Darth Vader
Wolff
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DON’T RELY ON JUST THE COO TO IDENTIFY A FIGURE. Mould, paint colour, plastic colour and figure assembly traits are also needed to confirm your figure’s origins.
Above you can see a comparison of all available torso moulds. It also shows the main shades of “red” colour usually aplied to those.
TORSO MOULDS:
The M1, M2 and M3 torsos were mixed throughout KADER production. They even found their way into the KADER factory in China. However, the GLASSLITE factory in Brazil only received the M2 mould. The M3 mould also got retooled along the production. M3a is an early mould that only appeared with early Fam I, II and III figures. The problem was probably quickly resolved and M3b can be found from then on up to the figures later produced by KADER China.
The SMILE factory worked exclusively with the M4 torso, which then went to LILI LEDY in Mexico. The differences between the M4a and M4b presumably lie in the different plastics used at the LILI LEDY factory. Therefore, I won’t distinguish between the two moulds in the following guide, but I thought it might be interesting to note that the mould can appear quite different in terms of sharpness.
At UNITOY, different torso molds were also sometimes mixed during production. Family V is consistent and used only M5 torsos. Familiy VI and VII used mainly M6 but also mixed it with M5 torsos. Family VIII used M6 and M7 torsos . Both moulds also ended up at PBP in Spain.
There are only very subtle differences between the two TAIWAN families X and XI, considering M9 and M10 torsos. These could also have been caused by wear and tear or the use of different plastic materials.
Because of the mixed production at the KADER and UNITOY factories, this guide is sorted after Coo Family, and then following, after torso moulds. To decipher further, it will be sorted along the applied red colour shades and the used head moulds. The determining of various arm shapes was refrianed.
TORSO COLOURS:
There is various torso colours to different factories known. Transitions between them can be fluid. The amount and intensity of both the underlying white color and the overlying red color also influence the overall appearance. To make them comparable these are sorted after main shades used. You will find many more hues and also inbetween shades or less vibrant ones (too less white underneath).
Above you can see a comparison of all available head moulds that can be found on Darth Vader.
HEAD MOULDS:
The M1, M2 and M3 heads were partially mixed throughout KADER production. All three headmoulds can be found with Family I figures, but only the M3 head made it to the KADER factory in China. On Family III, the M1 and M3 heads can be found regularly, but also only the M3 head made to the GLASSLITE factory in Brazil. On Family II, I could only find M1 heads, which might be bad luck or a lead to an early head (M1) and early figure mould (Fam III). In addition I also couldn’t find the retooled M3b torso on Family II. It can be noted that the M1 head, the only head mould with an EPM to the back of the helmet, got worse over time and lost much detail, which might be the reason he wasn’t used in the later production times.
The SMILE factory worked exclusively with the M4 head, which never went to LILI LEDY in Mexico. Lili Ledy therefore created their own head moulds M5 and M6. Again the differences between the M6a and M6b presumably lie in the different plastics used at the LILI LEDY factory.
At UNITOY, different head molds were also sometimes mixed during production. Family V is consistent and used only M10 and M11 heads. Familiy VI and VII used mainly M10 and M11 heads but M7 heads can be found with those as well. Family VIII used M7, M8 and M9 heads. M7 is probably existing in 2 mould versions, but these are very hard to determine, because this rubbery produced head is prone to deformation and poor or short shots.
Within the two TAIWAN Families X and XI there are very obvious differences regarding the head moulds M13, M14 and M15, M16. They also can’t be confused with any Kader, Smile or unitoy head mould.
KADER HONG KONG
Above you can see different Darth Vader figures from FamI made by KADER in Hong Kong. They are sorted after the three different torso moulds M1, M2 and M3. M3a and M3b are both availible on FamI. The figure in the middle was released in Spain by POCH using the same moulds.
On FamI all three torso moulds and all three head moulds were used. They were mixed in production so every conceivable combination is probably possible. The same goes for the torso colours: Light orange, dark orange, red and dark red can possibly be found with all mould combinations. There might be an exception on the light orange on M3b torsos: The reason this colour is assumed to be an early sprayoption and the M3b torso is a later retool from the M3a torso might exclude this combination.
Above you can see following figure mould and colour combinations (left to right):
- Torso M1, Light Orange, Head M1
- Torso M1, Dark Red, Head M3
- Torso M2, Light Orange, Head M1
- Torso M2, Red, Head M1 (POCH)
- Torso M2, Dark Red, Head M2
- Torso M3a, Dark Orange, Head M1
- Torso M3b, Dark Red, Head M2
KADER CHINA No COO
Above you can see different Darth Vader figures from FamI No COO made by KADER in China. They are sorted after the three different torso moulds M1, M2 and M3b.
