Mffanrodders's Blog

For many of us, the halcyon days of Star Wars collecting was back when Master Replicas where about. Bryan Eno was a huge part of the Master Replicas (and latterly, eFX) experience and his passing last year was sad for us all. Bryan amassed quite the collection of prop replicas, which are now up for auction at the Van Eaton Galleries later this month as part of their Popular Culture auction.

For a Millennium Falcon collector such as myself, the MR Studio Scale replica is a holy grail item and I just love talking about it. I have one of their SE’s in my collection, but not enough space to display her. Among the varying items of Disneyana is Bryan’s extensive collection of over 100 pieces, were these three Millennium Falcon’s for sale.

Lot 184 is a signature edition model. Most SE’s had a signed plaque which could be displayed near the model, but this one is a little unusual in that it has been signed on the top armour plating near the rectenna dish. This version has the signed plaque and an acrylic display case. Estimates on this are between $5,000 and $7,000.

Lot 185 is this painters proof prototype by Dean Dymerski. As a prototype, this one has a unique finish that is different from the mass produced ones that you and I have. It is worth noting that the lighting features that the retail version. As well as damage that you see on the cockpit, there is also damage to the rear of the model. The estimated value is $4,000 to $6,000.

Lot 186 is this “Sculpt Master” prototype model, which I really like, as it feels like a bit of collecting history. This was used as a production model on which the final version was based on. As an early prototype, it doesn’t feature any of the lighting fetaures and is in “production-used condition”. Estimate on this is $3,000 to $5,000.

You can buy a catalogue here for $40 and the auction takes place on the 25th February 2023.

Unfortunately, these are all well outside of my meagre budget and I suspect they’ll smash their estimates. It is great to see these kinds of auctions, though. Not only will unusual and rare items appear from time to time, but these kinds of auctions appeal directly to the collector and eliminate the more random eBay auctions.

I took a quick look through the catalogue and Lot 453 caught my eye.

This is a prototype consul for the Millennium Falcon control panel used in The Smugglers Run flight simulation ride at thge Disney parks. This was manufactured by J.R. Mettitt Controls and was used to demonstrate the function and the look of the final cockpit controls. Made from metallic and rubber parts, this one features one moveable lever and the static ones and is 13.75″ by 9″ by 12.5″.