A legendary piece of cinematic history has found a new owner as Darth Vader’s iconic lightsaber, prominently featured in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, sold for an astounding $3,654,000 at Propstore’s Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction: Los Angeles Summer 2025, held September 4-6, 2025, at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. This non-functional, screen-matched dueling prop, wielded by both actor David Prowse and stunt performer Bob Anderson, surpassed expectations, with pre-auction estimates ranging from $1 million to $3 million, setting a new record for Star Wars memorabilia.
The lightsaber, a heavy black and chrome cylinder, was originally crafted from a vintage British press camera flash handle, modified with plastic grips, calculator bubbles, and cosmetic wiring to create the menacing weapon of the Sith Lord. A custom blade-mounting system, featuring a small steel post, accommodated a wooden rod used during filming to simulate the glowing red blade seen in the films’ iconic duel scenes. Visible wear, including a cut-away top shroud, a crack, chipped paint, and scratches, attests to its extensive use in high-intensity fight sequences, most notably the unforgettable “I am your father” moment in The Empire Strikes Back, where Vader severs Luke Skywalker’s hand.
Believed to be the only screen-matched hero lightsaber from the original Star Wars trilogy to ever reach the auction block, this prop was a rare and highly coveted artifact. “Surviving genuine lightsaber props from the original trilogy of films are exceedingly rare, and Propstore is honored to have presented this historic artifact in our September sale,” said Brandon Alinger, Propstore’s Chief Operating Officer. “It is a grail-level piece, worthy of the finest collections in the world.”
The auction featured over 1,000 Hollywood costumes and props, including notable items like Indiana Jones’ bullwhip from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, a hero close-up neuralyzer from Men in Black, and Sauron’s helmet from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Prior to the sale, the Vader lightsaber embarked on a three-city press tour, with stops in London, New York, and Beverly Hills, allowing collectors and enthusiasts to view the prop in person. The tour underscored the item’s significance, coinciding with the 45th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back’s release in 1980.
The lightsaber’s authenticity was meticulously verified by Propstore, with Alinger noting that the prop’s unique construction and on-screen use were confirmed through detailed analysis. Its journey to the auction began with a serendipitous cold call to Propstore, where a collector revealed ownership of the item, which was subsequently vetted for its provenance. This rigorous process ensured the lightsaber was a genuine piece of Star Wars history, distinct from replicas or promotional props.
The auction, which offered both in-person and virtual bidding, saw intense interest, with absentee bids reaching $1.2 million before the final sale price soared to $3.65 million. While the Vader lightsaber was the standout, the auction also included more accessible pieces starting at $200, broadening its appeal. The record-breaking sale highlights the enduring cultural impact of Star Wars, with the lightsaber embodying the legacy of one of cinema’s most infamous villains.
