I wanted to share this because most AFA posts are pretty negative and frankly the condition grading overshadows the good stuff they do.

Anywho, I was on EBay and saw a MOC Vinyl Jawa for a great price. So of course, being the jaded guy I am, assumed it was a fake. I kept going back though and it sold twice, got relisted and everytime I kept saying "It looks real though!". So finally I contacted the sller and didnt get a reply. So I said it's gotta be bogus.

Well it turns out it's Ben Hopkins' Jawa. He had it listed by a family member while he was away. He contacted me and got great pics and we went back and forth. The card had a huge crack and it gave a probabilty that it could have been removed or that it "could" be removed. I had no doubt it was real, Ben's word was good enough for me, but I wanted a MOC. What I mean is no way the figure can come out and no doubt it's in its natural state.

I contacted AFA and they agreed to be the middle man. Ben shipped the figure to them with my paperwork , without payment from me, to them. Tanisha took the figure, and the paperwork and kept Ben and I in the loop during the stages. She was even nice enough to have it pre-examined so Ben and I knew if there was reason to doubt it at all. She smartly suggested the custom rail and , after just a few days, knew we were good!










I want to thank Ben for being so willing to work with me on getting it shipped , understanding what I wanted, and honestly selling it to me in general.

To Tanisha and AFA, they were a perfect go between. She really didnt have to do what she did at all. Without her, I can't see how we would have done this in such a smooth and quick manner.

Wow John that looks great! Even better than I thought! What a great story to go with it! The whole thing looks basically flawless and the custom rail doesn't distract in the slightest. Great score!

The card and figure looks awesome John. And nice to hear about some good people working together. Now how often do yuo just sit a look at this figure? Bet it's alot.

Congrats John,the figure looks awesome!

Well done to Ben & AFA too!

Way to go John.

That VC Jawa is a very nice John! This is a great example of the opposite end of the spectrum of AFA and one I think more collectors should take advantage of with fragile pieces.

Great addition John and a fine specimin

I would watch that Bluestars tho - hes following you around watching you im sure of it

@The Admiral wrote:

I would watch that Bluestars tho - hes following you around watching you im sure of it

Haha Rob, i noticed that too!!

@Darthberizing wrote:

Woah now that is what i call a thing of beauty!

nice find mate!

A fantastic toy and a great story -- congratulations!

I think this is a perfect example of how an acrylic case can be of service to collectors -- display and preservation. You don't have to worry about keeping it out today, and in another 30+ years, people will still be able to enjoy the figure.

Great story John and I love what they've done with it!