Mark Hamill's 'Star Wars' Lightsaber Smashes Predictions, Sells for Record Sum at Auction
The prop from 'The Empire Strikes Back' set a new world auction record for a screen-used Star Wars item, far exceeding its initial estimate.
“This is one of the most important surviving Star Wars artifacts in existence,”
- Director
- Irvin Kershner
- Starring
- Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
- Release
- 1980
- Genre
- Adventure, Action, Science Fiction
- Where to Watch
- Disney Plus, YouTube TV
Mark Hamill's original screen-used Luke Skywalker lightsaber sold for a record sum at auction, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The prop, from 1980's Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, set a new world auction record for a screen-used Star Wars item. Heritage Auctions confirmed the sale, which far exceeded initial predictions.
What is the new record price?
The sale sum shatters the previous record, which was held by an original 20-inch model of an X-wing starfighter from the 1977 film Star Wars. The lightsaber was originally offered for $1 million and was expected to sell for between $1 million and $2 million.
Why is this lightsaber so significant?
The lightsaber was wielded by Hamill during the climactic duel with Darth Vader on Cloud City, the scene that includes the infamous "I am your father" revelation. Heritage Auctions executive vice president Joe Maddalena called it "one of the most important surviving Star Wars artifacts in existence."
"It comes from the emotional climax of The Empire Strikes Back — the scene that forever changed the saga and produced one of the most unforgettable moments in movie history," Maddalena said. "Collectors understood that they were bidding on much more than a prop. They were competing for a genuine piece of modern mythology."
The prop was constructed from a modified Graflex flash unit and was accompanied by the original severed-hand effects rig created by makeup artist Stuart Freeborn.
The sale was part of Heritage's Hollywood & Entertainment Signature Auction, which continues through July 17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which specific scene was the lightsaber used in?
The lightsaber was used in the climactic lightsaber duel between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader aboard Cloud City in The Empire Strikes Back. This is the scene where Vader cuts off Luke's hand and delivers the "I am your father" line.
What was the previous auction record for a Star Wars prop?
The previous world auction record for a screen-used Star Wars prop was held by an original 20-inch model of an X-wing starfighter used in the 1977 film Star Wars.
Who originally made the lightsaber prop?
According to the auction house, the lightsaber was originally constructed from a modified Graflex flash unit. It descended from makeup artist Stuart Freeborn, who also created the original severed-hand effects rig for the scene and helped design characters like Yoda.
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