Jango “Mystery Helmet” - Long Read

Hey guys and gals :D I am a little apprehensive about starting this thread, but here it goes. Please read carefully.

I’m sure you are all aware by now, that an ILM Jango Fett Helmet casting, and misc. Armor castings have been floating around since late last year. I believe Bobamaker presented it to the board sometime back. There are a couple of other members that have obtained castings as well.

The history of these parts are pretty simple. They’ve been verified authentic. I would be more than happy to discuss the history openly, if the mods approve. Until then, if anyone desires to hear a bit more about the history, I will have a special “Canned Response” prepared, so please do not be offended if it is not personalized to you.

For those that may have been unaware, until now the existence of these items have been kept on the QT for whatever the individual reasons are that other members may have had. So it is not my place to speak for them. But it should be said here and now, that this was their right, and they should not be chastised for elitism or anything of the kind. They were not obligated by any means to share. So I ask that we ALL keep this thread civil.

The Prelude to “The Point” of this topic …

I’ve been speaking with the source of these “Mystery Castings” for quite sometime, and have been given the opportunity to procure these molds from him directly.

As some have already noted, the castings that have trickled from this source were in very rough condition. It should be noted that this is NOT because the mold is in poor condition. Although the source of this mold is a Prop/FX professional that worked for Fox Studios Australia during production of Episode II, the individual that produced castings from this mold is also a Prop/FX professional that worked for Fox Studios Australia during production of Episode III, and a personal friend of professional number one. Although he has many years of experience, and is good at what he does, he simply didn’t take the time to secure and reassemble the mold/jacket properly in between castings (admittedly so). His attention to detail was not as “Anal” as we here at TDH, simply because it wasn’t as important to him as it obviously is to us here at TDH ;) So it should also be said, that any casting from this mold until now, is not as “True” to the original intended object of our desires as it could have been. That being said …

The “Point” of this topic …

It is my desire to make sure that other members of TDH have an equal opportunity to obtain one of these rare “Helmet” castings. It is not my desire, nor my intent.
to decrease the value of such a rare item by flooding the market with many copies of that item. Which is why I am CONSIDERING making these castings available in limited edition to the members of TDH if there is enough interest.

Before anyone can even put it out there, it should also be said that this is not about profit. Although I have invested quite a sum of money to procure these molds, my investment is my cross to bear, regardless of the outcome. My risk alone. If it were my intent to make profit, I would flood e-bay with them immediately. I won’t deny that I will be attempting to make back my investment. This would be shear stupidity if I didn’t. But in the grand scheme of things, that’s about the most I will even attempt expect from this. This is simply my “Surprise” to TDH. My way of giving back to the community. My reputation here is solid.

A few details about the characteristics of the mold itself, as well as answers to some of the questions that will most definitely arise …

The mold is a seamless “platinum” cure (addition cure) silicone (durable long life rubber). It is supported by a rigid fiberglass reinforced polyester jacket.

This is technically not the best way to retain a shape like this, simply because it is a glove mold that must be rolled off of the casting when cured, and repositioned into the support jacket properly. In a lot of cases, if the outer layer of rubber isn’t smooth enough (hills and valleys or bumps on the surface) the rubber may be difficult to seat back into position inside of the glass jacket’s negative hills, valleys or bumps. In other words, like it was the day the mold was made. But it is NOT impossible ;) A little extra care must be taken obviously.

The inside surface of the rubber is like new. I can say from experience, that this is NOT a mold that has had a hundred castings pulled from it. In my opinion, not even 15. But of course, I cannot prove this. But there is plenty of life left :lol

It may also be asked, “Why don’t you just pull a clean casting, and make a new proper mold for it”?

This is very simple. It would NO LONGER be an earlier generation casting. It would be a later generation casting. Farther removed from the original intended form.

Will I be “cleaning –up” the helmet? Absolutely not. The only way to ensure that our members get as close to the real deal as possible, is to leave it be! They will be cleaner castings already, because of the mold changing hands. If I were to “Clean-up” anything, I would then have to mold it AGAIN. Therefore see the paragraph above ;) It would be sterilized.

