There are few items in the galaxy—real or fictional—that hold as much allure as the lightsaber wielded by one of cinema’s most iconic villains. This September, Propstore is offering Star Wars devotees and memorabilia collectors alike the chance to own a piece of history more dazzling than a solar flare: the lightsaber of Darth Vader himself. And, just like the Dark Lord of the Sith, this particular piece comes with a measure of notoriety, projected to fetch between $1 million and a whopping $3 million when it goes under the gavel.
Why the out-of-this-world price tag, you ask? This isn’t just any lightsaber. This is the “hero” lightsaber used in both “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” marking it as one of the most genuine props to have graced cinematic history. As science fiction artifacts go, this lightsaber is the Holy Grail for collectors, offering a tangible connection to the very films that helped shape modern pop culture.
As the world gears up for this landmark event in seeing galaxies far, far away turn closer to home, this rare piece of Star Wars history is embarking on a glamorous tour, stopping by London, Los Angeles, and New York. Like a dignitary of the film industry, making appearances in the world’s most captivating cities, it readies itself for yet another spotlight. This tour—coinciding with the 45th anniversary of “The Empire Strikes Back”—is designed to both drum up excitement and allow fans a moment of reverence before its transcendental auction.
But what makes this laser sword such a coveted treasure isn’t merely the spectacle it creates or the childlike wonder it evokes. The lightsaber’s authenticity is unquestionable, as it is believed to be the singular verifiable Darth Vader hero lightsaber from the original trilogy to ever be offered at a public auction. Both David Prowse, the man behind the mask, and his adept stunt double Bob Anderson wielded this sword while filming, each flicking on its supernatural glow, granting it yet another layer of gravitas.
Brandon Alinger, Propstore’s Chief Operating Officer, expressed the significance of this piece with all the drama and intensity worthy of a Shakespearean soliloquy. Declaring it one of the most notable Star Wars artifacts ever, Alinger drew parallels between this and other iconic memorabilia. He noted, “This lightsaber is a grail-level piece, worthy of the finest collections in the world,” words set to flutter the hearts of super-fans and collectors, like James Cameron quoting Jules Verne.
For those who need convincing about the value of Star Wars props, look no further than past auction successes. Mark Hamill’s lightsaber, once grasped by the young Jedi himself, sold for $450,000 back in 2017—a sum once scoffed at by Wookiees yet admired by Ewoks. Other lightsabers from the universe—used by the notable duelists Ewan McGregor’s Obi-Wan Kenobi and Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker—have also fetched staggering amounts, underscoring the magnetic pull Star Wars exerts on auction markets.
The power of merchandising further amplifies this thirst for Jedi relics. After all, Disney collected over $1 billion in Star Wars merchandise sales in 2024 alone. This franchise has proven its financial vitality, surpassing $12 billion in revenues last year, Verkos himself would be giddy with pride. Darth Vader’s enduring reach, not just into wallets but into the hearts and minds of fans globally, ensures his place as a stalwart of high-value collecting.
As Empire magazine names him the quintessential movie villain, it becomes clear that Vader’s mythos transcends cinema, embedding itself into the cultural tapestry. For collectors, this upcoming auction represents more than mere financial investment; it’s acquiring a canonical chapter from the revered text of filmmaking. When the final bid is made, for the fortunate winner, it’s not just the acquisition of the most infamous movie weapon in history; it’s a heroic tale itself—collecting the force of nostalgia, legend, and triumph.