Darth Vader’s lightsaber, featured in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983), is set to be auctioned by the memorabilia company Propstore. The auction, which includes various iconic movie props, is expected to see the lightsaber fetch between $1 million and $3 million.
The lightsaber is made from a 1950s British camera flash bulb attachment, modified with plastic grips, electrical wires, and magnification bubbles from vintage calculators, according to Propstore. The lightsaber’s authenticity has been verified by matching it to the films based on specific damage patterns noted on the prop.
In an interview with CBS News, Propstore CEO Brian Alinger revealed that the lightsaber came from an individual who received it as a gift during a childhood visit to the set of Star Wars. This background fuels curiosity regarding its provenance and the story behind its creation.
In addition to Vader’s lightsaber, the auction features other notable memorabilia, including the whip used by Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), which is estimated to sell for $250,000 to $500,000. Also on offer is Michael Keaton’s Batsuit from the original Batman (1989), expected to reach a similar price range. The auction presents an opportunity for collectors and fans to acquire significant pieces of cinematic history.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/771642/darth-vader-lightsaber-propstore-auction-indiana-jones