Dutch Vader Bootleg and Mini-Me

Many of you are familiar with the Dutch bootlegs featured in our bootleg gallery. This Vader hails from that series of Dutch bootlegs. The above shot shows the Dutch bootleg on the far right. As you can see the piece is a tad larger than a standard Kenner figure. It was produced in a 5" size. However, if you look to the far left you'll note another, much smaller, version of the same bootleg. This smaller version checks in at a measly 3" tall.

Chad has supplied some great side by side comparison shots for us. Please remember when looking at these that the 3" figure is on the left and the 5" figure is on the right.

Here is a nice side by side full body comparison shot. You'll note these figures look pretty much identical right down to the small loop located on the heads.

Here's a great upper torso comparison. Vader really does have a crazed look in his eyes, doesn't he? :^)

Here's where some of the differences start to show. The smaller 3" version has a large cross molded into the cape. It looks like Vader stole his cape from one of the 3 Musketeers.

Finally when we lift the cape up we see the biggest difference. The funny thing is Chad never even noticed this until he took these snapshots. If you look closely you'll see that the smaller Vader has Hong Kong branded on his bottom. Chad acquired the smaller Vader from Europe, strangely enough where the larger one originates.

It is my speculation that this is a recent bootleg. I would surmise that based on the size and the convenient loop that this was to be a key chain of sorts. What I don't get is why a vintage bootleg was copied 20+ years later half way around the world.

Description by: John J. Alvarez
Photo: Chad Anderson
From the collection of: Chad Anderson
Country:Netherlands
Film:A New Hope
Licensee:Unlicensed
Year:1977
Category:Toys / Action Figure Related / Small Action Figures (Bootleg)


  


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