Darth Vader Lightsaber to Be Auctioned in September

Darth Vader's original lightsaber, used in both 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Return of the Jedi,' will be auctioned for the first time ever by Propstore this September, coinciding with the 45th anniversary of 'The Empire Strikes Back.' The screen-used prop, handled by David Prowse and stunt double Bob Anderson, is considered a 'grail-level' artifact and among the most significant pieces of cinema memorabilia. Crafted from a vintage British press camera flash handle and customized for filming, the lightsaber is expected to fetch between $1 million and $3 million. Before the sale, the prop will tour London, Los Angeles, and New York, marking its first availability to private collectors after decades in a private collection. Auctioneers highlight the rarity of such lightsabers, as most surviving props from the original trilogy are held in museums. The auction is anticipated to potentially set new price records for movie memorabilia.