Documenting Reproduction and Original Vintage Star Wars Weapons & Accessories Since 2009 Johnpaul Ragusa Presents..............
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Contents: Darth Vader Telescoping, Ben Kenobi Telescoping, Luke Skywalker Telescoping, Double Telescoping Lightsabers, Luke Bespin, Luke Jedi, R2-D2 Pop-Up.
There are four types of vintage Lightsabers:
· Double Telescoping (DT) These were the earliest issues and came with Luke (Yellow), Ben (Blue) and Darth (Red). These sabers comprised of two separate pieces of plastic: a thin inner piece that telescoped out of a thicker outer shaft which, in turn, telescoped from the arm of the figure. DT versions are very rare; Luke’s saber being the most common since it also appeared in the first versions of the Early-Bird kit. Ben and Darth’s DT sabers are harder to find. Condition is often critical as DT sabers are very fragile.
· Single Telescoping These sabers comprised of a single piece of plastic with a thinner end protruding from a thicker part that telescoped from the arm of the figure. Their colours matched the earlier Double Telescoping versions.
· Hand-held These versions did not telescope, instead they were gripped in the hand of their respective figures: Luke Bespin (Yellow), Luke Jedi (Blue then later Green).
· Pop-up This saber (Green) came with the R2-D2 ‘Pop-up saber’ version released on POTF and the later Droids series.
Another, much rarer, type of saber is the prototype 'mushroom-tip' double-telescoping sabers that has, as the name suggests, a mushroom tip opposed to a regular tip.
DT reproductions:
Many DT reproductions exist due to the fact originals are worth a lot of money. In the past, makers of repro have tried to trick genuine collectors into disclosing exact measurements and details. The most famous are the ReValveiT repros, the creator of these was fooled by seasoned collectors because he was given modified pictures on which he based his reproductions. Due to this history, and to protect the community, genuine collectors are very protective about disclosing detailed information. Please contact TIG if you need any help with verifying a DT saber.
Darth Vader Telescoping Lightsaber Original V1
Flat Tip Transition. Thin Tip. (Flat Tip or Round Tip refers to the top of the saber shaft where is transitions into the tip. See circled section below for an example of a flat tip
Darth Vader Telescoping Lightsaber Original V2
Flat Tip Transition. Normal Tip. 'GG' Letters on the hilt.
Darth Vader Telescoping Lightsaber Original V3
Rounded Tip Transition. Rough Texture.
This variant is the same as the V4 smooth texture.
Please contact us if you have a photo you would like to donate.
Darth Vader Telescoping Lightsaber Original V4
Rounded Tip Transition. Smooth Texture.
Darth Vader Telescoping Lightsaber Original V5
Smooth Tip Transition. Taiwan Issue.
Darth Vader Telescoping Lightsaber Original V6
Top Toys Variant. Thick Tip.
Darth Vader Telescoping Lightsaber Original V7
Lili Ledy Variant. Thick Tip.
rth Vader Telescoping Lightsaber Original V8
Lili Ledy Variant. Thin Tip.
Darth Vader Telescoping Lightsaber Original V9
Glasslite Variant. Thick Tip.
Darth Vader Telescoping Lightsaber 1995 Kenner/Hasbro "Classic Edition" 4-Pack version
In 1995, Kenner - at that time a subsidary of Hasbro - released a POTF2 "Classic Edition" 4-Pack that included four vintage era figures and their accessories. The figures and accessories were cast from new moulds taken from originals. Darth Vader was one of these, including his signature lightsaber.
Compared to the Kenner originals the re-issues are paler in colour, slightly translucent with a shorter, thicker tip and a squared-off lever.
Darth Vader Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V1
This REPRO is Painted.
Darth Vader Telescoping Lightsaber Painted REPRO and Original Colour Comparison Shot.
Darth Vader Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V2
ReValveiT REPRO. Cast in Plastic. Floats in Water.
Darth Vader Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V3
This repro floats when placed in water and will rise back to the surface when submerged. The colour is very bright orange and the texture is rough. At first glance this looks like a flat-transition copy, but a closer look reveals a roundness where the thin tip meets the base of the saber. 
Note: This type of repro was made for Ben, Luke and Vader. It seems that these were produced in the short burst around the mid 90's and came out of Asia.
Darth Vader Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V4
Spotted in 2015 on eBay. This saber is moulded in plastic with the seller offering a cheaper painted version as well.
Darth Vader Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V5
This repro floats and will rise back to the surface when submerged. Glows when put under UV light. 
Darth Vader Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V6
This repro floats and will rise back to the surface when submerged. Glows when put under UV light. 
Ben Kenobi Telescoping Lightsaber Original V1
Flat Tip Transition. Thin Tip.
Ben Kenobi Telescoping Lightsaber Original V2
Flat Tip Transition. Normal Tip.
Ben Kenobi Telescoping Lightsaber Original V3
Rounded Tip Transition. Rough Texture 
Ben Kenobi Telescoping Lightsaber Original V4
Lili Ledy Variant. Thick Tip.
Ben Kenobi Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V1
This REPRO is Painted.
