The iconic red lightsaber that Darth Vader wielded in “The Empire Strikes Back” is poised to fetch over $1 million at Heritage Auctions in New York City next month. This particular prop, featuring prominently in the 1980 film, is infamous for severing Luke Skywalker’s hand during one of cinema's most unforgettable moments, just before Vader delivered the line, “I am your father.”
The auction, set for November 12, comes on the heels of another significant sale in July, when Luke Skywalker’s hand and blue lightsaber sold for a staggering $3.75 million, marking the highest price ever paid for a “Star Wars” prop. This record has set the stage for intense bidding on Vader's saber, which the auction house estimates will draw upwards of $1 million.
This lightsaber, also used in “Return of the Jedi,” previously sold for $3.6 million in 2025 at the Propstore in Los Angeles. The recent auction at Heritage will include more than two dozen lightsaber props, alongside memorabilia spanning “Star Wars” Episodes I through IX and various spin-offs, all set in the expansive galaxy that has captivated fans for decades.
The Vader lightsaber is described by Heritage Auctions as an “extraordinary surviving artifact of two of the most consequential confrontations in motion picture history.” Alongside this coveted prop, the auction will feature several other notable items. Among them is the Yoda hand puppet used by Frank Oz in the character’s debut in “The Empire Strikes Back.”
In addition, C-3PO actor Anthony Daniels will auction off his personal, signed third-draft screenplay for the original 1977 “Star Wars.” A TIE Fighter pilot helmet from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” will also be available, as well as an authentic EE-3 carbine blaster once carried by the notorious bounty hunter Boba Fett throughout “The Empire Strikes Back.” That blaster is estimated to sell for more than $100,000.
The auction represents a continued interest in “Star Wars” memorabilia, which has seen skyrocketing prices over the years. The recent record-breaking sales have only fueled enthusiasm among collectors and fans alike. With Vader’s lightsaber now taking center stage, the bidding is expected to be fierce, as collectors vie for a piece of cinematic history.
As the auction approaches, the buzz surrounding these legendary props continues to grow, underscoring the cultural significance of the “Star Wars” franchise. The lightsaber, in particular, remains an enduring symbol of the conflict between good and evil, a central theme that resonates throughout the series. The excitement surrounding the auction serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of George Lucas’ creation, as well as the fervor it ignites among its dedicated fanbase.
According to NY POST.