There are also some of you that have pointed out a particular detail that was considered questionable about the casting that was brought to the board late last year. The forehead arrows. They are indeed skewed a bit to the right. And their shapes are not quite as refined as the “Screen” helmet. Just like the “Rubies Deluxe” :lol There is a very logical answer to this. But let me first say, this is absolutely not a “Rubies Deluxe” :lol ;)

These castings were originally considered “Screen Castings”. This is NOT accurate. This helmet NEVER saw screen time. Why? Because it was a “Pre-Production ILM/Fox Casting”. The very same casting that is said the “Rubies Deluxe” originated from. But VERY much like the Boba Fett “Mystery Helmet” and “Don Post” history…. Rubies “Raped” (altered drastically) their scanned/copied master before their limited production :lol It is still unclear to me at this point as to if Rubies actually 3d scanned it, or were allowed to copy it directly, but nevertheless, they reeeeeeely boned it after that :lol And unlike the Boba Fett “Mystery Helmet”, this Jango “Mystery Helmet” origin goes directly back to ILM/Fox, not Rubies. (The Boba “Mystery” was obtained through Don Post after some alterations had already been made to it)

Does this mean that this Jango “Mystery” casting is not worth a dime because it never saw screen time? Absolutely NOT. It's origin is STILL an ILM/Fox made studio helmet. It is the same shape and size as the “Screen” helmet in every respect. As close as anyone will get to the “Screen” helmet anyway, at least in the foreseeable future. The only problem, is that a minor detail (forehead arrows) were not refined on the helmet because it was never used in production. It is my hope that this clears the air a bit on this detail.

The "Key Slots" are indeed a seperate piece. I have obtained this mold as well :)



On one final note …

There are only 2 of these molds in existence. At least for now :lol One is owned by the former Episode II employee mentioned above (TAKEN DIRECTLY OFF OF AN ILM HELMET), and now the other (MOLDED OFF OF A CASTING FROM MOLD NUMBER ONE) by yours truly. The “other” mold will NOT be used to produce castings. That being said …

From this point forth, any casting made available by any other entity other than “myself “, will NOT be as early in generation as what this mold can produce. Period. It will be a “Recast” of a “Recast”, of a “Recast”, etc.. Again, farther removed from the shape of the original intended object.

Undoubtedly, there will be “others” that may be inclined to “recast” a casting from this mold that they may own … well, technically it is a “Gray” area, just as the Boba Fett “Mystery Helmet” is. No one technically “owns” it’s rights, as it is the intellectual property of LFL/Fox. So I can’t stand before anyone and say “Shame on you” :lol But if for some reason any “others” do … it is at the risk of their own reputation. There will be NO denying where it came from this time. You get the point ;)


In summary –

Limited edition castings. Not for Profit. The mold itself is a “Trophy” enough for me to add to my own collection for posterity. If this thread gets ugly, I will ask that it be locked down, if the mods don’t get to it first :lol

That’s it. Those that are interested can post it here, and I will start a list if there is enough interest. Please do not PM me about anything other than it’s history. The price is TBD. But I assure you, it will be fair enough for a TRACEABLE studio casting, and less than what the source was selling his castings for :D IF THIS THREAD BECOMES AN INTEREST THREAD, it will undoubtedly be moved to the Cargo Hold.


FP

I'm game!

Cruzer:jango

dag, yo

I may be interested pending price, etc.

I wonder if a link to this thread in the Jango forum would be a good idea, FP.

Cruzer:jango

Some thing Ive always wanted, but yet, still will never be able to get....

-tubachris

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Originally Posted by Cruzer

I wonder if a link to this thread in the Jango forum would be a good idea, FP.

Cruzer:jango

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:lol

Yes ... I SERIOUSLY BONED that one didn't I :lol

Comin right up. I'm sure the mods will move it later.

FP

Did someone say "sign up list"?? :lol

I'm interested! :)

If something is verified authentic you know it's history I'm confused what the mystery would be. Also if it traceable then would it not be an unauthorized copy aka not legally obtained and kind of putting you arse out on a limb here as far as liability?

Lee

Interested pending price.

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Originally Posted by Rogue Studios

If something is verified authentic you know it's history I'm confused what the mystery would be. Also if it traceable then would it not be an unauthorized copy aka not legally obtained and kind of putting you arse out on a limb here as far as liability?

Lee

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Hey Bud

:lol I only referred to it as a "Jango Mystery" because that is what it's come to be known as by the members here after it was introduced to the board some months ago. There is no "Mystery" in it technically, as it's history has been known for sometime, but not by everyone equally.

