Darth Vader’s Lightsabers Fetch Record Price at Auction

On Thursday, passionate “Star Wars” enthusiasts collectively spent $3,654,000 to acquire the iconic lightsabers of Darth Vader from the original films. These prized props were featured in both “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” and they are recognized as the sole “hero” lightsabers from the original trilogy.

Reportedly, these lightsabers, known as Screen Match Primary Duel Lightsabers, were auctioned off through prop stores in Los Angeles, marking them as the highest-priced items ever sold from the “Star Wars” franchise. Interestingly, the identity of the buyer remains a mystery.

The initial bid set a franchise record at $2,900,000, which increased to the final auction price after including a buyer’s premium for the auction house. It’s notable that these lightsabers carry a significant sentimental value, deeply intertwined with the legacy of cinema. They were wielded on-screen by “Star Wars” actor David Prowse, alongside his stunt double, Bob Anderson.

As for the pre-sale estimates, they ranged from $1 million to $3 million, as noted by various sources.

In contrast, other noteworthy items up for grabs included Indiana Jones-related props used by Harrison Ford in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” This auction coincided with the 45th anniversary of “The Empire Strikes Back,” adding an extra layer of significance to the event.