Bidding for this lot will end on Wednesday, March 25th. The auction will begin at 9:30 AM (PDT) / 12:30 PM (EDT) / 4:30 PM (GMT) 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 Thursday, March 26th or Friday, March 27th.
A Rebel transport cut-out facade model miniature from Irvin Kershner's Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Richard Marquand's Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Primarily designed to move cargo, transport ships proved instrumental during the Battle of Hoth helping to evacuate Echo Base, and during the Battle of Endor, with Rebels sending them to help destroy the Death Star II.
Production used photo facades such as this in window backgrounds to shoot effects sequences. One method involved attaching a photo facade to framed glass panes that were then placed in front of a blue screen and later composited into a live-action image, while the second method included shooting in front of a black background when it was too time-consuming to keep the blue light from bouncing onto the photos. While most of these cut-outs were disposed of following production, surviving original examples are today considered rare.
This photo facade model miniature is made of glossy photopaper backed by acid-free black board. It exhibits mild edge curling on the photo paper and denting on the board. Dimensions: 12.5" x 2.5" (31.75 cm x 6.5 cm)
Estimate: $6,000 - 12,000