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Historic Star Wars Prop Sets New Auction Record
The iconic lightsaber wielded by Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back has been sold for a staggering €3 million at a Propstore auction in Los Angeles, setting a new record for Star Wars memorabilia. This represents the highest price ever paid for a prop from the legendary science fiction franchise.
The Infamous Weapon
The specific lightsaber was used in the climactic scene where Darth Vader severs Luke Skywalker's hand during their duel on Cloud City. According to auction house Propstore, this weapon appeared in at least the final two films of the original trilogy and potentially in A New Hope from 1977, though photographic evidence for the latter remains inconclusive.
The auction catalog described the item as "the weapon of the most recognizable character from the most famous science fiction film ever made," emphasizing that "this is more than a movie prop—it's film history."
Authentic Battle Damage
Close examination reveals the prop's humble origins as a flashgun handle from a vintage press camera, modified by George Lucas's team with additional components including calculator buttons to create the futuristic weapon appearance.
Two versions were created for filming: a handle-only version and a duel version with attachable blade mechanism. The auctioned piece is the duel version, though the reflective-tape-covered blade is missing. The prop shows significant wear including scratches, loose handle components, and partial damage to the end—all evidence of its authentic use during filming.
Hollywood Memorabilia Market
The three-day auction featured numerous high-profile Hollywood items. An Indiana Jones whip sold for €400,000, a Spider-Man costume fetched €250,000, and a Platform 9¾ sign from Harry Potter exceeded its €17,000 minimum estimate sevenfold. Other notable sales included a Saw puppet, Sauron's helmet from The Lord of the Rings, and a neuralyzer from Men in Black, all commanding tens of thousands of euros.
According to film memorabilia experts, the growing market for authentic movie props reflects increasing appreciation for cinematic history and the cultural significance of these artifacts.
