The original lightsaber prop used by Darth Vader in “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) and “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” (1983) has achieved a landmark sale, fetching $3,654,000 (£2.7 million) at an auction held by Propstore at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles. This makes it the highest-priced “Star Wars” item ever sold at auction, significantly beating its pre-sale expectations.

According to Propstore, the movie memorabilia auction house, this prop is the only hero lightsaber from these two iconic films with verifiable screen use ever offered at public auction. Originally used by actor David Prowse, who portrayed Darth Vader, and also by stunt performer Bob Anderson, the fake weapon was famously made from an old flash camera attachment, specifically a modified British press camera flash handle, highlighting its historical significance in cinematic prop design.

Brandon Alinger, Propstore COO, commented on the sale: “The result marks a landmark moment not just for Propstore, but for the entire world of film collecting. To see a ‘Star Wars’ lightsaber — the symbol of one of cinema’s greatest sagas — become the highest-valued piece of the franchise ever sold at auction is incredibly special. It speaks to the enduring cultural power of ‘Star Wars’ and the passion of fans and collectors who see these artifacts as touchstones of modern mythology.”

The auction featured a diverse array of other significant film and television memorabilia. Notable sales included Harrison Ford’s bullwhip, belt, and whip holster from “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989), which sold for $485,100 (£360,000). Leonardo DiCaprio’s flamethrower from “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019) fetched $346,500. The famous Platform 9 3/4 sign from the “Harry Potter” franchise achieved $138,600.

Additional impressive sales included the Screen-Matched Light-Up Hero Close-up Neuralyzer from “Men In Black” (1997) for $315,000, Clayton Moore’s Promotional Lone Ranger Stetson Hat from “The Lone Ranger” (1949 – 1957 T.V. Series) for $302,400, and Spider-Man’s (Tobey Maguire) Costume from “Spider-Man” (2002) for $289,800 (£214,000). Sauron’s (Sala Baker) Helmet from “The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring” (2001) sold for $289,900, and Ellen Ripley’s (Sigourney Weaver) Practical SFX M240 Flamethrower from “Aliens” (1986) went for $252,000. An Animatronic Billy Puppet with Remote from “Saw III” (2006) sold for $176,400. Other items such as Jon Snow’s (Kit Harington) Stunt Longclaw Sword from “Game of Thrones” and John Rambo’s (Sylvester Stallone) Compound Bow from “Rambo III” (1988) each sold for $94,500. The “Jaws” (1975) Shark Tooth Clapperboard also fetched $94,500. Captain America’s (Chris Evans) Shield from “Avengers: Age Of Ultron” (2015) sold for $85,050. Elizabeth Swann’s (Keira Knightley) Screen-Matched Dusty Cursed Aztec Medallion Necklace from “Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl” (2003) and Harry Potter’s (Daniel Radcliffe) Marauder’s Map Scene SFX Light-Up Hero Wand from “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (2004) both went for $81,900. Production-made Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) Mask from “Deadpool” (2016) and Ace Ventura’s (Jim Carrey) Screen-Matched Costume from “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls” (1995) each sold for $21,420.