A lightsaber used by Darth Vader in the original Star Wars sequels sold for $3.6 million (£2.7 million) at an auction in Los Angeles, Propstore said, marking the highest price ever paid for a Star Wars prop at auction.
The piece, used during filming of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, featured in one of the saga's most pivotal moments and was described by Propstore as the standout lot on the first day of sales. The winning bidder was not publicly identified. Propstore, the Buckinghamshire-based auction house, said the prop was filmed extensively at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire.
Brandon Alinger, Propstore's chief operating officer, called the sale "incredibly special," saying: "To see a Star Wars lightsaber — the symbol of one of cinema's greatest sagas — become the highest-valued piece of the franchise ever sold at auction is incredibly special." The item was part of a multi-day sale of film and television collectibles held in Los Angeles on Thursday.
The lightsaber was wielded on screen by actor David Prowse, who physically portrayed Vader, while the character's voice in the films was provided by James Earl Jones. Propstore said the prop is among the most recognised in film history because of its appearance in the sequels.
Other lots in the sale included memorabilia from UK productions. A bullwhip, belt and holster made for Harrison Ford for 1989's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade sold for $485,100, Propstore reported. The house said the auction drew interest from international collectors and dealers.
Auction houses and collectors have increasingly highlighted provenance and screen use when valuing film props; Propstore noted the saber's direct association with key scenes and extensive on-set use. The sale adds to a series of high-profile transactions for Hollywood memorabilia in recent years, though Propstore emphasised the result as a record specifically for Star Wars items sold at auction.
The auction continued after the sale of the lightsaber with remaining lots to be offered in subsequent sessions. Propstore did not disclose whether the buyer intends to display the item publicly or keep it in a private collection.