Looking for Vintage Star Wars Holy Grails - EP 55 - The Padawan Collector

In this episode we hunt for my Vintage Star Wars Holy Grail - The Vinyl Cape Jawa. The Star Wars Kenner line of toys first introduced the vinyl cape version of the Jawa in 1977, but soon after that, replaced it with a cloth version. We will go over the history of this, the Star Wars Vintage lore around the Jawa, and why this is so many peoples Grail.
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#vintage
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[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Please Subscribe to see more Star Wars Collecting Content! kzbin.info/door/37w8coHZTtvKpcDm4XT1ag

[@scotthildebrand3148]

The Jawa cloth coat has many stiching variation choices. Dark brown, light brown, dark green, light green, and little more rare purple stich. Smooth coat came in the POTF cards. That'll make your head spin😵😁👌

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

I should really do an episode devoted to this figure :). When I’m done with the entire run, I want to do episodes that focus on each figure. When I get to the Jawa I’ll include these facts like this! Thanks for dropping the knowledge on us Scott! You are a Jedi Master Collector! Thanks for watching and writing your awesome comments as always!

[@Superawesomegeekshow]

Great video. Thanx for going through all the things to look for when determining if that Jawa is real or not. Very informative.

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Thanks John! I want to dive into the TolToys version, that one seems super interesting to me!

[@ashjp01]

Thanks Joey - another great production ! Crazy money for a loose - but enjoy your quest for your holy grail !

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Thanks Ashley! We will get there one day!!!! Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment :)

[@BenRai2k]

This video made me think back to 1991/2 as a kid, with my jawa from a flea market. No cape or gun. But loved playing with it lol.

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

I saw MANY figures at flea markets back then too! I wish I would have grabbed them even if they were beater, but thinking back they were all nice!!! Haha hindsight, right? That’s rad that you grabbed some figures back then! Thanks for watching and commenting, Ben :)

[@sodacauldron9560]

Great video on how difficult it can be and reminding us of the difference between going with the heart and the head. Padawan patience shall be rewarded with post pandemic prices. Alliterative advice for us all to stay on target and may the force be with you.

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Thank you Soda!! I feel like I have been blessed by the collecting godfather with your words haha!! I hope we both get great deals on our grails! The hunt is real and it’s kinda exciting :). Thank you for watching Soda! MTFBWY!

[@damastor1844]

Spot on! Great video! I have two of these in my Star Wars room. Was lucky enough to find them in the wild a few years ago.

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Thanks Damastor! Glad you were able to pick these gems up :). Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment

[@myutube68]

Can't wait for this one. I had the vinyl version in '78 and remember thinking the cloth ones that came out later were very odd. Looking forward to learning more about them. If I can ever find my first "holy grail" piece, this will be the next in line!!

[@JorgeRodriguez-ex5rr]

Another great episode. Continued luck on your quest my friend. I understand the passion. Patients is our friend. Cheers

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Thanks Jorge! I think you have to be passionate to spend this amount of time (and finances) to collect the Star Wars vintage toys :). I’m glad you share that same passion as well!!! Thanks for watching!

[@ricklipa2024]

Joey- you got the best advice regarding the pursuit of a vinyl cape jawa. This is one figure that I have never actively sought out seriously. If I would look for one now, I would definitely go for a graded one from a reputable seller, preferably from one of the FB groups. I have been collecting over 20 years, and even when I started there were plenty of loose upgraded samples (way cheaper too). However the risk of getting repro was too high for me. Usually I came across them on eBay. It was and I think still is, too difficult to authenticate a loose ungraded one on eBay. Grading figures was just getting started back when I stated collecting and eventually more graded vinyl cape jawas started to pop up. As those became more common, the prices climbed a little to high for me. Again I never searched tooseriously for one and eventually i just let any thoughts of getting one dissipate. The irony is now I can afford a loose graded one, but I have not had the desire to seek one out. I hope that if you continue your pursuit, that you do end up getting one. Its a great collecting accomplishment and I always enjoy seeing collectors reach those accomplishments.

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Wow thanks for the advice and the story of trying to get your own! I do agree with you on all aspects of trying to find a loose one. Too risky for such a high price! I hope one day you find one and I hope it’s at a price that makes me extremely jealous lol. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment Rick, I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on this! MTFBWY!

