A lightsaber used by Darth Vader in the original Star Wars films has gone on display in London ahead of an auction where it is expected to sell for millions.
The lightsaber featured in the climactic battles in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return Of The Jedi (1983) and could fetch up to £2.2m.
The item is being sold as part of an auction comprised of more than 1,000 lots of film props and costumes that carry an estimated total value of £7.5m.
The piece of film history went on display as part of a private exhibit at the Dorchester in London on Wednesday ahead of Propstore’s auction in Los Angeles, taking place between 4 and 6 September.
The 1ft (32cm) prop was used in scenes by Darth Vader actor David Prowse and stunt performer Bob Anderson.
The lightsaber was originally a 1950s camera flash bulb attachment which the production team modified into the piece, according to Propstore’s catalogue.
Top items being sold include the Spider-Man suit worn by Tobey Maguire in the 2002 superhero film and the Batsuit worn by Michael Keaton in 1989’s Batman.
Maguire’s suit carries a pre-sale estimate of between £75,000 and £150,000, while the Batsuit could fetch up to £375,000.
Harrison Ford’s eight-foot bullwhip, belt and whip holster from Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade (1989) is expected to fetch between £188,000 and £375,000.
A number of props from the Harry Potter film series are also up for auction, including the Platform 9 ¾ sign, which could sell for up to £30,000, and Daniel Radcliffe’s wand as Harry Potter from the scenes in the Prisoner Of Azkaban.
The shark tooth clapperboard which was used to film Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975), which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, will also be sold and carries a pre-sale estimate of between £30,000 and £60,000.
Brandon Alinger, the COO of the auction house, said: “Propstore has assembled one of the most impressive selections of authentic props and costumes ever brought to market—pieces of genuine cultural history that continue to inspire awe decades after their debut.
“We’re proud to offer this exceptional collection and to give collectors and fans a rare opportunity to claim a tangible piece of the films and shows that shaped our imaginations.”