On FamI No COO all three torso moulds were used, but only the head mould M3 went to the plants in China. The head mould M1 was getting worse and rougher in time, so it was probably pulled at some point before altering the COO. Also the M3a torso was altered earlier and can’t be found on this COO. In this later production only three torso colours can be found: Dark orange, red and dark red. As mentioned earlier the light orange is assumed to be an early sprayoption and can therefore be excluded.
Above you can see following figure mould and colour combinations (left to right):
- Torso M1, Red, Head M3
- Torso M1, Dark Red, Head M3
- Torso M2, Dark Red, Head M3
- Torso M2, Dark Orange, Head M3
- Torso M2, Red, Head M3
- Torso M3b, Dark Orange, Head M3
- Torso M3b, Very Dark Red, Head M3
KADER HONG KONG
Above you can see different Darth Vader figures from FamII made by KADER in Hong Kong. They are sorted after the three different torso moulds M1, M2 and M3. I couldn’t find any M3b torsos with this COO, which might indicate that FamII was pulled before M3a was altered. Also FamII is a very early leg mould. The figure in the middle was released in Spain by POCH using the same moulds.
On FamII all three torso moulds (besides the M3b, see above) can be found. I could only find FamII figures with the M1 head mould. As this a very early COO family, which also was pulled from production at an early stage, this might indicate that the head mould M1 is also the earliest availible. While studying those, I also was able to find one with an M7 head made by UNITOY. This might seem odd, but there is few possiblities here, but clearly this figure seems to be assembeld from overstock outside the Chinese factories (i.e. Spain).
The colours light orange, dark orange, red and dark red can possibly be found with all torso mould combinations (M1, M2, M3a).
Above you can see following figure mould and colour combinations (left to right):
- Torso M1, Light Orange, Head M1
- Torso M1, Dark Orange, Head M1
- Torso M1, Light Orange, Head M1 (POCH)
- Torso M2, Dark Red, Head M7 (POCH?)
- Torso M3a, Red, Head M1
The Vader shown on the left on the first pictures is assumed to be a Poch variant. Its COO counterpart from Kenner is nearly identical. The torso on the Poch variant is quite duller and somehow seems to be more violet and lighter what doesn’t show in the picture very well. I wasn’t able to find a picture of a MOC where the quality is good enough to use it for confirmation.
The COO shown left exists also as Kenner COO. Typical for the Poch variant seems to be the huge leftover from the “breaking point”. In the Kenner production this was normally smoothed.
The cape is unique to the Poch variant. I personally have never seen such material used for a Vader’s cape worldwide. The texturing can be seen in the pictures below. The cape feels kind of thinner then normal capes. I think you can see how extraordinary this material is on the leftover from the cutting process (to the right).
Typical for “Poch” is leaving the production ridged on figures (see arrow). The crack is factory-made and occurred while assembling. It is “fixed” as it is, means it’s “glued“ together on the shoulders like this. The typical melt-marks on the back are also a hint for it being a Poch figure. The face is very rough moulded. The saber has “flashing” all around and is very bendy. As said before quality is often poor on those Poch figures.
KADER HONG KONG
Above you can see different Darth Vader figures from FamI made by KADER in Hong Kong. They are sorted after the three different torso moulds M1, M2 and M3. M3a and M3b are both availible on FamIII.
On FamIII all three torso moulds and all three head moulds were used. They were mixed in production so every conceivable combination is probably possible. The same goes for the torso colours: Light orange, dark orange, red and dark red can possibly be found with all mould combinations. There might be an exception on the light orange on M3b torsos: The reason this colour is assumed to be an early sprayoption and the M3b torso is a later retool from the M3a torso might exclude this combination.
Above you can see following figure mould and colour combinations (left to right):
- Torso M1, Light Orange, Head M1
- Torso M1, Dark Orange, Head M1
- Torso M1, Red, Head M3
- Torso M1, Red, Head M1
- Torso M2, Red, Head M3
- Torso M2, Dark Red, Head M3
- Torso M3a, Light Orange, Head M1
- Torso M3b, Red, Head M3
KADER No COO/ GLASSLITE
Above you can see different Darth Vader figures from FamI made by KADER in Hong Kong. They are sorted after the three different torso moulds M1, M2 and M3. M3a and M3b are both availible on FamI. The figure in the middle was released in Spain by POCH using the same moulds.
On FamIII No COO all three torso moulds were used, but these wer only paired with later head mould M3. The head mould M1 was getting worse and rougher in time, so it was probably pulled at some point before altering the COO. Also the M3a torso was altered earlier and can’t be found on this COO. In this later production only three torso colours can be found: Dark orange, red and dark red. As mentioned earlier the light orange is assumed to be an early sprayoption and can therefore be excluded.
The torso mould M2 and head mould M3 went on to GLASSLITE in Brazil for producing their resident Darth Vader figures. Glasslite Vaders don’t have the circle on the belt buckle sprayed white. This might appear on KADER ones too, but only because of the paint beeing rubbed off. GLASSLITE also used unique capes and a unique saber mould.
