Double Telescoping Luke Question?

[SF1138]

While I have great respect for Mr. McBride, one of my disturbing issues is in the case of a specific DT saber Luke. The first one I acquired that was pre graded, had an AFA 80. I contacted AFA and asked if the figure could be swapped out for a better looking one since this figure was discolored and slightly bent in the case.

AFA said "No problem, just make sure it's the same COO."

Since then, I can't trust their grade. After that is when I started to track figures that were coming up as graded.

For authenticity, I strongly agree that Provenance is key, but we are talking not about a 5-30 piece run like a DT Vader or Ben pre-production sample.

People should be aware that for a more common figure, provenance isn't taken into consideration as long as COO is maintained, at least according to AFA themselves.

This has been my personal, albeit, subjective experience.

Has it not bothered people that AFA displays not the saber with it's two parts exposed, but with the base of the DT inner saber proturding where none, I repeat NONE of the inner saber portion that does get bent is even displayed ina "graded" case?

I suggest that the AFA 75 Luke I mentioned earlier has one of the worst sabers I've seen, the outer tube was even severely bent. I will try to track down pics, which should be easy as the seller was chastized by this board for offering a questionable DT Vader and luke with what turned out to be a fake inner vader saber.

With all that I present, I just recommend that provenance is a great thing, but AFA, didn't care if the owner with a COA was to replace the Luke (again not a DT Vader or Ben).

This is similiar with a Vinyl Cape Jawa. How many times has it been said on this board, the cape is most important, because you can always find a mint figure to put with it?

Scary, I know, but is it better to not know they allow such a thing?

The main problem with swapping figures is provenance. Excluding any prototype examples, with a production grade figure there are a lot of potential issues. Hypothetical case - someone decides to sell his/her DT Luke (which grades a C-8 overall). The buyer then decides to swap out the figure (matching CoO's) for a higher grade Luke for AFA grading. The figure comes back an 80-85, and somehow this information gets back to the original owner. It's going to be obvious the figures were swapped, and now you have an issue of provenance.
(The key thing to remember is that DT sabers can basically be "fingerprinted" from the damage of other marks on them. Unless you are looking at a flawless example, those bends, dents, nicks, etc are going to remain on the saber.)
The other issue is something I look at is "reasonable overall condition". Simply put, if I'm looking at a ultra mint figure with a damaged saber it's going to make me suspect. The condition of the figure should "match" the condition of the saber to a degree. There are also very minute details that you can look at on both the saber and the figure that should make sense.

Bill

[darthscro]

So after a lot of talking with my buddy and looking at that gunk that was on the luke
it appears it might have been dried up soda... maybe coke
Here are some pics my friend took today

[SF1138]

That is a killer piece, and after the clean up(good job BTW) it should pull an AFA80/85 (My screen might be bad, but the wear to the hair and hands might pull it down to an 80) if you decide to grade it. Congrats!

[darthscro]

That is a killer piece, and after the clean up(good job BTW) it should pull an AFA80/85 (My screen might be bad, but the wear to the hair and hands might pull it down to an 80) if you decide to grade it. Congrats!

I still cant decide if i should have it graded or not.
I'm going to give AFA a call tomorrow and see what move i should take.

[Stevefdwyer2011]

He looks great and the saber is very nice. Better soda then glue right : )
Are you going to sell him or keep him?

[darthscro]

He looks great and the saber is very nice. Better soda then glue right : )
Are you going to sell him or keep him?

Most likely keep it but I mean if a good offer comes around I might.

I'm giving AFA a call tomorrow. I'm pretty freaking clueless on how to get it graded
The instructions are pretty weird

[Bill_McBride]

While I have great respect for Mr. McBride, one of my disturbing issues is in the case of a specific DT saber Luke. The first one I acquired that was pre graded, had an AFA 80. I contacted AFA and asked if the figure could be swapped out for a better looking one since this figure was discolored and slightly bent in the case.
AFA said "No problem, just make sure it's the same COO."
Since then, I can't trust their grade. After that is when I started to track figures that were coming up as graded.
Scary, I know, but is it better to not know they allow such a thing?

I find this highly disturbing. Relatively speaking, swapping the figure(s) out isn't a big deal, but you have to consider the (potential) long term ramifications. While there are certainly a high quantity of Lukes, there is
a finite supply. Some have been graded, some have not. Ultimately if a figure swap is done, the risk you are taking is that the original owner is going to spot it. This will comprimise the provenance of the piece,
and if it has been graded, it sets the sights directly back on AFA if this is a practice they are not only condoning, but endorsing. The larger issue here should be painfully obvious to anyone.

Bill

[Bill_McBride]

So after a lot of talking with my buddy and looking at that gunk that was on the luke
it appears it might have been dried up soda... maybe coke

It looks like a great example!! I'm really happy you were able to un-stick the saber. The only real down side is the slight discoloration, but otherwise
a really nice piece. (expecially for the price).

Bill

[jaisonline]

darthscro,

now please put that gem of a figure away. enough pics already and quit playing with that DT Saber
i don't want to read a post stating Luke fell down and the DT Saber was damaged.

[Mynock]

I have been looking for a DT saber now for months. I'll give you $450.00 considering the slight discoloration. Not sure if you're looking to sell, but there is my offer.