The original lightsaber used by Darth Vader in “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) and “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” (1983) has been sold at auction for an astounding $3,654,000 (approximately £2.7 million). This makes it the highest-priced “Star Wars” item ever sold at auction, a landmark moment for film collecting. According to Propstore, the movie memorabilia auction house, this prop is the only hero lightsaber from these iconic films with verifiable screen use ever to be offered at public auction.

Originally used by actor David Prowse, who portrayed Darth Vader, and also stunt performer Bob Anderson, the prop was famously crafted from an old British press camera flash handle. It was wielded in pivotal scenes, including the memorable battle in “The Empire Strikes Back” where Vader reveals his true relationship to Luke Skywalker. The 1ft (32cm) green lightsaber, described as one of the most significant cinema artifacts, had beaten pre-sale expectations by a significant margin.

Brandon Alinger, Propstore COO, commented on 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 auction, which continued at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles, featured numerous other high-value movie and TV props. Notable sales included Harrison Ford’s bullwhip, belt, and whip holster from “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” which fetched $485,100. The flamethrower used by Leonardo DiCaprio in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” sold for $346,500, while the famous Platform 9 3/4 sign from the “Harry Potter” franchise achieved $138,600. Other significant items 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 for $302,400, Spider-Man’s (Tobey Maguire) costume from “Spider-Man” (2002) for $289,800, and Sauron’s (Sala Baker) Helmet from “The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring” (2001) for $289,900. Also sold were Ellen Ripley’s (Sigourney Weaver) practical SFX M240 Flamethrower from “Aliens” (1986) for $252,000, an animatronic Billy Puppet with remote from “Saw III” (2006) for $176,400, and Jon Snow’s (Kit Harington) stunt Longclaw Sword from “Game of Thrones” for $94,500. John Rambo’s (Sylvester Stallone) Compound Bow from “Rambo III” (1988) and the Shark Tooth Clapperboard from “Jaws” (1975) also each sold for $94,500. Captain America’s (Chris Evans) Shield from “Avengers: Age Of Ultron” (2015) garnered $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 sold for $81,900. Finally, a 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 went for $21,420.