Above you can see following figure mould and colour combinations (left to right):
- Torso M1, Dark Orange Head M3
- Torso M1, Red, Head M3
- Torso M2, Dark Red, Head M3
- Torso M2, Red, Head M3 (GLASSLITE)
- Torso M2, Bright Red, Head M3 (GLASSLITE)
- Torso M3b, Red, Head M3
- Torso M3b, Red, Head M3 (greyish torso)
KADER HONG KONG
Above you can see different Darth Vader figures from FamI made by KADER in Hong Kong. They are sorted after the three different torso moulds M1, M2 and M3. M3a and M3b are both availible on FamIII.
On FamIII all three torso moulds and all three head moulds were used. They were mixed in production so every conceivable combination is probably possible. The same goes for the torso colours: Light orange, dark orange, red and dark red can possibly be found with all mould combinations. There might be an exception on the light orange on M3b torsos: The reason this colour is assumed to be an early sprayoption and the M3b torso is a later retool from the M3a torso might exclude this combination.
Above you can see following figure mould and colour combinations (left to right):
- Torso M1, Light Orange, Head M1
- Torso M1, Dark Orange, Head M1
- Torso M1, Red, Head M3
- Torso M1, Red, Head M1
- Torso M2, Red, Head M3
- Torso M2, Dark Red, Head M3
- Torso M3a, Light Orange, Head M1
- Torso M3b, Red, Head M3
KADER HONG KONG
Above you can see different Darth Vader figures from FamI made by KADER in Hong Kong. They are sorted after the three different torso moulds M1, M2 and M3. M3a and M3b are both availible on FamIII.
On FamIII all three torso moulds and all three head moulds were used. They were mixed in production so every conceivable combination is probably possible. The same goes for the torso colours: Light orange, dark orange, red and dark red can possibly be found with all mould combinations. There might be an exception on the light orange on M3b torsos: The reason this colour is assumed to be an early sprayoption and the M3b torso is a later retool from the M3a torso might exclude this combination.
Above you can see following figure mould and colour combinations (left to right):
- Torso M1, Light Orange, Head M1
- Torso M1, Dark Orange, Head M1
- Torso M1, Red, Head M3
- Torso M1, Red, Head M1
- Torso M2, Red, Head M3
- Torso M2, Dark Red, Head M3
- Torso M3a, Light Orange, Head M1
- Torso M3b, Red, Head M3
KADER HONG KONG
Above you can see different Darth Vader figures from FamI made by KADER in Hong Kong. They are sorted after the three different torso moulds M1, M2 and M3. M3a and M3b are both availible on FamIII.
On FamIII all three torso moulds and all three head moulds were used. They were mixed in production so every conceivable combination is probably possible. The same goes for the torso colours: Light orange, dark orange, red and dark red can possibly be found with all mould combinations. There might be an exception on the light orange on M3b torsos: The reason this colour is assumed to be an early sprayoption and the M3b torso is a later retool from the M3a torso might exclude this combination.
Above you can see following figure mould and colour combinations (left to right):
- Torso M1, Light Orange, Head M1
- Torso M1, Dark Orange, Head M1
- Torso M1, Red, Head M3
- Torso M1, Red, Head M1
- Torso M2, Red, Head M3
- Torso M2, Dark Red, Head M3
- Torso M3a, Light Orange, Head M1
- Torso M3b, Red, Head M3
KADER HONG KONG
Above you can see different Darth Vader figures from FamI made by KADER in Hong Kong. They are sorted after the three different torso moulds M1, M2 and M3. M3a and M3b are both availible on FamIII.
On FamIII all three torso moulds and all three head moulds were used. They were mixed in production so every conceivable combination is probably possible. The same goes for the torso colours: Light orange, dark orange, red and dark red can possibly be found with all mould combinations. There might be an exception on the light orange on M3b torsos: The reason this colour is assumed to be an early sprayoption and the M3b torso is a later retool from the M3a torso might exclude this combination.
Above you can see following figure mould and colour combinations (left to right):
- Torso M1, Light Orange, Head M1
- Torso M1, Dark Orange, Head M1
- Torso M1, Red, Head M3
- Torso M1, Red, Head M1
- Torso M2, Red, Head M3
- Torso M2, Dark Red, Head M3
- Torso M3a, Light Orange, Head M1
- Torso M3b, Red, Head M3
KADER HONG KONG
Above you can see different Darth Vader figures from FamI made by KADER in Hong Kong. They are sorted after the three different torso moulds M1, M2 and M3. M3a and M3b are both availible on FamIII.
