| Lando Calrissian (Skiff Guard Outfit) Bagged Production Sample | |
| As the majority of toy production vendors are located in the Orient, communication between parent
company--in this case, Kenner--and vendor
is often difficult, complicated as it is by the large expanse of ocean separating the two. In
particular, assembly and painting instructions can sometimes get garbled, either in the translation
between languages, or through a simple misunderstanding. Signed sample product provides an interesting
look into the vendor-Kenner relationship, and the back-and-forth process that is required to ensure
that all product is up to snuff with Kenner standards.
The particular type of signed sample shown here is in the form of a completely-finished action figure,
assembled, painted, and bagged along with its accessory. Though the figure comes from a finalized
production mold, and thus has the date and copyright markings on its legs, it nevertheless is an
early sample, and may feature slight differences from the figures which were eventually released to
stores. The bag holding the figure is stapled to a small card with the G.M. Products, Hong Kong logo,
and the words "signed sample" printed at the top. The purpose of the card, which appears to be very
similar to those used on
similar packaging samples, is to allow for the signatures of various engineers, as well as their
comments as to what about the figure's production might be improved upon.
This particular example, Lando Calrissian in Skiff Guard outfit, is simply labelled "83 Lando" on the card. The vendor, SMILE, produced significant amounts of toys, both SW and non-SW, for Kenner during the vintage era. No notations exist in the comment section, signifying this figure likely met the Kenner's Quality Control/Quality Assurance standards when reviewed by Kenner engineers. The Lando Skiff bagged production sample surfaced amongst a find of these dating back to the late 90's. The majority of these samples featured on the Archive stem from the find referenced above. Over the years they have become permanently nestled into private collections, thus they typically do not surface on the open market nowadays. |
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| Description by: | Ron Salvatore, Michael G. Mensinger |
| Photo: | Michael G. Mensinger |
| From the collection of: | Michael G. Mensinger |
| Country: | United States |
| Film: | Return of the Jedi |
| Licensee: | Kenner |
| Year: | 1983 |
| Category: | Prototypes / Action Figure Related |