Documenting Reproduction and Original Vintage Star Wars Weapons & Accessories Since 2009 

Johnpaul Ragusa Presents..............  

Contents: Ben Kenobi, Darth vader, Imperial Hoth Stormtrooper, Jawa, Lando Calrissian, Princess Leia Bespin, Princess Leia Organa, Tusken Raider.

There are a number of vintage Star Wars figures that come with a vinly cape or in the case of the Imperial Hoth Stormtrooper - a vinyl skirt.

Most vinyl capes will have a textureless side and a textured side on the reverse. The textured side can feature patterns such as cross-hatching or vertical / horizontal ridges or lines. A 'zipping' sound can be heard on these sides if you run the edge of your fingernail lightly across the surface. However, there are also some capes that are textureless on both sides.

Ben Kenobi Vinyl Cape ORIGINAL V1

This cape will make a 'zipping' sound on the textured side if you run your fingernail across the surface.

Ben Kenobi Vinyl Cape REPRO V1

This REPRO cape was spotted on eBay in 2013. The cape has an usnusual pattern which has not been seen before and appears to be made from a thick material.

Ben Kenobi Vinyl Cape REPRO V2

Spotted on eBay in 2014, this repro is die cut from an original and does not make a zipping sound.

Close up of the V2 Ben Cape material.

Darth Vader Vinyl Cape ORIGINAL V1

This cape will make a 'zipping' sound on the textured side if you run your fingernail across the surface.

Darth Vader Vinyl Cape REPRO V1

Spotted on eBay in 2014, this repro is die cut from an original and does not make a zipping sound.

Original Imperial Stormtrooper Vinyl Skirt

V1 Kenner Small Holes

This version has small holes. One side of the material has a cross-hatch pattern which will make the zipping sound when you run your fingernail across it. The other side has a rougher texture. The two photos below show the side with the cross-hatch texture.

Close Up showing the Cross-hatch pattern.

V2 Kenner Large Holes

This version has larger holes compared to the V1. The material is the same as the V1 with one side of the material having the cross-hatch pattern - which will make the zipping sound when you run your fingernail across it. The other side is a rougher texture. The three photos below show the side with the rougher texture.

Close Up showing the side of the skirt with rougher texture.

V1 and V2 Kenner skirts showing hole size comparison

Imperial Stormtrooper Vinyl Skirt REPRO V1

Spotted on eBay in 2014, this repro is die cut from an original and does not make a zipping sound.

Imperial Stormtrooper Vinyl Skirt REPRO V2

This repro is unevenly cut and has holes that are not circular. The slits adjoining the upper and lower holes are not central.

Jawa Vinyl Cape ORIGINAL Close up of pattern details

Jawa Vinyl Cape REPRO V1

Jawa Vinyl Cape REPRO V2

Spotted on eBay in 2014, this repro is die cut from an original and does not make a zipping sound.

Close Up of the Jawa Cape Repro V2 material.

Lando Calrissian Vinyl Cape ORIGINAL V1

This Lando cape is the darker coloured version and features a smooth and glossy surface to both sides. The one side is slightly more textured than the other and will make a zipping sound if you run your fingernail across the surface. Versions of this cape can also appear with a cross-hatch pattern.

The darker V1 version is commonly found on Hong Kong Landos - there also exists a lighter cape which is thought to belong to China COO / Euro versions. Both will make the zipping sound. Below is a comparison picture showing the two versions.

Lando Calrissian Vinyl Cape REPRO V1

Lando Calrissian Vinyl Cape REPRO V2

Spotted on eBay in 2014, this repro is die cut from an original and does not make a zipping sound.

The Leia Bespin cape is the only vinyl cape that has a printed side. The print is highly detailed and can be seen on the outside of the cape. You can hear a 'zipping' sound when you run the edge of your fingernail along the cape. This sound can be heard either on the printed or non-printed side.

Princess Leia Bespin ORIGINAL Cape V1

The V1 cape appears to be Shorter and Wider when compared to other Bespin capes. The material is somewhat rigid and not as shiny as some of the other capes. Discolouring can happen, leaving these capes with the appearance of a yellowish tone and a washed-out pattern.

Princess Leia Bespin ORIGINAL Cape V2

This cape is nearly identical to the V3 cape. The major differences can be seen in the arm holes which are narrower than the V3. The V2 appears to be made from a very thin and flexible material and feels 'rubbery'. The material appears shiny compared to the others. The pattern can also feel 'raised' as if more ink had been used during the printing process. The pattern itself can appear thin or thick.

Princess Leia Bespin ORIGINAL Cape V2A

 
If you look at the pattern in V2A, you will see an area in the top part of the pattern where one circle doesn't touch the others at specific intervals. In the V2 capes, the gap is always to the left.
The pattern printed for the V2A is a mirror image of that used on the V3A capes. Hence, the space on the circle of the V3 capes is always to the right.

Narrow Arm Holes. Repeating Pattern

Princess Leia Bespin ORIGINAL Cape V2B

Narrow Arm Holes. Non-Repeating Pattern

Princess Leia Bespin ORIGINAL Cape V3

The V3 is probably the most common style of cape to be found. The arm holes are actually oval but appear more round when compared to other versions. There are three variations of the pattern as well as many variations of the material used, such as rigid and thick vinyl, thinner and more flexible vinyl, as well as varying degrees of glossiness to the finish.

Princess Leia Bespin ORIGINAL Cape V3A

Smaller Gap between Top Pattern and Middle Pattern areas. Rounder arm holes.

Princess Leia Bespin ORIGINAL Cape V3B

Larger Gap between Top Pattern and Middle Pattern areas. Rounder arm holes.

Princess Leia Bespin ORIGINAL Cape V3C

This cape shares the same pattern as V3A but the material used is like nothing found on any other Bespin cape. The material is very thick and rigid and has a distinct linear textured pattern that can be clearly seen when viewed at the correct angle.

Textured Material. Rounder arm holes.

Close Up of the V3C Cape:

Princess Leia Bespin ORIGINAL Cape V4 LILI LEDY REGULAR VERSION

Princess Leia Bespin Vinyl Cape REPRO V1

Thanks to psybertech for the above photos and info for the Leia Bespin Cape. For even more info on this cape and everythng else Leia Bespin go to Bespin.info 

Princess Leia Bespin Vinyl Cape REPRO V1

Spotted on eBay in 2014, this repro is die cut from an original. It is unknown if this cape makes the zipping sound or not. The pattern has been digitally printed.

Close Up of digitally printed pattern.

Princess Leia Organa ORIGINAL Cape V1 No Coo Version

This cape will make a 'zipping' sound on the textured side if you run your fingernail across the surface.

Tusken Raider Vinyl Cape ORIGINAL V1

This cape will make a 'zipping' sound on the textured side if you run the edge of your fingernail across the surface.

Tusken Raider Vinyl Cape REPRO V1

Spotted on eBay in 2014, this repro is die cut from an original and does not make a zipping sound. The colour is considerably lighter than an original.

Close Up of the Tusken Repro V1 material.