One of the most recognisable props in cinema history, Darth Vader’s lightsaber from the iconic “I am your father” scene in The Empire Strikes Back, has sold for $4.875 million, setting a new record for a screen-used Star Wars item.
Although auction house Heritage Auctions had estimated its value at more than $1 million, the iconic prop far exceeded expectations at its US auction on Thursday, titled The Ultimate Star Wars Auction.
Lightsaber featured in two Star Wars films
The lightsaber was used in both The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983).
It was one of 27 lightsabers offered for sale, including those used by Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker in Revenge of the Sith.
According to Heritage Auctions, the sale set a world record for a screen-used item from the Star Wars universe.
The previous record was held by Luke Skywalker's lightsaber, sold alongside his severed hand from The Empire Strikes Back for $3.75 million last July.
Other Star Wars memorabilia goes under the hammer
The auction also featured other items from the cinematic universe created by George Lucas, including a weapon used by Boba Fett and a hand from the Yoda puppet, which first appeared in The Empire Strikes Back.
Brian Chanes, senior director of Hollywood and entertainment at Heritage Auctions, described Darth Vader's lightsaber as the “Holy Grail” for any Star Wars memorabilia collector.
“It's the actual thing that was on the movie set,” he said. “It comes from the most iconic scene in the entire movie franchise.”
The remarkable sale price highlights the enduring appeal of Star Wars, almost half a century after George Lucas first introduced the cinematic universe.
Source: The Guardian / Associated Press
