In the vast universe of Star Wars collectibles, there are lightsabers, action figures, helmets—and then there are the wonderfully weird items that make fans stop and smile. Enter the 1984 Ewok Telephone, a battery-powered landline device that makes calls and charm in equal measure.
“Would you like to make a call on it?”
“Why not? I got it here, don’t I?”
That’s how a recent pawn shop visitor introduced his piece of intergalactic nostalgia: a toy-like telephone shaped like Wicket, the most famous of the Ewoks from Return of the Jedi.
Wicket: The Furball That Won the Galaxy
If you’re unfamiliar (or just rusty on your Star Wars trivia), the Ewoks were the short, furry creatures that helped take down the Empire’s troops on the forest moon of Endor. Though controversial among some fans, Ewoks—especially Wicket—became a hit with kids and spawned their own merchandise wave in the 1980s.
“I think this is Wicket,” said the seller.
“Wasn’t the popular one named Wicket?” asked the shop owner.
“Yeah, this is him.”
And yes, when you press a button on the phone, Wicket speaks Ewokese, something that impressed even the seasoned appraiser:
“I think he said, ‘Let’s go on a picnic, Chum Chum.’”
“He knows my name,” joked the staffer. “Are you part Ewok?”
The Phone That Speaks (and Maybe Sings)
Released in 1984, this novelty telephone was part of the massive post-Return of the Jedi marketing blitz. It came with full sound effects, a working speaker, and of course—an Ewok voice line when you press the button.
What’s more impressive? The seller’s version was complete and in near-mint condition:
- Original box intact
- All wiring and components included
- Battery compartment pristine (no corrosion)
- Speaker and voice effects still working
That last detail earned praise from the shop:
“As a kid, I would’ve put the battery in and never taken it out. And most people don’t realize—those are the two things that kill the value: the box and the battery.”
The Force of Collectibility
So what makes this Ewok telephone more than just a childhood toy?
It’s uniqueness and condition. While thousands of Star Wars items have flooded the market over the past 45 years, Ewok-specific merchandise is relatively rare—especially Wicket-branded items. That makes any well-preserved piece a treat for collectors.
“Let’s face it, Star Wars is gonna be popular forever,” said the buyer. “It’s one of those franchises that connects across generations—older fans, younger fans, everyone.”
The item checks several boxes for vintage toy collectors:
✅ Released during the original trilogy era
✅ Features a beloved character
✅ Working electronics
✅ Display-friendly
✅ Fully boxed
These are the traits that help items cross from “novelty” to “valuable memorabilia.”
Valuation and Negotiation: A New Hope
The seller came in hoping for $175—a fair ask, given the condition. But after some playful negotiation and a little help from Wicket himself, the two sides settled at $95.
“Let me ask Wicket and see if he thinks that’s good…”
[Ewok gibberish]
“He said, how about a hundred.”
Despite some haggling, both parties walked away happy. The shop owner got a vintage Star Wars item in great shape, and the seller walked away with cash—and maybe a new excuse to find another collectible.
“I was hoping to get a little more, but maybe I’ll save it and buy another Star Wars item.”
The Vintage Toy Market: Why Nostalgia Sells
In a world dominated by high-end collectibles—graded comic books, pristine action figures, screen-used props—there’s still strong demand for quirky vintage toys, especially those tied to major franchises like Star Wars.
And here’s why this Ewok phone stands out:
- Mid-80s Star Wars merch is a hot niche.
- Novelty items (like phones, lamps, and watches) are often destroyed or incomplete.
- There’s a resurgence of interest in retro designs, especially among collectors in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.
- Nostalgia sells—especially when it still makes sounds.
Even in a galaxy not-so-far-away, Star Wars continues to deliver collectibles that are part toy, part time capsule.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Hang Up on Wicket
Sometimes, the value of a collectible isn’t just in the price tag—it’s in the story. A forgotten toy in the attic becomes a conversation piece, a working toy from the ’80s proves it still has power, and a plastic Ewok can still speak your name (maybe).
Whether it sells again for $200 or ends up in a fan’s display case, this 1984 Ewok telephone reminds us why we collect in the first place: not just to own, but to remember, reconnect, and rediscover the wonder.
And if you listen closely… Wicket’s still talking.
