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One of six consecutive lots of Al Williamson (American, 1931-2020) original, unpublished concept art that preceded the ‘Star Wars’ daily newspaper comic strip (which was ultimately written and drawn by Russ Manning and ran from 1979-1984). Of 12 proposal strips created by Williamson, the first six were given to George Lucas, and the other six were given to Star Wars marketing genius Charles Lippincott, whose widow has consigned them to Hake’s. Each is absolutely fresh to the market, and each is estimated at $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

Star Wars comic strip art leads galaxy of greats at Hake’s, July 26-27

Sheila Gibson Stoodley
Sheila Gibson Stoodley
One of six consecutive lots of Al Williamson (American, 1931-2020) original, unpublished concept art that preceded the ‘Star Wars’ daily newspaper comic strip (which was ultimately written and drawn by Russ Manning and ran from 1979-1984). Of 12 proposal strips created by Williamson, the first six were given to George Lucas, and the other six were given to Star Wars marketing genius Charles Lippincott, whose widow has consigned them to Hake’s. Each is absolutely fresh to the market, and each is estimated at $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
One of six consecutive lots of Al Williamson (American, 1931-2020) original, unpublished concept art that preceded the ‘Star Wars’ daily newspaper comic strip (which was ultimately written and drawn by Russ Manning and ran from 1979-1984). Of 12 proposal strips created by Williamson, the first six were given to George Lucas and the other six were given to Star Wars marketing genius Charles Lippincott, whose widow has consigned them to Hake’s. Each is absolutely fresh to the market, and each is estimated at $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

YORK, Pa. – If modern art aficionados could be granted one wish, it might be the discovery of a major, previously unknown Picasso. While Picasso lovers may have a very long wait ahead of them, those who revel in the uniquely imaginative art and imagery of the Star Wars saga just might have their wishes granted on Tuesday, July 26 and Wednesday, July 27, when Hake’s auctions six extraordinary artworks from Star Wars’ earliest days. View the fully illustrated catalog on LiveAuctioneers.

Each of the six lots contains unpublished concept art that legendary comic strip artist Al Williamson (American, 1931-2020) created in the late 1970s for a proposed Star Wars daily newspaper comic strip. Williamson, already regarded as a titan of the industry for his work with EC Comics and for having drawn the 1960s Flash Gordon comic strip, prepared 12 strips to cover the first two weeks of newspaper publication (Sundays were not included). However, the deal never came to fruition. Russ Manning (American, 1929-1981) was tapped to write and draw the Star Wars strip, which he did from 1979 to 1981, when poor health forced him to retire. At that point, Williamson stepped back in to handle the art and storyline duties through the strip’s conclusion in 1984.

One of six consecutive lots of Al Williamson (1931-2020) original, unpublished concept art that preceded the ‘Star Wars’ daily newspaper comic strip (which was ultimately written and drawn by Russ Manning and ran from 1979-1984). Of 12 proposal strips created by Williamson, the first six were given to George Lucas, and the other six were given to Star Wars marketing genius Charles Lippincott, whose widow has consigned them to Hake’s. Each is absolutely fresh to the market, and each is estimated at $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
One of six consecutive lots of Al Williamson (1931-2020) original, unpublished concept art that preceded the ‘Star Wars’ daily newspaper comic strip (which was ultimately written and drawn by Russ Manning and ran from 1979-1984). Of 12 proposal strips created by Williamson, the first six were given to George Lucas and the other six were given to Star Wars marketing genius Charles Lippincott, whose widow has consigned them to Hake’s. Each is absolutely fresh to the market, and each is estimated at $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

As for the disposition of the original Williamson concept art, the first six strips were given to George Lucas, while the six strips intended for the second week of publication were given to Star Wars marketing genius Charles Lippincott (American, 1939-2020). “Mr Lippincott’s six gifted artworks never left his family, and now it is our privilege to represent his widow by offering the never-published original art to Star Wars, comic art and fine art collectors everywhere. It is an absolutely unique opportunity,” said Hake’s president Alex Winter. The art is cataloged in six consecutive lots, each carrying an estimate of $10,000-$20,000.

Star Wars Boba Fett L-slot rocket-firing prototype for Kenner’s action figure from the company’s popular 1979 Star Wars toy line. Measures 3.75in tall, AFA-graded 85 NM+ and archivally cased. Comes with notarized CIB LOA. Est. $200,000-$350,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
Star Wars Boba Fett L-slot rocket-firing prototype for Kenner’s action figure from the company’s popular 1979 Star Wars toy line. Measures 3.75in tall, AFA-graded 85 NM+ and archivally cased. Comes with notarized CIB LOA. Est. $200,000-$350,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

Who better to share the spotlight in the auction’s Star Wars section than one of the highest-graded Boba Fett prototype rocket-firing action figures Hake’s has ever encountered in its 55-year history? The encapsulated L-slot version – “L-slot” referring to the shape of the dorsal slot that secures the rocket-release button – from Kenner’s 1979 Star Wars toy line is AFA-graded 85 NM+ (archival case) and comes with a notarized CIB LOA. “We’ve seen one record price after another for Boba Fett prototypes here at Hake’s,” Winter said. “In March 2022, an AFA 50 VG J-slot version sold for $204,435; while three different L-slots – each AFA-graded 85 NM+ – have sold for successively higher prices since 2018, rising to $165,200. In June, an AFA 80+ NM example of an L-slot Boba Fett sold in our all-Star Wars auction for a world-record $236,000. The one in our July sale is of an even higher grade.” The Boba Fett prototype in the July 26-27 auction has an estimate of $200,000-$350,000.

