A screen-used lightsaber wielded by Darth Vader in two of the original Star Wars films has sold for a staggering $3.65 million during a Hollywood memorabilia auction in Los Angeles.
The rare prop, featured in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983), was a highlight of a multi-day sale hosted by Propstore, which offered over 1,000 items spanning film and television history.
Originally estimated to sell between $1 million and $3 million, the saber far surpassed expectations with 31 competing bids, ending in a final sale price of $3,654,000.
“This is the primary dueling prop created for Vader’s character in both Empire and Jedi,” Propstore noted on its website.
“Wielded by both David Prowse and stunt double Bob Anderson, the piece saw extensive use during the filming of both movies and is one of the most memorable film props from the original trilogy.”
The hilt itself was crafted from a 1950s-era camera flashbulb attachment and then reworked by the original Star Wars production team into Darth Vader’s weapon of choice.
Propstore noted that the item bears visible signs of wear, scratches and marks from production, that serve as physical proof of its on-set use.
“It’s really an unprecedented piece,” Alinger said. “Not only is it instantly recognizable, it was involved in some of the most iconic moments in cinema.”
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