The iconic lightsaber wielded by Darth Vader in the seminal "Star Wars" films, "The Empire Strikes Back" (1980) and "Return of the Jedi" (1983), has been successfully auctioned for an astounding $3,654,000 (£2.7 million). This sale marks a significant moment in film collecting, as the prop now holds the distinction of being the highest-priced "Star Wars" item ever sold at auction. According to Propstore, the renowned movie memorabilia auction house, this particular lightsaber is unique, being the only hero lightsaber from these two revered films with verifiable screen use ever presented at a public auction.

Originally utilized by actor David Prowse, who portrayed Darth Vader, and stunt performer Bob Anderson, the prop itself has a fascinating origin, having been constructed from an old British press camera flash handle. Brandon Alinger, Propstore COO, emphasized the monumental nature of the sale, stating, "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 lightsaber was famously featured in the climactic "Empire Strikes Back" scene where Vader reveals his true relationship to Luke Skywalker.

The auction, held at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles, featured a vast array of other coveted movie props and memorabilia. Notable sales included Harrison Ford's bullwhip, belt, and whip holster from "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," which fetched $485,100. Leonardo DiCaprio's flamethrower from "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" sold for $346,500, and the beloved Platform 9 3/4 sign from the "Harry Potter" franchise achieved $138,600. Other significant items that found new owners were the "Men In Black" Light-Up Hero Close-up Neuralyzer ($315,000), Clayton Moore’s Promotional Lone Ranger Stetson Hat ($302,400), Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man costume from "Spider-Man" (2002) ($289,800), and Sauron’s Helmet from "The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring" ($289,900). Further sales included Ellen Ripley’s Practical SFX M240 Flamethrower from "Aliens" ($252,000), an Animatronic Billy Puppet from "Saw III" ($176,400), Jon Snow’s Stunt Longclaw Sword from "Game of Thrones" ($94,500), John Rambo’s Compound Bow from "Rambo III" ($94,500), a Shark Tooth Clapperboard from "Jaws" ($94,500), Captain America’s Shield from "Avengers: Age Of Ultron" ($85,050), Elizabeth Swann’s Screen-Matched Dusty Cursed Aztec Medallion Necklace from "Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl" ($81,900), Harry Potter’s Marauder’s Map Scene SFX Light-Up Hero Wand from "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" ($81,900), a production-made Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) Mask ($21,420), and Ace Ventura’s (Jim Carrey) Screen-Matched Costume from "Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls" ($21,420). The auction was set to continue, with Friday being another day for potential buyers to acquire cinematic treasures.