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2h ago

Darth Vader ‘Hero’ Lightsaber Sets Star Wars Auction Record at $3.65 Million

Sold at Propstore’s Los Angeles event, the screen‑matched piece highlights surging demand for authenticated cinema memorabilia.

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The iconic space opera villain’s lethal red laser-sword just became the most expensive piece of Star Wars memorabilia ever sold.
The screen-matched lightsaber prop, used by the character Darth Vader in the Star Wars films 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Return Of The Jedi' is displayed at a photocall ahead of an auction.
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Overview

  • The screen‑matched primary dueling prop from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, handled on camera by David Prowse and stunt performer Bob Anderson, was confirmed as a verified on‑screen ‘hero’ lightsaber.
  • Propstore’s Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles saw the saber reach a $2.9 million hammer price and $3,654,000 with buyer’s premium after 31 bids.
  • The sale established a new auction record for a Star Wars item, with the buyer remaining undisclosed according to the auction house and media reports.
  • Propstore describes it as the only hero lightsaber from the original trilogy with verifiable screen use ever offered at public auction.
  • Other day‑one results included Indiana Jones’ bullwhip, belt and holster at $485,100 and Jean‑Luc Picard’s Ressikan flute at $403,200, contributing to $14.3 million across 433 lots as the multi‑day sale continued.