Patrol Dewback

1978

6 in

Star wars

Kenner HK

Reins are missing, Dew Back in mint condition

Robert Garcia

The Patrol Dewback - which everyone just calls a "Dewback" - is similar to the Tauntaun in that it has a spring loaded panel on its back that collapses inward so a figure can "ride" it. While they are fairly easy to find incomplete or broken, a true complete Dewback holds a much higher value and is not something you come across too often.

There are two common problems with vintage Dewbacks: broken or missing reigns, or broken legs. The reigns will often break off from the main harness where they connect. Once one side breaks, it was usually was just a matter of time till the other side broke, and your Dewback was left with just a necklace. When sellers take pictures of Dewbacks there are MANY cases where one side is still attached, and the other hangs close to its attachment point, appearing as intact when it really is separated. Look for clear pictures of the attachment points and a clear statement from the seller that the reigns are not broken.

Dewback legs are made from a softer plastic, and it's pretty common for the leg "ball" portion to break off inside the Dewback. Sometimes the leg will break completely off, sometimes it will hold on by a strip of the somewhat flexible plastic. I've done some repairs on broken Dewback legs if all parts are still present by holding the ball portion in place from inside (finger through the back panel), and filling both portions of the leg with hot glue. Add a little excess hot glue in the leg portion, and squeeze the two parts back together in place on the Dewback. When done properly (and quickly!), the glue melts to itself across both parts, and fills the void where it's broken. This is a very solid repair, but can be tricky to do without practice. If you mess it up, the hot glue will break with a bit of force so you can attempt again.

 

First released in 1978, Kenner's Patrol Dewback had little screen time in Star Wars but became a popular vintage toy, likely due to its prominence in promotional materials like trading cards. The toy featured a trap door for figures to sit and a simple tail-wagging action when the head moved, plus a rubberized saddle and reins, which are often found broken today, so if collecting, make sure that these are in-tact and unbroken or not repaired by superglue.

In 1984, Kenner reissued it in the Collector Series with minor packaging changes, including a red starburst. While never released in an ESB box in the U.S., a Canadian version existed, sometimes including a stormtrooper figure.