Meet Eric Pfeifer: Inside the collection
May. 17, 2020
After his first viewing as a child, Eric Pfeifer began collecting everything related to Star Wars. Now his collection is so vast — covering both floors of his house as well as its basement — that he holds regular "Pfeifer-Cons," drawing people from near and far to come and view it.
Eric shares with Lisa some of the highlights of his collection, including a braid of Chewbacca's hair from the original movie, a swatch from Jabba the Hutt’s sail barge in Return Of The Jedi, Han Solo and Lando Calrissian action figures, and a billboard too massive to display anywhere but in Eric's backyard.
Eric is joined by his mom, Connie, who has nurtured his collection over the years. We also brought along Jimmy Mac, a podcaster and Star Wars collector who appraised Eric's collection — at $300,000!
1. Lando 'Return of the Jedi' Action Figure
This figure from the early 1980s is in mint condition. Did you keep yours?
2. Han Solo 'Empire Strikes Back' Action Figure
Another mint figure. Collectors rate these on a scale of 1–100, and these two are graded at 80 and 85. Look for the condition of the plastic bubble. A lack of dents and yellowing means greater value.
3. How to Grade a Mint Action Figure
Want to know if a package is mint? Look for the hole punch used to hang the figures on display rods. A mint figure will have this tab unpunched and intact, as they are here.
4. Jar Jar in Carbonite Action Figure
This figure was an exclusive to San Diego Comic Con 2012. It came hidden inside a larger package seen next…
5. Comic Con 2012 Exclusive Package
This hexagonal bundle featured a figure from Episodes I–VI… and the frozen Jar Jar Binks hidden away in the middle.
6. Action Figure Room
Eric's entire house is dedicated to his Star Wars collection, with themed rooms. Here is his Action Figure Room.
7. Action Figure Room Wall
Hundreds of Star Wars figures cover the wall in the Action Figure Room. No leaning.
8. Autographed Door
Eric also has an entire room dedicated to autographs. There are even autographs on the door.
9. Sail Barge Swatch from 'Return of the Jedi'
This is a scrap of fabric used to make the sails of Jabba's sail barge seen in the first act of Return of the Jedi.
10. Original Chewbacca Hair
Makeup artist Stuart Freeborn would keep clumps of spare Chewbacca hair to touch up the Wookie costume in the original trilogy. This strand is one of those extras.
11. Star Wars Lunch Boxes
Which one did you have?
12. Star Wars Bedroom
Eric eats, breathes… and sleeps Star Wars!
13. Carrie Fisher Autographed Figure
Eric has multiple signatures from the beloved Princess Leia star.
14. 'Phantom Menace' Billboard
This massive display was used to promote the 3D re-release of The Phantom Menace. Good luck storing that!