You are absolutely correct in that "Technically" it is an un-authorized copy, not legally obtained ... and yes, it does put my arse out there :lol But so is 90% of everything we come across in this hobby as I see it. Although there are times that a C&D has looked pretty "Good" to me (saving me from myself :lol ), in a particular case such as this, as long as it is not a venture for profit, I think it is an acceptable risk. My only desire is to offer the opportunity of owning one of these castings for personal enjoyment to the members here that might be interested. As I said in my initial post, if there is not enough interest ... the mold is a trophy enough for me. I'm good with it either way. My investment is my cross to bear (I'm sure you can relate to that). Just trying to give something back to TDH :)

FP

I gotta say, great buy FP! That will definetly sit high on the “trophy” case.:thumbsup


RS has the helmet plug, FP has his helmet mold! Will someone hurry up and get there hands on some screen used Boba Armor soon!:)

Im in... thanks for doing this for us FP!

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Originally Posted by evan4218

Im in... thanks for doing this for us FP!

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Thanks for the support bud. Hopefully we'll see this come to fruition :)


FP

Interested pending price.

Wow, what a nice score!

I guess you could compare this helmet to what the TE helmets are.

I am totaly in for one.

Wow! I would definitely be interested. Great score! :thumbsup

Pending price, I am also interested.

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Originally Posted by fettpride

Just trying to give something back to TDH :)

FP

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FP, you already give quite a bit to TDH. :thumbsup Most of the top Boba's on the board have one piece or another of FP magic on their person. And now you bring us something for Jango! :cheers

Thanks for offering this piece to TDH.

Put me down as interested.
Gator

FP,
Why do I suddenly have the urge to sing to you?
Color me interested.

Wes

Interest pending price.

Dreams do come true!
Interested! I think so! Price pending...

And just to sound greedy....
Any chance of a run of original Chest armor.
I saw it around the same time as the helmet.

Jono!

FP, AWESOME! AWESOME! AWSEOME!:thumbsup I would also be interested in the screen accurate helmet and armor as well. If they both indeed exist and will be part of the "TDH Exclusive" I look forward to further developments.

THX:cheers

You've got my interest FP! Pending price, I'm in.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CaptJono

And just to sound greedy....
Any chance of a run of original Chest armor.
I saw it around the same time as the helmet.

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Still thinking about that ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Galactic Bounty Hunter

If they both indeed exist and will be part of the "TDH Exclusive" I look forward to further developments.

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They exist big guy ;)


Thanks for the responses folks :cheers


FP

I'm interested FP :)

Thank you to give the opportunity to TDH member to own a "real" Jango Helmet :)

Ps: oops you got a useless PM, sorry I have not seen the "not" in your last paragraph.

Sounds Groovy I am in!

I'm interested as well. Price will play a role of course.

Nahh! not intersted! my stuff is good enough already.

Just kidding.

I'm in!!

sign me up!!!

http://www.r2ro.com/images/wow.jpg

I'm in aswell pending price.

You know I'm in.........hell yeah.

I'm interested depending on the price.

Alan

I´m in... at the moment

Interested, pending price as well.

AWWW HECK my daughter doesn't need to go to Collage!!!:lol Sign me up too FP!!!:suprise .......

:thumbup :thumbup ALL HAIL FP!!!:thumbup :thumbup :thumbup

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Originally Posted by Spideyfett

:thumbup :thumbup ALL HAIL FP!!!:thumbup :thumbup :thumbup

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YUP! I agree!!!

Put me on the list, ill drop a very nice penny on this! SO much for that bike I wanted this year.

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Originally Posted by shortimer52

YUP! I agree!!!

Put me on the list, ill drop a very nice penny on this! SO much for that bike I wanted this year.

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YEAH ...So much for Dragon CON..:lol :lol :lol

Just want to say again that this would be an absolute Treat to all of us here if this becomes reality.......

Here's the original thread that BM posted....in case anyone doesn't remember what's being talked about here...;) http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/f28/original-helmet-cast-9537/


THANKS AGAIN FP!! :thumbup

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Originally Posted by Spideyfett

YEAH ...So much for Dragon CON..:lol :lol :lol

Just want to say again that this would be an absolute Treat to all of us here if this becomes a reality.......

Here's the original thread that BM posted....in case anyone doesn't remember what's being talked about here...;) http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/showthread.php?t=9537


THANKS AGAIN FP!! :thumbup

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How could I forget!!!!!!!!!!!

Pending price, I am also interested

Wow!!!!!!!! This is huge!! You're really generous in offering these FP. Would be cool as heck to get one!! I really wish I had some extra $, but at this point, can't really afford anything that isn't directly related to the rest of my ESB suit.
D

I'm in, depending on the price.

