| Chewbacca Large Size Action Figure 1980 ESB packaging | |
| This is the Chewbacca "Chiquetaba" large size action figure, in its second release Meccano packaging for retailing in France in 1980. Whereas small and 12" action figures were respectively marketed under PALITOY and DENYS FISHER branding in UK, they were both marketed under MECCANO in France. MECCANO and PALITOY initially shared packaging standards (eg. Space scene X-Wing and Landspeeder boxes) and even one French / English printed box with the talking Imperial Troop Transport. This allowed Meccano a faster pace in prepare marketing and retailing as it was the third wheel after Kenner and Palitoy. Another way to share means of marketing was the use of Palitoy (or Kenner) boxed (not blister cards) items onto which Meccano would apply French notifications stickers, this was a common practice during the ESB , and early ROTJ marketing eras. It allowed two benefits – first marketing quickly new products before French or European boxing was ready, and second fulfill demand for low-demand products that wouldn’t be worth producing a full run again. The 12” action figure line had a full production in French [printed] Meccano boxes, except for the Stormtrooper which was only released from a Denys Fisher box with French "Star Wars" notifications. Chewbacca (frenchified "Chiquetaba") and Darth Vader (frenchified “Dark Vador”) were also rereleased in 1980, from DENYS FISHER imported packaging onto which French notification standards stickers were applied (French 1980 Meccano logo). The 12” line was already waning and it was either the case of low-demand avoiding to produce a new run (most likely a few thousands pieces) or to get rid of UK overstocks, as it was a common practice too (of prioritize UK market vs the French one). Except for the Boba Fett and IG-88 (that one not released in Europe) 12" action figures, those stickered boxes Chewbacca and Darth Vader were the only two other large-size figures officially marketed in Empire Strikes Back packaging worldwide. They are incredibly rare, only 2-3 specimen are known of each. |
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| Description by: | Stephane Faucourt |
| Photo: | Stephane Faucourt |
| From the collection of: | Stephane Faucourt |
| Country: | France |
| Film: | Empire Strikes Back |
| Licensee: | Meccano |
| Year: | 1980 |
| Category: | Toys / Action Figure Related / Large Size Action Figures |