[@ricklipa2024]

It's all you brother! I don't think i will ever seek out a vinyl cape jawa. I was lucky to be able to finish the vast majority of my loose vintage Star Wars collection a long while ago. I even collected carded figures. However in the past 6 years or so, I made the fun mistake of starting to collect classic Lego Spsce and Castle sets and the G.I. Joe line from 82-94. As I am finishing those collections I don't think I will go all in on a high price, single purchase like a vinyl cape jawa. So I am going to live through your search for one and I will be cheering you on. Hopefully soon you will have one in your collection.

[@OhFrak]

Very succinctly explained and enjoyable content! Keep doing what you do!!

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Thanks Sam!!! I’m glad you are enjoying it! Thanks for watching!

[@CollectingStarWars]

Great Video Joey! I always appreciate the tips you share from you experience! Extremely Helpful! You’ll get that grail in time, when the deal is right. 🤓👍

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Thanks Steve-O!!! I was just about to watch your latest video!!!! I keep on hearing the tip that you offered in my head: patients!!!!! I def need that looking for this one! I’m always honored to read your comments Steve and thanks for watching!!! MTFBWY!

[@darthg6505]

Good try! You will get the VCJ next time! Congrats on getting 2 cloth caped Jawas. Great episode! Thanks 4 sharing!

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Thanks Darth! I'm getting close, and I hope to find one over at the ICCC in april! I would love to buy a loose / graded one from an IC member in person!!! Thanks for taking the time to watch Darth!

[@MattsCollection]

Awesome video Joey! So much great advice for collectors in trying to track down a coveted item, no matter what it is! Glad to see you didn't get caught up in the FOMO frenzy and end up going out of your budget to get your grail item....way too many people have fallen into that trap. I look forward to the day when your patience is rewarded!

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Its super hard not to just see and spend on the first item you find. I just saw an 85+ VCJ for sale today. I did bid on it, but the bedding is getting quite high and I dont think I can continue at those prices right now, unfortunately. I will find one soon! Thanks for watching Matt, and taking the time to comment :)

[@javiercetina]

Great video Joey. Every episode is entertaining and informative. I hope you find a VCJ. It was my “holy grail” also, and my dream came true about a year ago through a IC auction. I guess I was at the right place and the right time for it. Keep the videos coming, I’m watching your collecting journey.

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Wow that’s awesome that you were able to get one Javier! And you probably got it for significantly lower than what’s being asked today, so that’s great! Hopefully one is just around the bend :). Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!!!!

[@jartladder15]

Great video walking us through a holy grail hunt. Those things are getting so ridiculously expensive now. I'm lucky to have gotten several of my holy grails pieces collecting in the mid teens of 2000s. But I bought them loose, ungraded and then had them graded and it worked out in my favor then. Now that's harder to do. Keep making awesome videos!

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Hey One Time! That’s amazing you were able to grab them at that time! Your investment has sure paid off :). Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment and I hope all is well my friend!

[@Glitch969]

I have a mint, carded and loose vinyl cape Jawa. That said, the amazing Stan Solo version really took the rarity out of the figure for me. If you take that cape and put it on an original Jawa, it’s a dead ringer. That said, I LOVE the fact that the Stan Solo version exists. I have dozens of them and it’s now a figure I feel I can play around with and have fun. At this point, you would be paying hundreds or even thousand extra for a thin piece of plastic that has been duplicated beautifully for less than $20 - or free if you purchase other figures from him. Every rare Star Wars figure has been recreated to near perfection these days. Sucks for the hobby, but great for the real fans of these figures - which I am.

[@SpiceRunnersLounge]

Great episode brother.

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Thanks bro!!!

[@MoparMcNeer]

I have really been looking forward to this episode Joey. I think I commented and deleted comments while watching about three times, as you're hitting many of the things I was thinking about commenting. I'm sorry you weren't able to find the exact one you wanted this time around, but I applaud your patience and restraint in waiting for one that both fit your desired quality level and price point. As you displayed in your video, I know that going price these days has gone up dramatically, and for 80 plus graded loose figure, I anticipate paying around 2k right now. Sorry you couldn't get the British sale, I have a feeling the seller didn't get the price he was hoping for and so he just pulled the listing rather than having sold it somewhere else. Just one of those things that happens, I know I've been involved with that a few times. It's definitely frustrating when you think you're going to get a great deal. I'm of the mind that you should definitely purchase this one graded, as opposed to buying it loose and then having it checked out. Just that little bit of peace of mind. And as I know you're also already aware, because the important piece on this guy is the cape, I would definitely hold out to find a mint cape other than one with a tear or a rip. Since it's what makes the figure what it is. Another fantastic and entertaining video, looking forward to the day when you do find your grail and get to add it to your collection both in the case and for your graded run. And someday maybe even buying that carded version or trading a house for it. Lol

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Man I would love to get a carded version of the VCJ!!!! Haha that would be the ultimate centerpiece to my collection!!! Thanks for taking the time to offer your excellent comment and breakdown. You are right, taking the time to find the right item at the right price is going to be key for this one, and it’s going to be situational. I have already started to ask around to collectors who know anybody selling or getting ready to sell a VCJ. If I can do private deals before they post, and do a live in person pickup, that would be ideal :). Thank you for watching my friend! Always honored to read your comments.