I'm in as well. Thanks FP for offering these. It's good to see you back on the boards and what great things your return brings (the return of your armor and gauntlets as well as this).

I'm interested of course.

I'd love the opportunity to get one of those castings.
Put me down for one.
gino@columbus.rr.com
What parts (if any) are missing that would be needed to complete the helmet?

Depending upon the price I'm in.

cool!!!

:cheering COOL!!! Im interested also. Looks like you'll make your $$ back No-Proublem. With all these interested members

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Originally Posted by Calikid

:cheering COOL!!! Im interested also. Looks like you'll make your $$ back No-Proublem. With all these interested members

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Yeah I say start breaking out the fiberGLASS FP!!;)

Awesome as usual FP - Time to jump on the Jango Bandwagon - I am in pending price too!

Loranar :fettrotj

interested

Thanks for the kind words from everyone about this. :)

Just a little update.

In case any of you are wondering why you did not receive the the prepared "Canned Response" that you may have requested from me (as offered in my first post), it is not because you have been forgotten about. I temporarily postponed sending these out for a reason.

Although it is all "hearsay", there seems to be a "sub" situation going on in the background that I need to see mature a little bit before I know how I should proceed. Someone here that isn't happy with me over all this I suppose :lol

Nevertheless, this wont take long, I assure you. I do NOT respond well to threats. And I will not let threats control my actions. Again, this is all "hearsay", which is why I haven't taken it up wit the administration yet. And I do not intend to hassle the administration with this sort of childishness until there is something more concrete. But to be on the safe side, for other parties involved, this is why I’ve delayed the "canned Response" for now.

Gino - If I actually decide to do this, all the main bits and pieces will be included with the exception of a real aluminum RF stalk :lol


Thanks again to everyone. I will do my best to finalize all the details for this as soon as possible.

FP

>: Why do some want to ruin it for ALL??....Interesting.

*Shakes head* I can never get my head around this stuff. But I totaly agree with how you are handling it FP. I remeber back when Spidy did his build up thread for his MS2 and ran into "Threats" just becase he was sharing valuble info.

Now your willing to put your neck on the line to share this great Jango stuff with us... and any one who has atempted it knows what a time intinsive job it is to set up clean molds and cast this stuff. Even if your a seasoned pro its time intinsive to do it right! Plus your busy getting set up for your gauntlets and what ever else... plus you have a life other then this stuff!

Just sad...

Now if we could get the same thing for a Boba Fett bucket and armor! Not likely any time soon sadly... RS has a PREPRO3 but If I was being paid by MR to help with licenced Fett stuff the last thing I would do is step on there feet like that.

But one can always dream!!! :lol

I'd love to lay my little paws on one of these.

I might be interested, depending on price as well.

It sure peeked my interest when the chest armor discussion came up. I'd be in on that as well...should you be presuaded to have a limited run on those as well :)

What are we looking at in size comaprison?

I am intersted if my wife allows me to be........

It's really neat that you'd even consider offering something so awesome to the members of TDH, FP. :)

And I'm definitely interested!

Interested, pending price as well.

Count Me In-terested!;)

jon/shunned

Interested as well. Definetly neat of you to be offering this possibility to TDHers.

:) I'm very intersted depending on price.

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Originally Posted by Spideyfett

>: Why do some want to ruin it for ALL??....Interesting.

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There is always one!

FP im in for one. But I have already said that.

very interested,pending price;)

Just goes to show what a helluva guy you are FP.

I'm in!

VERY INTERESTED TOO, PENDING PRICE.

So what's the word the hearsay on the threats? Just curious since everyone appears to be on edge and nothing has been posted. I saw the armor bits in photos and I was surprised how much smaller all of it was compared to Boba stuff Temura must have been a small guy. I was offered this stuff awhile back but just wasn't my bag but glad the Jango guys get some major relief for qute a few pieces.

Lee

I am interested in seeing some pics of this helmet, pending price of course

sorry, just had to be like everyone else ;)


Pending...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rogue Studios

So what's the word the hearsay on the threats? Just curious since everyone appears to be on edge and nothing has been posted.

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Nothing has been posted, because I'm still not comfortable enough with what information has been offered to me in regards to this. In other words, the report made to me was inconclusive. I have been in the process of sorting out the molds, and contemplating how I want to proceed. I am curious though, if Jango is not your "Bag", why is it that you are curious about this? If you don't mind me asking? :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rogue Studios

I saw the armor bits in photos and I was surprised how much smaller all of it was compared to Boba stuff Temura must have been a small guy.

