A LIGHTSABER used by Darth Vader to battle Luke Skywalker in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi could sell for up to £2.6million at auction.

September’s sale is thought to be the first time a verifiable lightsaber prop from the original films has been up for grabs.

An old British press camera flash handle was modified to make the prop.

Special effects were then added by animators.

Los Angeles auction house Propstore said: "The prop photo-matches The Empire Strikes Back and screen-matches Return of the Jedi through identifiable damage on the hilt, confirming it is the main lightsaber seen in the majority of Darth Vader's on-screen shots that include his bladed lightsaber.

"Genuine lightsaber props from the original trilogy are exceptionally rare. This is believed to be the only hero lightsaber prop from the original Star Wars trilogy with verifiable screen use ever to be offered at public auction, and is widely considered one of the most sought-after items in Star Wars collecting."

Brandon Alinger, Propstore COO, said: "The lightsaber, or laser sword as it was initially called, was imagined by George Lucas as the perfect defensive weapon for a more sophisticated age.

"Nearly fifty years after the first Star Wars film, lightsabers are a universally recognised symbol of the world's most beloved film franchise and are consistently ranked as the most iconic and memorable props of all time.

"They are the 'ruby slippers' of cinema's modern era. Surviving genuine lightsaber props from the original trilogy of films are exceedingly rare, and Propstore is honoured to present this historic artefact in our September sale.

"It is a grail-level piece, worthy of the finest collections in the world. This lightsaber is simply everything you want it to be-one of the most significant Star Wars artefacts ever.

"One of the most significant cinema artefacts ever."