One of the most famous weapons in movie history is heading to auction, and it could sell for up to $3.6 million NZD. The lightsaber used by Darth Vader in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi will be sold this September.
The rare prop is being offered by Propstore, an auction house that specialises in movie memorabilia. It’s expected to fetch between $1.2 million and $3.6 million NZD. The lightsaber was used in some of the biggest battle scenes between Darth Vader, played by David Prowse, and Luke Skywalker, played by Mark Hamill.
What makes this item so special is that it was actually used on screen, something that is very rare for props from the original Star Wars trilogy. Propstore says it may be the only verified “hero” lightsaber ever put up for public sale.
The lightsaber was made using the flash handle of an old British camera. During filming, a wooden rod was used for the blade so actors could perform the sword fights. Special effects were later added to create the glowing light.
Before the auction in Los Angeles, the lightsaber will go on tour in London, Beverly Hills, and New York during August. The tour will also feature other famous movie items like Indiana Jones’s whip and belt, and Sauron’s helmet from The Lord of the Rings.
Brandon Alinger, CEO of Propstore, called the lightsaber “one of the most significant Star Wars and cinema artefacts ever.”
