Darth Vader’s Original Lightsaber from Star Wars Trilogy Set for Historic Auction

A rare Star Wars prop, the original Darth Vader dueling lightsaber used in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, is going up for auction at Los Angeles’ Propstore in September. Previously on-screen in the hands of actor David Prowse and stunt double Bob Anderson, the lightsaber is valued at between $1 million and $3 million. This is touted as the only “hero” lightsaber from the original trilogy to be auctioned, marking a historic event for Star Wars fans.

– The primary dueling lightsaber of Darth Vader used in Star Wars movies The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi is set to be auctioned in September by Propstore in Los Angeles, with an estimated pre-sale value of $1 million to $3 million.
– This lightsaber is believed to be the only hero lightsaber from the original Star Wars trilogy ever to go to auction, and its sale will coincide with the 45th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back release.
– Before the auction, the lightsaber will be showcased in a three-city press tour in London, New York, and Beverly Hills, alongside other renowned movie props.

A unique Darth Vader prop is set for auction, offering a rare opportunity for Star Wars collectors. The primary dueling lightsaber of the character, seen in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, is listed for auction by Propstore. Set to take place in Los Angeles this September, the item used by actor David Prowse and stunt double Bob Anderson is valued at an estimated $1 million to $3 million before it hits the auction block.

The lightsaber is believed to be the only primary weapon from the original Star Wars triad to go to auction ever. The Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction will also celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back.

Among the rare finds from the trilogy, this lightsaber prop is a real survivor and it will be an honor for Propstore to include it in its September sale. Described as a grail-level piece, Propstore COO Brandon Alinger believes it is a valuable addition to the finest collections worldwide.

This August, the lightsaber will embark on a three-city press tour across London, New York, and Beverly Hills. Joining this tour, there will also be a bullwhip and belt worn by Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, a hero close-up neuralyzer from Men in Black and Sauron’s helmet for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

In its history of unique auctions, Propstore sold a screen-matched model miniature X-wing fighter from the original Star Wars film by George Lucas in 2022. Measuring 22 inches in length, this item fetched over $2.3 million.