Darth Vader's Lightsaber from 'Empire Strikes Back' to Hit Auction Block
The iconic weapon used by the Sith Lord in his duel with Luke Skywalker is expected to fetch at least $1 million.
A lightsaber wielded by Darth Vader in a pivotal duel during "The Empire Strikes Back" will be among the items auctioned on November 12. The weapon, used in the climactic Cloud City confrontation where Vader reveals he is Luke Skywalker's father, is expected to sell for at least $1 million.
This lightsaber, also seen in "Return of the Jedi," is part of the Ultimate Star Wars Auction hosted by Heritage Auctions. It is one of more than two dozen lightsaber props from the "Star Wars" saga, spanning Episodes I through IX, as well as other films and television shows set in George Lucas's created galaxy, that will be available for purchase.
Other notable items include dueling lightsabers used by Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker in "Revenge of the Sith," with individual estimates of at least $10,000. An EE-3 carbine blaster carried by Boba Fett throughout "The Empire Strikes Back" is anticipated to bring in over $100,000.
The auction will also feature a puppet hand of Yoda from his original appearance in "The Empire Strikes Back," a signed, third-draft screenplay for the 1977 film "Star Wars" owned by C-3PO actor Anthony Daniels, and a TIE Fighter pilot helmet from "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story."
This sale follows the record-setting auction in July of a lightsaber belonging to Luke Skywalker, which was recovered with his severed hand in "The Empire Strikes Back." That prop sold for $3.75 million, setting a new record for a "Star Wars" film prop.