A rare Star Wars figurine dating back to the 70s is expected to fetch at least £15,000 after its owner found it in his loft.

The model is a 1978 Jawa designed by the now-defunct British toy company Palitoy, which used to make Action Man, Pippa doll and Merlin products.

It was found by the owner, who has remained anonymous, as he was unpacking various film memorabilia stored around his house.

The owner was Marvel UK’s art director in the 70s and received a host of gifts from Palitoy during the promotion of Star Wars in Marvel’s comics.

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There are only 10 to 15 figurines of this kind to be documented, and this one is more special as it is in “exceptional condition” and decorated with the original vinyl cape – later substituted with a cloth cape not long into production.

The owner previously came across another Jawa figure which sold at auction for £26,670 smashing its auction estimate of £10,000 – £15,000.

This Jawa carries the same estimate but is expected to exceed that sum again.

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Jonathan Torode, Excalibur’s Auctioneer said they were “thrilled” to be part of the sale of one of the rarest Star Wars figures.

Owing to the success of the last original figure, he said people all over the world searched to find one in their homes but he never expected another to come from the same source.

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Mr Torode added: “I feel utterly spoilt being able to handle another such rare part of Star Wars toy history.”

With their cloaked faces, the Jawas’ identities remain hidden, but they are renowned scavengers who scour the deserts of Tatooine for scraps to sell to the local residents.

They notoriously kidnapped the loveable droid R2-D2 in the 1977 Star Wars movie, A New Hope.

Enthusiasts will get a chance to bid for the figurine on 27 January at Excalibur Auctions.

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