Overview
- The piece sold for $3,654,000 including fees to an unnamed buyer, surpassing pre-sale estimates and setting a franchise record for a Star Wars prop.
- Propstore identified the hilt as the primary fighting prop made for The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi with documented on-screen use.
- The saber was wielded on set by actor David Prowse and stunt coordinator Bob Anderson in duels with Mark Hamill and Alec Guinness.
- The non-functional prop was built from a 1950s camera flash with plastic grip grooves, a calculator magnifier lens, and a belt ring, with the blade effect added by special effects.
- Other lots at the Los Angeles sale included Indiana Jones’ whip at about €416,000 and the Men in Black neutralizer at about €270,000.