High-end collectibles

A Star Wars lightsaber for $249 or a 500-count figure of The Thing. Whatever the obsession, no price is too steep for collectors. Limited editions have short shelf time by selling out fast.

Master Replicas, Walnut Creek, Calif., will release the Darth Maul FX lightsaber, a working, high-quality lightsaber with light and sound effects. For added display value, two lightsabers can be connected in the middle to form a seven-foot-long, dual blade lightsaber. Master Replicas will also release several replicas in a new line for Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, fall 2006.

For military fans, First Gear, Peosta, Iowa, continues the 112-year-old W. Britain line, the oldest solider manufacturer in continuous production. In 2006, First Gear will also launch the American Civil War, Desperate Valor set number one. The six-figure set, which will retail for $160, is based on the painting by Dale Gallon that depicts the Brigadier General John Bell Hood leading the 4th Texas regiment through the Union line at the Battle of Gaines Mill. British Redcoats and WWI British Fusilier Machine Gun set with sandbag, circa 1914, will also be included and priced $18 to $32 at retail.

A 12-inch Jedi Luke Skywalker figure, SideShow Collectibles, Westlake Village, Calif., is made in the likeness of Mark Hamill from Return of the Jedi. The figure has 30 points of articulation as well as accessories like hooded cloak, belt with lightsaber hook, femur bone from Rancor monster battle, lightsaber hilt and five interchangeable hands. The figure will ship first quarter 2006. An exclusive version featuring a skiff guard blaster is sold out as of press time—a limited edition of 1,250. Darth Maul, Princess Leia and Greedo are several busts available.