Darth Vader's iconic lightsaber from the original Star Wars trilogy will go under the hammer for the first time this September. The weapon used in the legendary duels between the Sith Lord and Luke Skywalker is expected to fetch between £746,000 and £2,241,000.
The prop was wielded during the climactic battles in both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. David Prowse, who played Darth Vader, and Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker used the weapon in their on-screen confrontations.
Rare cinema artefact emerges
British Olympic fencer Bob Anderson also handled the lightsaber during his work as a stunt performer on the films. According to auction house Propstore, genuine lightsaber props from the original trilogy are exceptionally rare.
The company believes this is "the only hero lightsaber prop from the original Star Wars trilogy with verifiable screen use ever to be offered at public auction". The sale coincides with the 45th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back.
Grail-level collectible status
Brandon Alinger, chief operating officer at Propstore, described the weapon as cinema's equivalent of ruby slippers. He said lightsabers have become "a universally recognised symbol of the world's most beloved film franchise" and are consistently ranked as the most iconic props of all time.
"It is a grail-level piece, worthy of the finest collections in the world," Alinger added. "This lightsaber is simply everything you want it to be -- one of the most significant Star Wars artefacts ever."
Ingenious construction methods
The lightsaber was crafted from a vintage British press camera flash handle with added components including plastic grips and calculator bubbles. Cosmetic wiring completed the futuristic appearance that would captivate audiences worldwide.
A wooden rod was attached as a blade during choreographed fight scenes, enabling the physical duelling sequences. Visual effects artists later added the distinctive hand-animated glow that made the weapon appear to emit light.
Global exhibition tour planned
The prop will embark on a tour visiting London, Beverly Hills and New York throughout August before the September auction in Los Angeles. Other notable items will accompany the lightsaber, including Indiana Jones's bullwhip and belt from the adventure films.
Sauron's helmet from The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring will also feature in the exhibition. The tour will conclude with the shark tooth clapperboard from the 1975 thriller Jaws completing the collection of cinema memorabilia.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
