Bidding for this lot will end on Thursday, March 14th. The auction will begin at 9:00AM PDT and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Tuesday, March 12th or Wednesday, March 13th.

Four concept artworks made by sculptor Lawrence Noble for the Danbury Mint Star Wars Chess Set. Released in 1994, the limited-edition pewter chess set featured characters from George Lucas' original Star Wars trilogy. Noble created these artworks while designing the master patterns for the chess pieces.

This set of concept artworks comes from the personal collection of William Plumb. It consists of two versions of the character chess pieces both hand-drawn and signed by Noble in ink and graphite on paper as well as mock-ups for an Ewok chess piece and a promotional ad for the chess set, both printed in color. The Ewok mock-up comes backed with Noble Studio letterhead featuring the company's address and phone number and dated "January 1993." The set exhibits bending, edge wear, and some yellowing throughout. Dimensions: (largest) 16" x 13" (40.75 cm x 33 cm)

Sold without copyright; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.



For the last four decades, William Plumb has been at the forefront of Star Wars and science fiction original art collecting. He was a pioneer in searching for artwork for his collection and began contacting artists to inquire about their works in the mid 1980s. Over time he developed personal relationships with many renowned artists including Ralph McQuarrie, Drew Struzan, Lawrence Noble, and Dave Dorman. In 1986, Plumb organized the "Space Fantasy & Reality Art Expo" at the Maturango Museum in Ridgecrest, California, to benefit the handicapped. The event was supported by contributions from Plumb's artist friends and even Lucasfilm - all of whom loaned materials to Plumb for the display.

It was through these personal relationships that Plumb acquired many of the finest pieces in his collection. Throughout the years, Plumb organized or appeared at countless other events and shows, where he proudly displayed his collection and discussed his passion for Star Wars original art with both artists and fans. In 1996, Plumb hosted a panel at San Diego Comic Con on collecting Star Wars artwork specifically. In 2001, he and a small group of fellow collectors commissioned Lawrence Noble to produce the now-famous "Bronze Yoda." Plumb's bronze Yoda statue was perennially displayed at The California State Fair for fans to see and enjoy.

Propstore is pleased and honored to offer these fantastic lots from Plumb's collection, including Noble's matching number Artist Proofs of the bronze Yoda and Darth Vader statues, sketches and paintings from McQuarrie, Struzan, Noble, Dorman, Kazu Sano, Tim Hildebrandt, John Gampert, Ken Barr, Vincent Di Fate, and many more.

This lot is offered at a $100 starting bid with no reserve.

View all lots from STAR WARS: ORIGINAL TRILOGY (1977-1983)

View all lots from William Plumb Collection

View all lots from STAR WARS - ALL ITEMS