In a galaxy not so far away, a legendary artifact from the Star Wars universe is about to change hands, catapulting into the waiting arms of the highest bidder. It’s the very lightsaber wielded by none other than Darth Vader himself during some of the most pivotal battles in “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” This piece of cinematic lore is taking center stage at an auction this September, hosted by Propstore—a leading house revered for its treasure trove of entertainment memorabilia. The anticipated price? A chilling $1 million to $3 million, making it a spectacle as grand as a space opera itself.
Before the auctioneer’s gavel precedes an enthusiastic shout of “Sold,” this iconic relic will enjoy a brief but star-studded world tour. The lightsaber will make appearances in the cultural capitals of London, Los Angeles, and New York. The timing serendipitously aligns with the 45th anniversary of “The Empire Strikes Back,” offering an irresistible pull for cinephiles and collectors alike.
Yet, what truly elevates this lightsaber beyond its glowing-blue peers is its authenticity, verified by none other than Propstore themselves. It stands out as the only confirmed screen-used “hero” lightsaber wielded by the legendary Sith Lord from the original Star Wars trilogy to ever be offered at a public auction. David Prowse, who gave physical presence to Darth Vader, as well as his stunt double Bob Anderson, brandished this very weapon in their somber fight scenes, making it a tangible fragment of Hollywood’s storied past.
Brandon Alinger, the chief operating officer at Propstore, waxes poetic about the artifact, saying, “This lightsaber is simply everything you want it to be—one of the most significant Star Wars artifacts ever.” He elevates its stature by likening it to none other than Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers from “The Wizard of Oz,” which famously sold for a staggering $32.5 million.
Digging further into the archives of auction history, it’s clear that Star Wars props are always a hot ticket item. When Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker lightsaber was auctioned, it managed to lasso up a formidable $450,000 back in 2017. Lightsabers used by Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen—who dueled as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, respectively—have also proven to be lucrative, often fetching handsome six-figure sums.
It’s no secret that Star Wars memorabilia is the veritable gold standard in the collectors’ universe. Disney, the current stewards of the Star Wars saga, garnered over $1 billion from Star Wars merchandise sales in 2024 alone. The franchise’s monumental revenue of over $12 billion last year further solidifies its firmament in pop culture. Darth Vader, the iconic villain who needs no introduction, remains a towering figure not only in cinematic history but also in the realm of valuable collectibles. Empire magazine aptly anointed him as the most iconic movie villain ever, reinforcing his dark allure.
For the fervent collectors, the upcoming Propstore auction presents more than just a transactional event. It’s an odyssey—a chance to own a literal touchstone of cinematic history. It’s not merely about holding a prop but grasping a mythos, a saga that has enchanted audiences for generations. As the virtual curtain rises and the bidding wars ignite, one eager collector will have the extraordinary privilege of walking away with what many argue is the most famous weapon in movie history.
On September’s horizon, the allure of this lightsaber will beckon to thousands, from die-hard fans and wealthy collectors to anyone under the spell of the greatest film saga ever told. When the thrumming chords of the Star Wars theme blossom in your mind, remember: it’s not just a lightsaber. It’s THE lightsaber, and its legacy is written in the shimmer of saber light that has captivated us all. Will you be the next guardian to continue its story? Join the adventure, if you dare.