[@GeneralKenobisBunker]

Man these days is extra tough to pick up grails like this, like you mentioned, the pandemic changed everything, but there are still deals to be had, great job on the Jawa! And as always thank you for sharing a wealth of information! We’ll done young one

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Thank you General!!! With these grails it’s gonna take extra time and patience!!! We will get there! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment General!

[@kiwiwookiee8465]

‘Missing out on a Grail’ - great theme for a video. Good to hear Toltoys getting a mention too (many of the SW toys we had in New Zealand, particularly early on, we’re Toltoys). Yesterday I missed out on a grail of mine - a 12 back Toltoys Darth Vader MOC, that the seller put on for $25 NZ dollars (!), and ended up going for $9,550. Way out of my league. You can’t have them all, but the hunt is still so much fun. Great content Joey, really enjoying every episode.

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Wow that’s a grand price!!!! I can see why it’s a grail! And after getting more info on the toltoys version, I would def like to pick up one of those for my collection in the VCJ!!!! I really like the color scheme of them!!! Thanks for the kind words Kiwi! And thanks for taking the time to watch and offer your comments, I really enjoy reading what you have to say! I hope all is well my friend!

[@NightLateRambler]

Another great episode! Also looking for VC Jawa, do have a (juk) repro one for now

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

I hope you get a great deal hunting for your Jawa!!! And if I see you bidding on one, I won’t bid on it lol!!! Happy hunting Sytho!!! And thank you for watching my friend!

[@deathmetalrob5563]

Well that's good you're being careful with the vinyl cape Jawa. I'm happy with my cloth cape haha.

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

I was going back and forth when I was putting together my run six months ago!!! When I found out the price, I was like “hell no”!!! But the more and more I thought about it… that really is my journey to Mordor and back to the shire. Lol.

[@edwardteach8143]

Great video, Joey! Very thorough and detailed as always! The VCJ is definitely one you need to exhibit a lot of patience for. I think I was collecting for around 15 years before I picked up my first one. I’d definitely recommend holding off for a graded, 90 but make sure the grading date is recent or it’s in a new style case to guarantee minty freshness. There are a lot of graded VCJ’s out there that have depreciated in value due to cape discoloration.

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Thanks for the tips Edward!!! Yes I fully agree with you and will be looking to go that route. Too many variables with such a high priced collectible. Thank you for watching and offering your comments :)

[@edwardteach8143]

Thanks, Joey! Just curious if you checked out that video I had previously referenced. I just sold my carded VCJ two weeks ago in that vid!

[@ashley_engle]

This comment isn't just for grails but I did AFA/CAS for anything that was either harder to come by or like the VCJ, is widely reproduced. For my VCL, I originally got in 78 and was in my childhood set until 1993 when my cat (honest to goodness) bit into the VCJ's cape of all figures laying out on a table throughout the night lol. The one I have I now (CAS 85) was won in a FB raffle. I spent roughly $250 ;) to get him in that raffle. I was determined to say the least. FB groups are for sure the way to go IMO on a piece like this merely from a trust factor 💞 p.s. Good luck to you on finding the things you like 😊

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Thanks Ashley! I am going to the ICCC in a couple weeks and am looking to buy a yak face and a VCJ either loose or graded! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment my friend!

[@AaronJediKnight]

My vintage Grails are Warok and Romba from PotF and the toon Wicket. As a future plan I would love to have the village, the glider and the wagon. But everything I just mentioned is beyond my budget. And other of my grails was, somewhat ironically, the ark of the covenant from 2008 Indiana Jones line which I finally got last week.

