1980 Kenner Star Wars ESB Princess Leia Bespin Gown 12" Prototype Doll:
Had Kenner continued their 12” Star Wars doll line, the principle characters of Han, Luke and Leia would have been rereleased in their Empire Strikes Back costumes. Unfortunately the Cincinnati based Toy Company decided to concentrate efforts on their 3 ¾” mini-action figures instead; which were far more popular. Needless to say, prototype relics from the development of these new ESB outfits are extremely rare.
In fact, this is the first time in 30 years Rachfal Enterprises has been able to offer one of these 12” Leia Bespin prototype dolls for sale – so seldom do they come up. And she is gorgeous! The culmination of much patience, the prototype head was originally sourced back in 2009, with the original outfit coming a few years later from an ex-Kenner employee. As far as we can tell, this outfit matches the type found in the French Meccano Catalog. Thus would only be missing the shoes, which are represented here as painted replicas. Though it is highly likely, the shoes in the Meccano image were also painted; as all the other prototype dolls lack unique plastic parts. Only about six or seven examples of these Leia Bespin dolls survive in the hobby today. Most are understandably incomplete.
The prototype head differs from the previous production example rooted for the familiar “buns,” and is mounted on a generic 1978 Kenner 12” Princess Leia doll for display. The head is hand painted and hand rooted, and features the unique braids and bun style replicating Leia’s look from the Empire Strikes Back. The head has provenance extending back to Darren Murrer of the Earth in Cincinnati, where it was acquired from ex-Kenner soft goods employee Donna Mattis.
The handmade outfit (comprising only material elements - purple blouse and pants, brown faux leather belt and patterned gown) comes from ex-Kenner employee Cathy Vaness (Manager of doll design 1978-1990). As mentioned above, the shoes are not vintage period and are for display only.
An in person comparison has been made between this doll and a known genuine example sourced through Tom Derby. It was also compared to pictures of other similar Leia Bespin outfits. It is the finding that the fabric elements appear vintage correct. The thread and color type also match. Stitching is overall consistent with some variation on the felt collar attributed to the handmade nature of the outfit. The weave of the fabrics are identical, with the exception of the felt collar which may have a marginally coarser weave, but is exact in color. Overall there appears to be slight variations in all the outfits examined which would be consistent with their prototype nature. The prototype head appears slightly smaller with smaller eyes. When placed under a black light, both presented similar florescence. The bun and braids actually appear better on this specimen, with the bun at the back being firmly snug to the head.
Prototype doll comes with documents from Darren Murrer and Donna Mattis. A LOA from Rachfal Enterprises will also be issued.
