Star Wars action figures have been popular for almost 50 years since the first movie's release in 1977. Photo: ROLF VENNENBERND / AFP
An "exceptionally rare" Star Wars figure found in a loft has outstripped its estimate after attracting worldwide interest at auction.
The Jawa character, complete with vinyl cape, is considered the "holy grail" of 1970s Star Wars figures, according to auctioneer Jonathan Torode.
It was snapped up by a UK collector for £19,500 (NZ$40,000) during the Hertfordshire sale.
"I feel honoured to have handled another rare part of Star Wars toy history," Mr Torode said.
"The Jawa figure is still the absolute ultimate for Star Wars collectors."
The Jawa character, wearing a vinyl cape on Palitoy packaging, is considered one of the rarest 70s Star Wars figures Photo: Supplied / Excalibur Auctions
It was the second time in six months that Excalibur Auctions, of Kings Langley, was able to show off such a sought-after collectible.
In July, it sold an identical Jawa figure for £26,670, including commission charges, after it was found by the same owner among memorabilia packed away in boxes.
Each figure was estimated to attain £10,000 to £15,000.
The figure owner, who worked for Marvel UK between 1974 and 1979, received a range of gifts from the UK toy company Palitoy during the promotion of the Star Wars line in Marvel comics.
Only 10 to 15 examples of this type of figure were documented, Excalibur Auctions said, with the vinyl cape substituted for a cloth cape not long into production.
* This story was first published by the BBC.