On FamIII all three torso moulds and all three head moulds were used. They were mixed in production so every conceivable combination is probably possible. The same goes for the torso colours: Light orange, dark orange, red and dark red can possibly be found with all mould combinations. There might be an exception on the light orange on M3b torsos: The reason this colour is assumed to be an early sprayoption and the M3b torso is a later retool from the M3a torso might exclude this combination.
Above you can see following figure mould and colour combinations (left to right):
- Torso M1, Light Orange, Head M1
- Torso M1, Dark Orange, Head M1
- Torso M1, Red, Head M3
- Torso M1, Red, Head M1
- Torso M2, Red, Head M3
- Torso M2, Dark Red, Head M3
- Torso M3a, Light Orange, Head M1
- Torso M3b, Red, Head M3
KADER No COO/ GLASSLITE
Above you can see different Darth Vader figures from FamI made by KADER in Hong Kong. They are sorted after the three different torso moulds M1, M2 and M3. M3a and M3b are both availible on FamI. The figure in the middle was released in Spain by POCH using the same moulds.
On FamIII No COO all three torso moulds were used, but these wer only paired with later head mould M3. The head mould M1 was getting worse and rougher in time, so it was probably pulled at some point before altering the COO. Also the M3a torso was altered earlier and can’t be found on this COO. In this later production only three torso colours can be found: Dark orange, red and dark red. As mentioned earlier the light orange is assumed to be an early sprayoption and can therefore be excluded.
The torso mould M2 and head mould M3 went on to GLASSLITE in Brazil for producing their resident Darth Vader figures. Glasslite Vaders don’t have the circle on the belt buckle sprayed white. This might appear on KADER ones too, but only because of the paint beeing rubbed off. GLASSLITE also used unique capes and a unique saber mould.
Above you can see following figure mould and colour combinations (left to right):
- Torso M1, Dark Orange Head M3
- Torso M1, Red, Head M3
- Torso M2, Dark Red, Head M3
- Torso M2, Red, Head M3 (GLASSLITE)
- Torso M2, Bright Red, Head M3 (GLASSLITE)
- Torso M3b, Red, Head M3
- Torso M3b, Red, Head M3 (greyish torso)
KADER HONG KONG
Above you can see different Darth Vader figures from FamI made by KADER in Hong Kong. They are sorted after the three different torso moulds M1, M2 and M3. M3a and M3b are both availible on FamIII.
On FamIII all three torso moulds and all three head moulds were used. They were mixed in production so every conceivable combination is probably possible. The same goes for the torso colours: Light orange, dark orange, red and dark red can possibly be found with all mould combinations. There might be an exception on the light orange on M3b torsos: The reason this colour is assumed to be an early sprayoption and the M3b torso is a later retool from the M3a torso might exclude this combination.
Above you can see following figure mould and colour combinations (left to right):
- Torso M1, Light Orange, Head M1
KADER HONG KONG
Above you can see different Darth Vader figures from FamI made by KADER in Hong Kong. They are sorted after the three different torso moulds M1, M2 and M3. M3a and M3b are both availible on FamIII.
On FamIII all three torso moulds and all three head moulds were used. They were mixed in production so every conceivable combination is probably possible. The same goes for the torso colours: Light orange, dark orange, red and dark red can possibly be found with all mould combinations. There might be an exception on the light orange on M3b torsos: The reason this colour is assumed to be an early sprayoption and the M3b torso is a later retool from the M3a torso might exclude this combination.
Above you can see following figure mould and colour combinations (left to right):
- Torso M1, Light Orange, Head M1
- Torso M1, Dark Orange, Head M1
KADER HONG KONG
Above you can see different Darth Vader figures from FamI made by KADER in Hong Kong. They are sorted after the three different torso moulds M1, M2 and M3. M3a and M3b are both availible on FamIII.
On FamIII all three torso moulds and all three head moulds were used. They were mixed in production so every conceivable combination is probably possible. The same goes for the torso colours: Light orange, dark orange, red and dark red can possibly be found with all mould combinations. There might be an exception on the light orange on M3b torsos: The reason this colour is assumed to be an early sprayoption and the M3b torso is a later retool from the M3a torso might exclude this combination.
Above you can see following figure mould and colour combinations (left to right):
- Torso M1, Light Orange, Head M1
KADER HONG KONG
Above you can see different Darth Vader figures from FamI made by KADER in Hong Kong. They are sorted after the three different torso moulds M1, M2 and M3. M3a and M3b are both availible on FamIII.
On FamIII all three torso moulds and all three head moulds were used. They were mixed in production so every conceivable combination is probably possible. The same goes for the torso colours: Light orange, dark orange, red and dark red can possibly be found with all mould combinations. There might be an exception on the light orange on M3b torsos: The reason this colour is assumed to be an early sprayoption and the M3b torso is a later retool from the M3a torso might exclude this combination.
Above you can see following figure mould and colour combinations (left to right):
- Torso M1, Light Orange, Head M1