Kenner 2.25in action figure of Jawa (vinyl-cape version) from the 1978 Star Wars toy line, AFA 85 NM+, 12 Back-A blister card, unpunched, archival case. Est. $35,000-$50,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
Kenner 2.25in action figure of Jawa (vinyl-cape version) from the 1978 Star Wars toy line, AFA 85 NM+, 12 Back-A blister card, unpunched, archival case. Est. $35,000-$50,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

Many scarce standard-production figures have been consigned to the July event, including a 2.25-inch Jawa (vinyl-cape version) from Kenner’s 1978 Star Wars toy line. AFA-graded 85 NM+ on an unpunched 12 Back-A blister card, the Jawa figure is preserved in an archival case and comes to auction with a $35,000-$50,000 estimate.

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero action figure of Commando Snake Eyes (straight-arm) from Hasbro’s 1982 toy line. AFA-graded 80 NM on earliest card variety. AFA Population Report cites only two known examples in a higher grade. Est. $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero action figure of Commando Snake Eyes (straight-arm) from Hasbro’s 1982 toy line. AFA-graded 80 NM on earliest card variety. AFA Population Report cites only two known examples in a higher grade. Est. $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

The highlights continue with a straight-arm G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero action figure of Commando Snake Eyes from Hasbro’s 1982 toy line. This coveted Joe on the earliest card variety is AFA-graded 80 NM. According to the AFA Population Report, there are only two known examples in a higher grade, thus warranting a $10,000-$20,000 estimate.

Green Goblin 8-in action figure from Mego’s The World’s Greatest Super-Heroes line. Issued in 1977, AFA-graded 80+ NM, archival case. Only graded example in AFA Population Report. Est. $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
Green Goblin 8-in action figure from Mego’s The World’s Greatest Super-Heroes line. Issued in 1977, AFA-graded 80+ NM, archival case. Only graded example in AFA Population Report. Est. $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy Hake’s

Completing this trifecta of action-figure royalty is an eight-inch Green Goblin from Mego’s The World’s Greatest Super-Heroes line. Issued in 1977 and AFA-graded 80+ NM (archival case), it is the only graded example included in the AFA Population Report. Its estimate is $10,000-$20,000.

L to R: Marvel ‘Amazing Fantasy’ #15 Silver Age comic book, August 1962, CGC 2.5 Good+, introduces The Amazing Spider-Man (Peter Parker), est. $35,000-$50,000; and Marvel ‘Incredible Hulk’ #181 Bronze Age comic book, November 1974, CGC 9.6 NM+ with first full appearance of Wolverine, est. $20,000-$35,000. Images courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
L to R: Marvel ‘Amazing Fantasy’ #15 Silver Age comic book, August 1962, CGC 2.5 Good+, introduces The Amazing Spider-Man (Peter Parker), est. $35,000-$50,000; and Marvel ‘Incredible Hulk’ #181 Bronze Age comic book, November 1974, CGC 9.6 NM+ with first full appearance of Wolverine, est. $20,000-$35,000. Images courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

A wealth of comic books will be available for bidding, including such classics as Marvel’s Amazing Fantasy #15. An important Silver Age issue published in August 1962, it introduces The Amazing Spider-Man (Peter Parker), and Parker’s Aunt May and Uncle Ben. In CGC 2.5 Good+ condition, it is estimated at $35,000-$50,000.

A Bronze Age treasure from Marvel, Incredible Hulk #181 was published in November 1974 and features the first full appearance of Wolverine. A must-have comic in CGC 9.6 NM+ condition, its estimate is $20,000-$35,000.

Mike Sekowsky original comic book page art for DC Comics’ ‘Justice League of America’ #19 from May 1963, the issue in which the Justice League members reveal their secret identities to each other for the first time. This particular page (16) features Batman, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Green Lantern, The Flash and Green Arrow, shown both as superheroes and civilians. Est. $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
Mike Sekowsky original comic book page art for DC Comics’ ‘Justice League of America’ #19 from May 1963, the issue in which the Justice League members reveal their secret identities to each other for the first time. This particular page (16) features Batman, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Green Lantern, The Flash and Green Arrow, shown both as superheroes and civilians. Est. $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

Mike Sekowsky’s original pen-and-ink art for DC Comics’ Justice League of America #19 from May 1963 is significant because it illustrates the Justice League members revealing their secret identities to each other for the first time. The art for this particular page (16) includes Batman, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Green Lantern, The Flash and Green Arrow, showing them first as superheroes entering their own private changing rooms, then emerging in their civilian attire and introducing themselves to one other. The artwork is estimated at $10,000-$20,000.