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Mr. Morrison is "Vertically Challenged", yes :lol But keep in mind that his armor, started out as ROTJ armor and was "trimmed" to fit. Hence the different shape, and lack of bevel around the edges of the armor.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rogue Studios

I was offered this stuff awhile back but just wasn't my bag but glad the Jango guys get some major relief for quite a few pieces.

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I too was offered the parts sometime ago. It wasn't until the "molds" recently became available for sale that I reconsidered. Much like the Boba "plug", they're great pieces for posterity :)



FP

Wow this list has grown fast. I'm in as well but I'm afraid I may be too late now.

-Bill

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rogue Studios

I saw the armor bits in photos and I was surprised how much smaller all of it was compared to Boba stuff Temura must have been a small guy.

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yeah, he's not nearly as tall as jeremy bulloch. makes us shorter guys happy ;)

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Originally Posted by tk7602

yeah, he's not nearly as tall as jeremy bulloch. makes us shorter guys happy ;)

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I believe he's 5'6". Perfect for me since I'm too short for Boba. And a Stormtrooper as well, but I make that work. :lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TD-4242

Wow this list has grown fast. I'm in as well but I'm afraid I may be too late now.

-Bill

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I'm sure FP will do his best to accomodate as many people as possible. He's a good guy and his work is always top notch.

Well Helmetman, you are now up to 23 posts and each one left in your profile seems to be Trolling. :thumbsd Please go away. We don't want you here. :moon

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Originally Posted by fettpride

And lastly, don't you worry. I won't be publicly selling these castings now.

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!! and other assorted, implied curse-words.

** please refrain from using #%#$% to replace curse words. Thanks! Mirax

Quote:

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Originally Posted by fettpride

And lastly, don't you worry. I won't be publicly selling these castings now.

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:suprise !!

Well that news sucks.... :cry

Ah, well
It was the thought that counts....
Thanks FP for trying, :doh

Guys, keep it civil.

Lets keep in mind what an awesome discovery this is and keep it in perspective.

Cheers!

****!!...What did I MISS???:?

DITTO!

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Originally Posted by Spideyfett

****!!...What did I MISS???:?

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WOW!!!! No, really.... WOW!!! I am not much of a Jango fan but I heard about these pieces about 2 years ago and half-heartedly pursued getting a helmet for a while but it never went very far. I am so glad to see this resurface and it couldn't have fallen into more capable hands! Congrats Chris! And thanks so much for making these available! That is very generous of you! Just great great news all the way around!

Definitely interested if theres still space to accomodate little old me, thanks for sharing FP! :thumbsup

Geesh, I am gone for a little while and look at what I missed! This is really awesome FP, glad to see this happen!

THANKS MODS for Keeping this thread alive and not Locking it like some seem to want. :thumbup

It's good to know that this Thread has the support of the MODS..:thumbsup

Thanks Brak's and Mirax for your kind words :)

FP

There have to be posts that have been deleted.

Any chance of having them returned?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gorman

There have to be posts that have been deleted.

Any chance of having them returned?

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Yes, I noticed this too
one of mine in fact.

-tubachris

That would be up to the Dent. And you are welcome FP, it's just the truth. And there is no reason that this thread would be locked as there is nothing wrong with it.

I jumped on the interest list for this right away, but I cant quite get a handle on What's Happening or Not Happening Now!:? :? :? Errrrrrrh? What's the problem? Unless it's Lucas's or his Peeps directly telling to cease and desist letter forget Em'!!!8) Let Em' just stew in their juices! Sign Me UP!:thumbsup


***please refrain from using curse words, even if you replace them with #$^@. Thanks! Mirax

The edits and deletion of certain posts were nothing people. Just an exchange of words between FP and myself that were not directly relevant to the thread.

Nothing to do with Lucasfilm.

Steve :)

Im just about to start a jango costume and came over here to get some info so if the offer still on im intrested

:suprise a jango fett "mystery" helmet, count me in!!! (price?):jango

Count me in!

So, whats happening with this project?
Have 'evil forces' put a stop to your most generous offer FP?
Jono

even though i like boba i still want a helmet from this if i can get the money!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CaptJono

So, whats happening with this project?
Have 'evil forces' put a stop to your most generous offer FP?
Jono

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Uhm? No :D

http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/showt...522#post179522


FP