Ben Kenobi Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V2
ReValveiT REPRO. Cast in Blue Plastic. Floats in Water.
Ben Kenobi Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V3
This repro floats when placed in water and will rise back to the surface when submerged. It has a rough texture and at first glance looks like a flat-transition copy. However, a closer look reveals a roundness where the thin tip meets the base of the saber.
Note: the same repro was also made available in the Darth Vader red colour.
Ben Kenobi Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V4
Spotted in 2015 on eBay. This saber is moulded in plastic with the seller offering a cheaper painted version as well. 
Ben Kenobi Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V5
This repro floats and will rise back to the surface when submerged. Does not glow when put under UV light. 
Luke Skywalker Telescoping Lightsaber Original V1
Flat Tip Transition. Thin Tip. Solid Colour.
Note: a Translucent version of the V1 also exists.
Luke Skywalker Telescoping Lightsaber Original V2
Flat Tip Transition. Normal Tip.
Luke Skywalker Telescoping Lightsaber Original V3
Rounded Tip Transition. Smooth Texture.
Luke Skywalker Telescoping Lightsaber Original V4
Smooth Tip Transition. Taiwan Issue.
The Taiwan saber is very flexible and often has flashing present on the tip and hilt. The presence of an EPM on the hilt is also a good indication of a Taiwan saber. Some may have numbers or letters present - so far we have documented the letter 'H'. The Taiwan saber floats in water and will rise to the surface when submerged.
Luke Skywalker Telescoping Lightsaber Original V5
Glasslite Variant. Thick Tip. 
Luke Skywalker Telescoping Lightsaber 1995 Kenner/Hasbro "Classic Edition" 4-Pack version
In 1995, Kenner - at that time a subsidary of Hasbro - released a POTF2 "Classic Edition" 4-Pack that included four vintage era figures and their accessories. The figures and accessories were cast from new moulds taken from originals. Luke Skywalker was one of these, including his signature yellow lightsaber.
Compared to the Kenner originals the re-issues are paler in colour, slightly translucent with a shorter, thicker tip and a squared-off lever.
Luke Skywalker Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V1
REPRO Painted. Mass Produced.
Luke Skywalker Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V2
ReValveiT REPRO. Cast in Yellow Plastic, Floats in Water.
Luke Skywalker Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V3
Homemade Plastic Yellow version with letters on handle, alongside a homemade Plastic Red version.
Luke Skywalker Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V4
Spotted in 2015 on eBay. This saber is moulded in plastic with the seller offering a cheaper painted version as well. 
Luke Skywalker Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V5
This repro floats and will rise back to the surface when submerged. Does not glow when put under UV light. 
Luke Skywalker Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V6
This repro floats and will rise back to the surface when submerged. Does not glow when put under UV light. 
Luke Skywalker Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V7
This repro sinks but after a while will rise back to the surface. Glows when put under UV light. 
Luke Skywalker Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V8
This repro sinks. 
DARTH VADER
Darth Vader Double Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V1
ReValveiT REPRO. Cast in Red Plastic. 
Darth Vader Double Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V2
This is the 2011 REPRO version by ReValveiT with a marking on the hilt. 
Darth Vader Double Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V3
Sold on eBay in 2016 along with a Ben, Luke and custom colour versions. Moulded in plastic.
BEN KENOBI
Ben Kenobi Double Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V1
ReValveiT REPRO.Cast in blue Plastic. 
Ben Kenobi Double Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V2
This is the 2011 REPRO version by ReValveiT with a marking on the hilt. 
Ben Kenobi Double Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V3
Sold on eBay in 2016 along with a Vader, Luke and custom colour versions. Moulded in plastic.
LUKE SKYWALKER
Luke Skywalker Double Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V1
ReValveiT REPRO. Cast in Yellow Plastic. 
Luke Skywalker Double Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V2
This is the 2011 REPRO version by ReValveiT with a marking on the hilt. 
Luke Skywalker Double Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V3
Cast in yellow plastic with no letters or marks. Purchased on eBay in 2016.
Luke Skywalker Double Telescoping Lightsaber REPRO V4
Sold on eBay in 2016 along with a Ben, Vader and custom colour versions. Moulded in plastic.
Luke Bespin Lightsaber Original V1
Lili Ledy Variant.
Note: the V1 shares the same mould as the V2.
Luke Bespin Lightsaber Original V2
(Entry amended Feb 2015) This saber was previously listed by TIG as a PBP / European verson. However, recent research indicates that this saber was also issued on Kenner cards up to the 41 backs.
Note: the V2 shares the same mould as the V1.
Luke Bespin Lightsaber Original V3
Note: the V3 shares the same mould as the V4.
Luke Bespin Lightsaber Original V4
European Variant (can be found with other issues).
Note: the V4 shares the same mould as the V3. The three circles are more uniform in size
Luke Bespin Lightsaber Original V5
Note: the V5 was reinstated to the guide as an original in November 2017.
Comparison pic below: top to bottom, V3 Repro, V4 Repro and V5 Original
Luke Bespin Lightsaber REPRO V1
Painted Mustard Yellow colour over Black Plastic. Mass Produced. Sinks in water.
V1 REPRO (top) Comparison with ORIGINAL (bottom).
