Darth Vader’s original lightsaber, which was used during the filming of the cult classic *Star Wars* films, was sold at auction for a record $4.875 million. The auction took place on 12 November in Dallas, USA, according to the Associated Press. The prop appeared in the films *The Empire Strikes Back* and *Return of the Jedi*, notably during the legendary duel in which Vader reveals the secret of Luke Skywalker’s parentage to him. The sale set an all-time price record for collectables from the franchise.
- Darth Vader’s lightsaber was sold for a record $4.875 million.
- The prop was used during the filming of two films in the original trilogy.
- The previous record for film props was held by Luke Skywalker’s sword.
- A further 27 lightsabres from the *Star Wars* universe were presented at the auction.
Darth Vader’s lightsaber has set a new auction record
Heritage Auctions sold the props as part of a special ‘Ultimate Star Wars Auction’ dedicated to the film universe George Lucas. The buyer purchased the lot for $4 875 000, having placed a bet by telephone. His name has not been disclosed.
The sword was used by the actor David Prouse and a stuntman Bob Anderson during the filming of the action scenes in the films *Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back* (1980) and *Star Wars: Return of the Jedi* (1983).
It was this very prop that was used in Darth Vader’s duel with Luke Skywalker in Cloud City. The scene culminates in one of the most famous plot twists in the history of cinema, when Vader says: «I am your father».
That very same sword was already on sale in 2025
What makes this new record special is that this particular item had already been put up for auction. In September 2025, it was sold through the Propstore auction house for $3.654 million.
In July 2026, the record for the most expensive original film prop was set by Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber. Together with the device used to create the special effect of his severed hand, it was sold for $3.75 million.
The latest sale has also broken the franchise’s all-time record — $3,875 million, which was previously paid for the artist’s original illustration Thomas Jung for the first *Star Wars* film.
What makes the original «Star Wars» props so special?»
The lightsaber was crafted using the metal flash bracket from a British camera from the 1950s. Black handles, decorative elements and a special mount for a replaceable blade – which was used during staged duels – were added to the design.
The authenticity of the item was confirmed by comparing its characteristic damage with stills from the films and archive photographs taken on set.
The auction on 12 November also featured props from all nine main episodes of *Star Wars*, as well as other films and TV series in the franchise. In addition to Darth Vader’s lightsaber, collectors were offered a further 27 lightsabres.
