A screen-used Darth Vader lightsaber has sold at auction for a record-breaking sum. The iconic prop fetched $3.65 million at a Propstore sale in Los Angeles. This sale sets a new record for any Star Wars memorabilia ever sold.
The event took place on Thursday at the Petersen Automotive Museum. According to Propstore, this was the only hero lightsaber from the original trilogy to be auctioned.
Historic Prop from Empire and Jedi Films
The lightsaber is a primary dueling prop used in two classic films. It appeared on screen in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Both actor David Prowse and stunt double Bob Anderson wielded it.
Its presale estimate was between $1 million and $3 million. The final hammer price was $2.9 million. The total reached $3.65 million with the buyer’s premium included.
Other Major Items Find New Homes
The auction featured other significant Hollywood artifacts. Indiana Jones’ bullwhip and belt from The Last Crusade sold for $475,650. Jean-Luc Picard’s Ressikan flute from Star Trek fetched over $403,000.
Rick Dalton’s flamethrower from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood also sold. That item brought in a final price of $346,500. The strong prices show a robust market for high-end film props.
The sale of Darth Vader’s lightsaber cements its status as the ultimate Star Wars collectible. This record-breaking auction proves the enduring power of the franchise. It highlights the immense value of authentic cinematic history.
Info at your fingertips
Which movies featured this specific Darth Vader lightsaber?
This exact prop was used as a primary weapon in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. It is the lightsaber seen in most of Vader’s key scenes.
Who used this lightsaber during filming?
Actor David Prowse, who physically portrayed Vader, used it. Stunt performer Bob Anderson also wield it for complex fight sequences.
What other Star Wars items were sold?
Anakin Skywalker’s stunt lightsaber from the prequel films sold for $126,000. This was nearly double its presale estimate.
Why is this lightsaber so valuable?
It is an authentic “hero” prop, meaning it was built for close-up camera shots. Surviving props from the original trilogy are extremely rare.
Has Propstore sold other high-value Star Wars items?
Yes. In 2022, the auction house sold an original X-wing fighter model for over $2.3 million. That was a previous record for the franchise.
Trusted Sources: Propstore, The Hollywood Reporter, Associated Press style guidelines for auction reporting.
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