Darth Vader's Lightsaber from Star Wars to Be Auctioned... What Is the Expected Price?

Featured in Two of the Original Trilogy Films
Estimated Winning Bid Up to 4.2 Billion KRW

The lightsaber actually used by Darth Vader in his duel with Luke Skywalker in the movie 'Star Wars' is coming up for auction for the first time.

According to international media outlets such as CNN in the United States and the BBC in the United Kingdom on July 16 (local time), auction house Propstore announced that Darth Vader's lightsaber, which appeared in two 'Star Wars' films, will be auctioned for the first time in Los Angeles, United States, this September.

This particular lightsaber was used as a prop in the 1980 film 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back' and the 1983 film 'Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.' The estimated winning bid is between $1 million (approximately 1.4 billion KRW) and $3 million (approximately 4.2 billion KRW). The identity of the auction consignor, known to be a private collector, has not been disclosed.

Darth Vader holding a lightsaber in the movie 'Star Wars'. Star Wars official website

This iconic lightsaber was used in duels between Darth Vader, played by David Prowse, and Luke Skywalker, played by Mark Hamill, in both films. Propstore stated, "Original lightsaber props from the original trilogy are extremely rare," adding, "This is believed to be the only lightsaber prop from the original Star Wars trilogy to be offered at public auction. It is considered one of the most coveted items among Star Wars collectibles."

This lightsaber was made using the flash handle from a vintage British broadcast camera. For the fight scenes, a wooden stick was used as the blade so that real duels could be filmed in front of the camera. Later, special effects were added to make the blade appear to emit light in the final version.

Prior to the auction, this prop will be exhibited throughout August in London, United Kingdom, as well as Beverly Hills and New York, United States. The exhibition will also feature other famous movie props, such as Indiana Jones's whip and belt, and Sauron's helmet from 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.' After the exhibition tour, a live auction will be held in Los Angeles, United States, in September.