Darth Vader Lightsaber Expected to Fetch Up to $3 Million at Auction

An auction scheduled for September will feature a collection of iconic movie props, including the lightsaber used by Darth Vader in "The Empire Strikes Back." The auction house estimates that this particular prop could fetch up to $3 million. Other notable items up for bid include Sauron’s helmet from "The Lord of the Rings" and Indiana Jones’ belt, bullwhip, and pistol holster from "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."

Movie enthusiasts eager to own some of the most iconic cinematic props from the past half-century will need to prepare their wallets. The auction, hosted by Propstore, will include a variety of high-value items, with the lightsaber prop used by Darth Vader in his battles with Luke Skywalker in both "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi" being the standout piece. This screen-matched item, authenticated for its use in the films, is expected to sell for between $1 million and $3 million, though the final price could exceed these estimates. The prop, crafted from a British press camera flash handle, has been part of a private collection until now.

The auction house describes this lightsaber as "one of the rarest and most sought after ‘grail’ Star Wars props in existence," noting that it is believed to be the only hero lightsaber prop with verifiable screen-use to ever be offered at public auction. This rarity and historical significance could drive the price even higher, potentially surpassing the $3 million paid for an X-Wing from the Star Wars films in 2023 and the $2.76 million paid for an R2-D2 droid used in the films, which was sold in 2017.

For those with more modest budgets, the auction will also feature Harrison Ford’s bullwhip, whip holster, and belt from "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," expected to sell for between $250,000 and $500,000. Additionally, Sauron’s helmet from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy will be up for bid. To generate interest, Propstore plans to take some of the bigger items on a tour before the auction, with stops in London, New York, and Beverly Hills.

This auction represents a significant event for movie memorabilia collectors, offering a rare opportunity to own some of the most iconic props from beloved films. The high estimates for these items reflect their cultural significance and the enduring popularity of the franchises they come from. The lightsaber, in particular, is a symbol of the Star Wars legacy and is likely to attract intense bidding from collectors and fans alike. The tour leading up to the auction is expected to further fuel interest, making this a highly anticipated event in the world of entertainment memorabilia.