Luke Bespin Lightsaber REPRO V2
Painted Yellow over Green Plastic. Sinks in water.
V2 REPRO (top) Comparison with ORIGINAL (bottom)
Luke Bespin Lightsaber REPRO V3
Cast in Light Yellow Plastic. Sinks in water.
V3 REPRO (top) Comparison with ORIGINAL (bottom).
Luke Bespin Lightsaber REPRO V4
Cast in Dark Yellow Plastic. The yellow colour is darker than an original but the sculpt is very close. This saber can have excess flashing and will float in water.
V4 REPRO (top) Comparison with ORIGINAL bottom).
TIG believes the V4 may be an Outpost repro which also appears in blue and green. Some typical tells are:
- They float.
- Taper in where the handle meets the hilt.
- Very square handgrip edges at top of handle.
- Injection points on handle side near hilt.
- At certain angles surface may appear more rough and textured compared to an original.
See pics below.
Luke Bespin Lightsaber Floating REPRO V5
The following floating V5 repros are near-perfect in their design and characteristics. The V5 is available for Luke Bespin in yellow, and Luke Jedi in green and blue. They were first noticed on eBay in 2017 and are very difficult to identify.
Some of the repros have a line present at the
bottom part of the rectangle that surrounds the three buttons, but be aware that not all have this line!
The picture below shows two blue V5 fakes (without the line seen on some examples) along with two originals. This image has been colour-altered by TIG to highlight the details.
Luke Jedi Knight Blue Lightsaber Original V1
Luke Jedi Knight Blue Lightsaber REPRO V1
Luke Jedi Knight Blue Lightsaber REPRO V1 and Original Colour Comparison.
Luke Jedi Knight Blue Lightsaber REPRO V1 and Original Hilt Comparison.
Luke Jedi Knight Blue Lightsaber REPRO V2
REPRO cast in Blue Plastic (not painted). Same mould as the REPRO V1.
Luke Jedi Knight Blue Lightsaber REPRO V3
Sold in large quantities by Outpost and available in blue, yellow and green. Some typical tells are:
- They float.
- Taper in where the handle meets the hilt.
- Very square handgrip edges at top of handle.
- Injection points on handle side near hilt.
- At certain angles surface may appear more rough and textured compared to an original.
Luke Jedi Knight Green Lightsaber V1 - V4 Comparison.
Luke Jedi Knight Green Lightsaber Original V1
Lili Ledy Variant.
Luke Jedi Knight Green Lightsaber Original V2
Luke Jedi Knight Green Lightsaber Original V3
Luke Jedi Knight Green Lightsaber Original V4
EPM present on the Handle.
Detail of V4 showing EPM on handle.
Luke Jedi Knight Green Lightsaber Original V5 Top Toys Issue
Luke Jedi Knight Green Lightsaber - variant 1 - Top Toys REPRO
This repro of the Argentinian Top Toys Luke Jedi Green saber was advertised (then pulled) from eBay in Apr 2013. The seller claimed it was one of only five made as a limited edition run and that it was painted.
Luke Jedi Knight Green Lightsaber - variant 2 - REPRO
Painted REPRO. Mass Produced.
Luke Jedi Knight Green Lightsaber - variant 3 - REPRO
Sold in large quantities by Outpost and available in blue, yellow and green. Some typical tells are:
- They float.
- Taper in where the handle meets the hilt.
- Very square handgrip edges at top of handle.
- Injection points on handle side near hilt.
- At certain angles surface may appear more rough and textured compared to an original.
The R2-D2 Pop-up Lightsaber has three variants. All three have been found with and without the ejector pin mark (EPM) on the handle.
Colour breakdown and details:
GLASSLITE - Lighter Green
POTF - Green
DROIDS - Darker Green
Colour comparison Light Green to Darker Green.
Top = Glasslite, Middle = POTF, Bottom = Droids.
Comparison with R2-D2 figures.
R2-D2 Pop-up Lightsaber Original V1 POTF Version
Can come with or without EPM.
R2-D2 Pop-up Lightsaber Original V2 Glasslite Version
Can come with or without EPM
R2-D2 Pop-up Lightsaber Original V3 DROIDS Version
Droids pictured on top, POTF pictured on bottom.
Can come with or without EPM
R2-D2 Pop-up Lightsaber REPRO V1
Painted REPRO. Mass Produced. Black surface revealed when paint application is scratched away.
R2-D2 Pop-up Lightsaber REPRO V2
This V2 repro has a very thick paint application and when scratched reveals a Paler Green surface. This is different to the V1 which has a Black surface beneath its paint application.
Comparison pictures with original POTF (top) and V2 repro (bottom).
Detail of Paler Green/Clear Surface beneath scratched paint application of the V2 REPRO (top) compared with original POTF (bottom).
R2-D2 Pop-up Lightsaber REPRO V3
Two examples of this new type of repro were spotted on the market in 2013. The repro appears to be cast in Green Plastic and does not reveal a lighter colour beneath the surface when scratched. It is slightly more flexible than genuine sabers and is a lighter tone of Green. The saber appears to have the faint impression of an EPM on the handle.