The Zoobly Editor 
In a galaxy not so far away—Los Angeles, to be exact—Darth Vader’s iconic lightsaber just became the most expensive Star Wars prop ever sold, fetching a jaw-dropping $3.65 million at auction.
The weapon, wielded by the legendary Sith Lord in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, was the centerpiece of Propstore’s Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction. Originally estimated to sell for $1–3 million, the saber blew past expectations after a fierce bidding war involving 31 bids.
From Camera Flash to Cinematic Legend
Crafted from a 1950s camera flash bulb and modified by the original trilogy’s production team, the lightsaber bears authentic wear from on-screen duels between Vader and Luke Skywalker. It was used by both David Prowse and stunt performer Bob Anderson, making it a true relic of cinematic history.
“This is the primary dueling prop created for Vader’s character,” said Brandon Alinger, COO of Propstore. “It’s a symbol of one of cinema’s greatest sagas, and its sale marks a landmark moment for film collectors worldwide”.
Why It Matters
- Record-Breaking: Surpasses the previous Star Wars auction record held by the Red Leader X-Wing model ($3.1M)
- Cultural Impact: Reinforces Star Wars’ enduring legacy ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2027
- Collector’s Gold: Joins the ranks of iconic props like the Citizen Kane sled ($15M) and Wizard of Oz ruby slippers ($32.5M)
The Auction Drama
- Starting Bid: $500,000
- Highest Absentee Bid Before Auction: $1.2 million
- Final Sale Price: $2.9 million + $700,000 buyer’s premium = $3.65 million
- Auction House: Propstore, Los Angeles
- Date: September 4, 2025
Propstore COO Brandon Alinger called it a “grail-level piece” and a “touchstone of modern mythology,” emphasizing its rarity and cultural significance.
What Else Sold?
The auction featured over 1,000 items, including:
- Indiana Jones’ bullwhip and belt: $485,100
- Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man suit: $289,000
- Leonardo DiCaprio’s flamethrower from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: $346,000
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