A lightsaber used by scifi cinema’s greatest villain Darth Vader has sold for $3.6 million, setting a new record as the most expensive prop from the sci-fi franchise. The weapon appeared in the Star Wars sequels The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. This auction price marks a significant sale for a film relic.
According to People magazine, the lightsaber was sold during Propstore’s Hollywood memorabilia auction, which began on September 4. The event featured many notable items from famous films. Among the items sold were a whip and belt from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, one of the Sankara stones from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and a Stormtrooper helmet from Return of the Jedi.
The lightsaber stood out as the highlight of the sale. It was the first Vader Hero edition lightsaber ever sold at auction. The final bid reached $3,654,000, and the buyer chose to remain anonymous. Brandon Alinger, Chief Operating Officer of Propstore, called the sale a “landmark moment” for the auction house and film collectors worldwide. He said, “Today’s result marks a landmark moment not just for Propstore, but for the entire world of film collecting. 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. It speaks to the enduring cultural power of Star Wars and the passion of fans and collectors who see these artifacts as touchstones of modern mythology.”
Though $3.6 million is a large sum, the lightsaber is a significant piece of cinema history. The weapon holds a central place in Star Wars lore, and owning one that belonged to Darth Vader appeals to devoted fans of the franchise. However, this lightsaber is not the most expensive piece of Hollywood memorabilia ever sold. That distinction belongs to other items from older film classics.
For example, Judy Garland’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz sold for $32.5 million, including fees. The sled used in Citizen Kane fetched $14.75 million. These items are about 100 years old, showing how the value of rare movie props can increase over time.
Looking ahead, props from modern films such as Iron Man’s suit or Thor’s hammer might become valuable collector’s items for future generations. Still, as the movie industry moves toward digital formats, it is unclear whether physical film memorabilia will maintain its appeal. The lasting value of iconic props depends on the continued interest in owning tangible pieces of cinema history.
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English (US) · 