In a galaxy not so far away, the most iconic weapon from the Star Wars universe is set to storm an auction block. Darth Vader’s original trilogy lightsaber, the very one wielded in “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” is preparing for auction at Propstore this September. As one of the leading auction houses for entertainment memorabilia, Propstore is poised to showcase this legendary piece of cinematic history with an estimated value that could make even the most seasoned collectors’ hearts skip a beat: between $1 million and $3 million.
Before the gavel appears, this formidable “hero” lightsaber will embark on a star-studded promotional tour, gracing London, Los Angeles, and New York with its presence. This carefully orchestrated unveiling aligns seamlessly with the 45th anniversary of “The Empire Strikes Back,” amplifying the anticipation for movie aficionados and collectors far and wide.
But what exactly elevates this auction piece to such legendary status? Unlike any other prop, its authenticity stands as a beacon of cinematic provenance. Propstore assures that this is, in fact, the only verifiable screen-used Darth Vader hero lightsaber from the original Star Wars trilogy ever offered to the public. To add a sprinkle of Hollywood magic, both David Prowse—who brought Vader’s imposing stature to life—and his dexterous stunt double, Bob Anderson, wielded this very lightsaber during filming. In the world of film memorabilia, it doesn’t get more authentic than this.
“This lightsaber is simply everything you want it to be—one of the most significant Star Wars artifacts ever,” proclaims Brandon Alinger, Propstore’s chief operating officer. Alinger acknowledges the lightsaber as a “grail-level piece,” worthy of the world’s most illustrious collections. He even dares to place it alongside cinematic treasures like the Ruby Slippers from “The Wizard of Oz,” a pair of footwear that once fetched a staggering $32.5 million.
The market for Star Wars props has previously shown astonishing openness to hefty price tags. Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber, brandished by Mark Hamill, was acquired for $450,000 back in 2017, while the weapons of choice for Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker have spun lightsaber duels into lucrative six-figure sales. Darth Vader’s lightsaber entering the fray is expected to not merely follow this trend but possibly eclipse it.
Star Wars memorabilia aptly continues to set the gold standard in collecting circles. With Disney’s lucrative grip on the franchise, banking over $1 billion in Star Wars merchandise sales in 2024 alone, and a staggering $12 billion in franchise revenue last year, it’s apparent that interest in the dark side remains unyielding. Darth Vader, an enduring character eclipsing the boundaries of villainy, has rightfully earned his place as a staple of pop culture. Empire magazine even anointed him the most iconic movie villain in history, a crown few dare to contest.
For collectors eyeing this upcoming auction, the stakes are not confined merely to the financial realm. The opportunity to possess a piece of cinematic history such as this goes beyond merely owning a prop—it’s about securing a tangible fragment of cultural lore that resonates across generations. When the bidding commences and the excitement reaches its climax, one fortunate individual may walk away clutching arguably the most legendary movie weapon to grace the silver screen.
As anticipation builds to fever pitch, collectors and Star Wars devotees alike find themselves on the precipice of a defining moment in film memorabilia. Whether you are driven by nostalgia or the undeniable allure of cinematic mastery, this historic auction is poised to make a seismic impact in the annals of Darth Vader lore. May the force—or perhaps one’s bidding paddle—be with those who dream of wielding the power of a true Sith Lord.
