On September 4, 2025, a relic from cinematic history shattered records and expectations alike when Darth Vader’s original lightsaber, used in both "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" (1980) and "Return of the Jedi" (1983), sold at auction for a staggering $3,654,000. According to Propstore, the auction house behind the sale, this was not just any prop—it was the only hero lightsaber from these films with verifiable screen use ever to hit the public auction block. The sale, held at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, marked a landmark moment for film memorabilia, drawing global attention from collectors, fans, and the media alike.
The excitement was palpable from the moment bidding opened at 10 a.m. PST on September 3, with the starting bid set at $500,000. Over the course of 31 bids, the price soared well beyond initial estimates, which had ranged from $1 million to $3 million. By the time the virtual and in-person auctioneer’s gavel fell, the iconic weapon had fetched a price more than three times the opening bid, making it the most expensive "Star Wars" prop ever sold at auction. As reported by BBC, the previous record was held by the original X-wing model “Red Leader,” which sold for $3 million in 2024, and before that, Han Solo’s blaster, which went for $1 million in 2022.
The significance of this particular lightsaber goes well beyond its price tag. Crafted ingeniously from a 1950s English camera flash attachment, the prop was wielded by both David Prowse, who physically portrayed Darth Vader, and his stunt double Bob Anderson. It was used extensively during filming, most notably in the unforgettable “I am your father” scene from "The Empire Strikes Back." The prop still bears the scars of battle—scratches, chips, and the subtle marks of countless on-set duels. Propstore’s CEO, Brandon Alinger, described it as “the primary dueling prop created for Vader’s character in both Empire and Jedi.”
According to Variety, the lightsaber’s authenticity and provenance were meticulously verified. Alinger recounted how the auction house received a “cold call” from a collector claiming to possess the piece. “We were able to work out not only which character used it, but exactly how it’s used,” he told CBS News. “You can see the small steel post that comes out of the top of it here, that's how they actually mounted the blade on it.” The prop’s construction is a testament to the resourcefulness of the original production team, who added a rod for the blade, a grip, a circuit board (reportedly taken from a calculator), bolts, and cosmetic wiring. The glowing blade, of course, was added later through rotoscope animation, and its distinctive hum was created by blending the sound of a projector with a television’s buzz.
Brandon Alinger, Propstore’s Chief Operating Officer, summed up the cultural impact of 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 itself was a spectacle, featuring over 1,000 items from beloved films and television series. According to Artnet News, the event was more than just a "Star Wars" affair. Other headline sales included Harrison Ford’s bullwhip, belt, and holster from "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," which fetched $485,100, and the famous Platform 9 3/4 sign from the "Harry Potter" franchise, which sold for $138,600. The flamethrower used by Leonardo DiCaprio in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" went for $346,500, while the neuralyzer from "Men in Black" doubled its high estimate to realize $315,000. Sauron’s helmet from "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" brought in $289,900, and even Jon Snow’s stunt Longclaw sword from "Game of Thrones" found a new home for $94,500.
The diversity of the items on offer reflected the wide-reaching influence of film and television on popular culture. The auction included memorabilia from UK productions as well, a nod to the international nature of many of these franchises. The lightsaber itself, though sold in Los Angeles, was used extensively during filming at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, UK—a detail not lost on British fans or on BBC, which described it as “one of the most recognised props in the history of film.”
For many, the lightsaber’s sale is emblematic of the power of nostalgia and the enduring legacy of George Lucas’s galaxy far, far away. Early lightsabers rarely appear on the market—Luke Skywalker’s weapon sold for $450,000 in 2017, a figure dwarfed by this latest result. The Darth Vader prop emerged from a private collection, making its public debut at this auction. As Propstore’s Brandon Alinger noted, “It’s really an unprecedented piece.”
The auction, which continues online through September 6, is expected to net around $10 million in total sales, according to CBS News. Bidders from around the world have participated both virtually and in person, reflecting the global reach of these cultural touchstones. The event is a testament not only to the value of rare memorabilia but also to the passion and dedication of fans who see these artifacts as tangible links to the stories that shaped their imaginations.
As the gavel came down on the most expensive "Star Wars" prop ever sold, the world of film collecting was reminded that the force of nostalgia—and the allure of a good story—remains as strong as ever.
