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The galaxy's most iconic weapon just made auction history. On the opening day of Propstore's Los Angeles Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, Darth Vader's screen-used Hero Lightsaber sold for a record-breaking $3.65 million, becoming the most expensive 'Star Wars' collectable ever sold.
The first day of the event, held recently, featured 433 rare film and television props, generating more than $14.3 million in total sales. While the auction included many sought-after pieces, all eyes were on the duelling lightsaber famously wielded by David Prowse's Darth Vader in 'The Empire Strikes Back,' and 'Return of the Jedi.'
This particular lightsaber was the first verifiable Vader Hero model ever made available for sale, which fueled worldwide excitement among collectors. Originally valued at \$1–3 million, the item far surpassed predictions, ultimately selling for $3,654,000. The purchaser, however, has opted to keep their identity undisclosed.
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
Why the Lightsaber Is So Significant?
The prop is more than just a piece of movie memorabilia—it represents one of cinema’s most recognisable symbols. The Hero model lightsabers were used in close-up shots and key duelling sequences, including Vader's legendary battles with Luke Skywalker. Its sale not only highlights the lasting legacy of George Lucas’s creation but also underscores how 'Star Wars' continues to inspire fierce devotion nearly five decades after the original film's release.
'Star Wars' Legacy and James Earl Jones’ Contribution
The auction also served as a reminder of the creative forces that made Vader an unforgettable villain. James Earl Jones, the legendary voice behind Darth Vader, once shared that recording his lines for the first film required only a few hours of work—and brought him a paycheck of just $7,000.
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
When returning for 'The Empire Strikes Back,' he considered altering the character's delivery but ultimately kept Vader’s voice steady and mechanical, as George Lucas believed it emphasised the Sith Lord's inhuman, machine-like nature. That creative choice ensured Vader's voice remained one of the most chilling in cinematic history.
A Landmark Moment for Collectors
According to Propstore organisers, the lightsaber's sale marked a defining moment for the world of memorabilia collecting. It highlighted the way 'Star Wars' props go beyond mere collectables, serving as cultural touchstones that bridge generations of fans and movie lovers alike.