1888-89 N173 Old Judge (Cigarettes) mail-in premium cabinet card depicting baseball Hall of Famer Mike ‘King’ Kelly, Captain of the Boston Beaneaters, street-clothes version, size: 4.25in by 6.5in. One of only five known examples and only the third to appear at auction. SGC-graded 2.5 Good+. Est. $75,000-$100,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
1888-89 N173 Old Judge (Cigarettes) mail-in premium cabinet card depicting baseball Hall of Famer Mike ‘King’ Kelly, captain of the Boston Beaneaters, street-clothes version, size: 4.25in by 6.5in. One of only five known examples and only the third to appear at auction. SGC-graded 2.5 Good+. Est. $75,000-$100,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

It’s unlikely that any collector of baseball memorabilia would not know of the T206 Honus Wagner card or Sporting News Babe Ruth rookie card, both of which routinely sell for seven figures in any condition. But even the most advanced collectors may not be aware of an ultra-rare 1888-89 N173 Old Judge (Cigarettes) mail-in premium cabinet card depicting baseball Hall of Famer Mike “King” Kelly. Distinguished as the captain of the Boston Beaneaters and previously with the Chicago White Stockings and Cincinnati Red Stockings, Kelly finished his career with the New York Giants. “There are only five known cabinet cards depicting Kelly in street clothes, and only two have appeared at auction until now,” said Winter. “Our example will be the third, and it’s fresh to the market.” A $75,000-$100,000 winning bid is expected.

Ulysses S. Grant and Schuyler Colfax 1868 jugate campaign parade flag, glazed cotton, 35-star canton, 10.75in by 15.25in. listed in Herbert R. Collins reference ‘Threads of History.’ Est. $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
Ulysses S. Grant and Schuyler Colfax 1868 jugate campaign parade flag, glazed cotton, 35-star canton, 10.75in by 15.25in. listed in Herbert R. Collins reference ‘Threads of History.’ Est. $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy Hake’s

Political memorabilia collectors know they will always see something exquisite in a Hake’s sale, with the July 26-27 event being no exception. Amongst the highlights is a Ulysses S. Grant and Schuyler Colfax 1868 jugate campaign parade flag of glazed cotton with a 35-star canton. Perhaps the finest of four known examples, this extremely desirable flag is listed in Herbert Collins’ reference Threads of History and is estimated at $10,000-$20,000.

James M. Cox and Franklin Delano Roosevelt jugate button from the US presidential election of 1920. At 5/8in in diameter, it represents the smallest size in which this particular type of pinback was made. Few Cox-Roosevelt buttons exist in any size, and all are believed to have been manufacturer’s samples. Est. $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
James M. Cox and Franklin Delano Roosevelt jugate button from the US presidential election of 1920. At 5/8in in diameter, it represents the smallest size in which this particular type of pinback was made. Few Cox-Roosevelt buttons exist in any size, and all are believed to have been manufacturer’s samples. Est. $10,000-$20,000. Courtesy Hake’s

Fast-forward to the 20th century for a James M. Cox and Franklin Delano Roosevelt jugate button from the US presidential election of 1920. At 5/8in in diameter, it represents the smallest size in which this particular type of pinback was made. “Very few Cox/Roosevelt buttons exist in any size, and all of them are believed to have been manufacturer’s samples,” Winter said. The auction estimate for this elusive political gem is $10,000-$20,000.

Primitive, early Led Zeppelin concert poster promoting a 1969 show in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, with the opening band Copperpenny. Likely unique. Accompanied by letter from original owner’s brother plus Hake’s COA. Est. $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions
Primitive, early Led Zeppelin concert poster promoting a 1969 show in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, with the opening band Copperpenny. Likely unique. Accompanied by letter from original owner’s brother plus Hake’s COA. Est. $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy of Hake’s Auctions

A primitive, possibly unique Led Zeppelin concert poster leads the music collectibles section. Printed in black on white textured cardstock, it promotes a 1969 show in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, with the opening band Copperpenny. Reportedly, the show only attracted 2,000 fans, a quarter of what the venue could accommodate. Emblazoned with the image of a dirigible and showing ticket prices of $4 or $5, the poster was kept for posterity in the collection of the venue’s sound technician. Estimated at $10,000-$20,000, it will convey to the winning bidder with a letter from the original owner’s brother, as well as a Hake’s COA.

Hake’s July 26-27 auction is now open for bidding. For additional information on any item in the sale, call 866-404-9800 (toll-free) or 717-434-1600; or email hakes@hakes.com.

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