A significant piece of Star Wars history has just been auctioned for a staggering $3,135,000. The long-lost X-wing of Red Squadron Leader, which was originally featured in the iconic A New Hope, was finally claimed by one lucky buyer at the recently concluded auction.
The miniature model is nothing less than iconic since it is one of the original four created for the legendary battle sequence depicting the Rebel Alliance facing off against the Empire over the Death Star. The scene is not just renowned for its impact on the Star Wars franchise but is also pivotal in shaping contemporary movie-making techniques. It laid the foundation for the usage of miniatures and brought to life the iconic X-wing starfighter look. The rediscovery of this long-lost piece of cinematic history has now proven to be incredibly valuable.
The Red Leader's X-wing model, with its signature red stripe, was sold at Heritage Auctions (via X). It was discovered as part of the collection of the late Oscar-winning miniature-maker Greg Jein and is regarded as equally important in the realm of visual effects as Dorothy's ruby red slippers. This miniature model played a vital role in the trench battle scenes over the Death Star, and it could lock its S-foils into attack position.
The original 20-inch X-wing starfighter model was a fundamental component in creating the iconic space battle sequences in the 1977 classic Star Wars film. It is now believed to be the elusive "missing X-wing" that had been part of the extensive collection curated by Greg Jein, an Oscar-nominated model maker. After being hidden in a cardboard box in Jein's home for decades, it has finally been rediscovered.
The Significance of the Red Leader X-Wing in Star Wars History
The model stands out as one of only four "hero" filming miniatures, distinguished by its servo-controlled wings and illuminating lights. These hero models were designed for close-up shots and played a crucial role in the climactic trench run scene in A New Hope.
Moreover, this model carries a rich legacy within the realm of visual effects. There have been long-standing tales of these hero models that remained untraceable during the transition of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) from California's San Fernando Valley to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1978. Fortunately, Jein safeguarded this invaluable piece until its recent rediscovery earlier this year. With that in mind, it's truly a steal at a cool $3 million and would make a fine addition to any Star Wars fan's collection.
