A boxed Meccano Boba Fett figure has sold for a record �26,000 ($34,179) at Vectis.

It surpassed the previous record for a Star Wars figure, set at �18,000 ($23,662) for a Palitoy Boba Fett at Vectis last year, by 44.4%.

Meccano held the licence to produce Star Wars toys in France during the 1970s

It had originally been valued at just �5,000 ($6,573).

Along with the Palitoy version, this was the first time that Boba Fett had appeared in a card backed packet - making it a key collector's item.

The figure had previously been sold without a backing.

Kathy Taylor of Vectis told Paul Fraser Collectibles: "There are many people wanting to acquire the 3 ¾” Boba Fett figures today - it is a very popular collecting focus, hence their value at auction."

A rare Kenner rocket launching Boba Fett figure sold for �18,000 ($23,662).

The piece is highly coveted by collectors as it was never officially released, as the miniature rocket constituted a choking risk.

Last year one of the rockets (a tiny, loose piece of plastic) sold for �1,600 ($2,103).  

Only 24 complete figures are known to exist, with the present lot being one of the finest.

Both formed part of a major French collection of Star Wars toys that has been described as one of the best in the world.

Louise Harker of Vectis told local paper the Gazette prior to the auction: "This sale consists of such a vast amount of rare items, which makes it so incredibly special.

"Some are rare because of the condition they are in, others are rare because there are just so few known to exist.

"But what is certain, is that there are a lot of pieces in this sale that collectors will not have seen before."

Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about movie memorabilia auctions.