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Hey Aaron! Stoked that you got your Indy Grail!!! And I hope you find those last 17 Grail items soon! Thanks for watching my friend

[@GQJedi]

Great informative video, brotha! Didn't know about the Jawa Blaster being packed with that foreign Han & Leia. Love all the history behind these toys. Thanks for sharing and good luck with that VCJ. Im thinking you might be right, graded might be the way to go. Smart! MTFBWY

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Hey GQ! Yea the history of these in insane and makes me respect the toy line that we love even more! Buying grading VCJ might be the way to go. And thanks for taking the time to watch and comment! I always enjoy your vids because you go into the history and lore of the figures! Hope all is well my friend!

[@GQJedi]

@@thepadawancollectorofficial History is everything! And Kenner is full of it. Good stuff. My pleasure. Love talking Star Wars. Take it easy, bud!

[@xdd_fishlips2333]

Awesome Joey! The VC Jawa is so expensive now. Wish I got one back in the early 90s when I started collecting again. So much cheaper. I have given up on getting now. Unless I win the lottery. My grail now is tri logo Boba. Even that is stupid money now. Good luck with your hunt dude. Keep it up 👍🤘

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

The tri logo and the VCJ are both good hunts to go on! Good luck with your quest and keep me posted if you happen to pick up either!!!

[@COLINHILLSWIMS]

I bought my afa 85 vinyl caped Jawa aver 10 years ago for just over £300. I remember breaking into a cold sweat when I won it, as I couldn’t really afford it. But now I’m pleased that I pushed the boat out.

[@xdd_fishlips2333]

@@COLINHILLSWIMS that’s awesome mate. Miss good deals 😩 I remember having a chance at a mint tri logo boba for £50 about 10 years ago I didn’t get it 😢

[@mikefdethlefsen8790]

One of my holy grails was then I found a Star Wars topps box with 36 packs from 1983

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Hey Mike! Wow! I would love one of those in my collection!!!

[@kouldbayne]

I've got one grail on my list. It's the hg 1/144 dendrobium gundam. Your videos are always epic dude!

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

LOVE it!!! I jjst looked it up and thats FRIGGN AWESOME!!! I have other grails in other toy lines that I want, like an original Voltron and a boxed G1 Soundwave, so maybe I'll pick those up one day :). Thanks for watching Kouldbayne!!! Always an honor for me.

[@kouldbayne]

@@thepadawancollectorofficial if you're down to build one or ever need help finding a good kit let me know

[@krodman6399]

Imperial Shuttle. Always wanted it never had it. My youngest son’s is an Ewok Village and I’m getting it for him this month.

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

I love the way the imperial shuttle looks and would love one someday!!!! It’s the best empire centerpiece right along with the ATAT!!! Let me know your sons reaction to the Ewok village! Are you in the Padawan Academy on FB!? If not you should join and post the pics on there!

[@paulbates3038]

Great video! Sucks you couldn’t get the vinyl cape Jawa this time around but congrats on your patience! I got very lucky with my 2 grails. I always wanted Han bespin and Jedi Luke so mine came cheap and easy. Anything rare is just to show off to other collectors hahaha

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Those are GREAT figures and I have yet to pick those two up! The Jedi Luke is expensive though! At least for a complete nice looking figure, so I will have to be smart where I get that one! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment Paul! I hope all is well my friend!

[@paulbates3038]

@@thepadawancollectorofficial I got lucky that I bought my Luke about 15 years back during a fit of nostalgia. I think I may have paid 15 for him loose and complete. Have you been tracking the effect on pricing from the book of boba fett? I got curious to see the result for the Naboo star fighter and those prices have more than doubled. I thought about getting one and customizing it, but didn’t want to pay anywhere near those prices.

[@Drewbfree23]

Great video as always my grail would probably be rocket firing boba fett but way out of my price range lol 👍

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Hey if you find one at a thrift store in a hole in the wall town it will be the vintage find of the century!!!! Haha just put it out in the universe and you’ll find it!!! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment Andrew!

[@chopperhontasdrums]

Great video. I've recently picked up a bundle of figures for a few hundred pounds. There was a cloth caped Jawa in there, but also when i unpacked it a vinyl cape on its own. Its a genuine childhood collection, and the cape and figure will be off to UKG soon to get checked out. Its not going to be a great score as there is a 2mm tear on one of the arm holes, but for what i paid if it is authentic i'll be very pleased!

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Wow that’s an awesome score!!!! Those are the kind of hunts we all dream about!!!! Congratulations!!! Let me know what it scores! Thank you for sharing that story in your comment and for also taking the time to watch One Knob :)

[@chopperhontasdrums]

@@thepadawancollectorofficial Will do. Also got a Collector Display on order too 👍

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

@@chopperhontasdrums OH WOW!!! Excellent! If you want, join the Padawan Academy on Facebook and post pics of it when you get it!!!!

