Summary
- An original Darth Vader lightsaber prop sold for over $3.6 million USD at a Propstore auction
- The prop was the primary dueling hilt used in both Empire and Jedi
- Its final sale price well exceeded its initial estimate
The most iconic weapon in cinematic history has found a new owner. The original lightsaber prop used by Darth Vader in the films The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi sold at auction for over $3.6 million USD this past Thursday. The sale, held by the renowned memorabilia company Propstore, fetched a final winning bid of $3,654,000 USD after an intense bidding war, solidifying the prop’s status as not just a piece of cinematic history, but as a legendary artifact of pop culture.
The lightsaber hilt, which was meticulously crafted from a Graflex camera flash handle, was wielded by actor David Prowse and stunt performer Bob Anderson in two of the most celebrated films in the Star Wars saga. It played a central role in some of cinema’s most pivotal moments, including Vader’s stunning reveal to Luke Skywalker in Cloud City and his climactic duel with the Emperor in the second Death Star’s throne room. The site of the auction read that the lightsaber was “wielded by both David Prowse and stunt performer Bob Anderson, this is the primary dueling prop created for Vader’s character in both Empire and Jedi… It saw extensive use during the filming of both movies and is one of the most memorable film props from the original trilogy.”
The sale of the prop is a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of the Star Wars franchise and its most fearsome villain. The original lightsaber had been estimated to sell for between $1 and $3 million USD, a figure that was dwarfed by the final price after a total of 31 bids were placed. The item’s immense value comes not just from its rarity but from its direct connection to scenes that have defined a generation of moviegoers. For collectors and fans alike, this lightsaber represents the pinnacle of evil and power within the galaxy. Its sale marks a significant moment, reaffirming that the artifacts from this beloved universe continue to capture the imaginations—and wallets—of people around the globe.
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