+ if it's decent condition and the rarer 1st issue.
Didn't know about the different coloured handles!
The metal boxes are prone to rust, scratches and dents, so as said before condition is key. I used to Watch these as I wanted one for my focus at the time. They're really cool pièces imo. I've seen the 2nd issues (and even ESB/ROTJ ones) going for between 40 - 80 USD depending on condition.

finally found what i was looking for:


price guide for lunchboxes site

If you scroll down you are gonna see the Star Wars lunch box price.



white handle star wars tin

Thank you gentlemen. It's really fun to learn about items you don't know of. I appreciate the replies and links... : )
Steve