Darth Vader’s Actual Lightsaber Just Sold for $4.875 Million, Breaking Star Wars Auction Records

Darth Vader’s screen-used lightsaber from The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi sold for $4.875 million at Heritage Auctions, setting a record for a Star Wars prop. The sale matters because it surpasses previous auction records and shows the strong demand for artefacts from the original trilogy.

The prop was used in scenes where the lightsabers were ignited, with bolts to attach a wooden blade that was later replaced with visual effects. It was handled by David Prowse and stunt performer Bob Anderson, including during the Bespin duel between Vader and Luke. The price beat the prior Star Wars auction record of $3.875 million for an original poster painting, as well as the $3.75 million record for a screen-used prop.