Gold Chrome Prototype Case (Black Plastic)
This is one of the most iconic, and well known vintage Star Wars prototypes. The infamous "Gold Vader Case" . It has graced the covers of books and magazines, and been featured in numerous publications and price guides.
Originally, created by Kenner as a test for the
upcoming C3-PO figure case, a variety of prototypes and samples were made using
actual production Darth Vader cases, and in some instances, even using a different colored plastic from the Vader case mold as well. They were also used to show general wear and tear, and were shipped around to various locations to test how the chrome would hold up during distribuiton
There are two main variations of the Gold Chrome case, with the most commonly found example being the black plastic shot case, with gold colored chrome The cases were commonly split at the bottom hinge/seam, and this was done specifically to make the chroming process easier.
This is also one of the most commonly faked, or reproduced types, as that the cases used were production grade, and a former toy dealer from the days of "Toy Shop" openly made "reproductions" and sold them.
Needless to say, it is paramount you verify the source of the case, and be very suspect
of any example which is still in one piece, and is shot in black plastic.