[@chopperhontasdrums]

@@thepadawancollectorofficial not a Facebooker unfortunately 😢

[@MartinFutter70]

Stunning information, you went all=out Sherlock Holmes on this one! ...and a Palitoy one sold here a few days ago for £27,000 - can't wait to catch up on the video when you do buy one... and then the Ledy version with the removable hood! Or is that for the variant cabinet?

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Thanks Martin! I would love to get a lili Ledy version one day!!!

[@billpaulk1058]

How cool would be to get a vinyl caped Jawa? I think my grail would be to get another Death Star play set like I had when I was a kid. I think for a figure it would have to be that carded and graded vinyl caped Jawa in the window of a toy shop in Fort Worth!

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Man ti find a carded VCJ would be the ultimate!!!! Would you ever get one???

[@billpaulk1058]

@@thepadawancollectorofficial I would like to but I could see my mrs. blow a major gasket if I did! Probably not truly feasible. Death Star is a better goal for me.

[@jakinthebox1567]

Another interesting episode; like everyone else, I had a vinyl Jawa as a 4 year old kid, my first Jawa, but as he got heavily played with, I received another one as a gift, a cloth caped Jawa and once I received a new one, I kept the vinyl cape for a few more seasons, but eventually threw him away as the cape degraded. How do you search for past sales in Facebook groups?

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Hey Jak!! Wow that would have been a great figure to keep but I hope one rolls your way for a CRAZY DEAL that is gonna make me HELLA jealous lol. All you do is use the search function within the group page. Type what figure you are looking for, and usually a few items pop up. You can try refining your search as well. Good Luck and thats for watching!

[@chrisheywood7376]

Dude I have a box of maybe 30-40 Kenner figures loose but all in great condition. I’m certain I have a Jawa in there. Gonna have to pop open the box this week and see what I’ve got. What’s the first site you had with all the sales and condition data?

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Wow if you have a vinyl cape Jawa let us know in the Padawan Academy Facebook group!!! The first site I used was called Star Wars tracker. It lists all sold items on eBay. Great for getting past data points, but supplementing that with Facebook data points give you a larger sample as well. Thanks for watching Chris!

[@garwingcheung9617]

I never bought a jawa... but its good. Anyway. I support you. Im still alive. Thanks. Bye bye.

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Thanks for watching Gar!

[@garwingcheung9617]

@@thepadawancollectorofficial you are the king 👑

[@eddiehizo5682]

Yeah. I would go to retail therapy if I bought a $4000 jawa Joel.

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Hahaha perfect! Thanks for watching and commenting, Eddie :)

[@jer-bet-9781]

I sat through this entire video holding my breath hoping you wouldn’t buy a loose Vinyl Jawa!!! Collectors PLEASE NEVER BUY A VINYL CAPE LOOSE! All the info was great you gave but doesn’t do any good looking at pics on a computer. I’m glad you are waiting. There are more Vinyl capes than you think. Your time will come

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

I saw more on sale in the last few days then I have in the last 6 months lol. I think all the sellers were watching my show hoping I would buy haha.

[@edwardteach8143]

I always look forward your videos and grail pieces are my favorite topic of discussion! If you get the chance, please check out Sarge and Reds posting entitled: “Is it a Holy Grail Toy? He Brought these Toys in a Locked Briefcase.” I’m actually the seller and my real name is Chris!

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

I’ll definitely check it out!!!! I am already subscribed to them! Thanks for your comment, and I hope you enjoy the vid when it airs :).

[@mrbacon899]

Hmmm...

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Yes?

[@Dandy1981]

I'm sorry.. did you say 4,000??! That was dollars?? Not pesos right?

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

I wish it was pesos. Everyone gets a 4 bedroom house, two cars in their garage, 2.5 kids, and one 85+ Graded VCJ. Vote Padawan Collector for President!

[@GarysGrails]

I'm not sure if I can condone the use of the word "Grail" in this thumbnail. I'll see you in court. LoL?

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

I was gonna use “Gary” in the title but that would have been an easy win for you lol

[@willcannons1593]

Holy cow this guy loves a jump cut. So off putting

[@thepadawancollectorofficial]

Sorry this isn’t for you, but I hope you enjoyed the content! Thank you for watching Will and taking the time to comment :). I hope all is well my friend!