Darth Vader's lightsaber becomes most expensive 'Star Wars' memorabilia
What's the story
A lightsaber used by Darth Vader in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back has been sold for over $4.87 million at a Dallas auction house. This sale sets a new record for the most expensive Star Wars memorabilia ever sold at auction, reported Heritage Auctions. The prop was described as the character's "primary dueling lightsaber" and had been used by actor David Prowse and his stunt double, Olympic fencer Bob Anderson, in several fight scenes.
Auction details
Lightsaber's role in 'Star Wars' trilogy
The lightsaber was most famously used in the Cloud City duel with Luke Skywalker in 1980's The Empire Strikes Back, where Darth Vader reveals his true identity as Luke's father.
It also appeared in a confrontation between Vader and Luke three years later in Return of the Jedi.
However, Heritage Auctions stated that they could not confirm if the same prop had been used in the original film A New Hope (1977).
Prop details
Prop's physical condition and details
The auction catalogue noted that the lightsaber showed signs of wear consistent with its use as a working dueling prop.
This included scratches, a crack, a missing portion of the upper shroud, and a partially broken grip.
Many lightsabers from the original trilogy were not custom-made but were actually repurposed flash holders from vintage cameras. Those used in fight scenes were modified to support prop blades and endure the rigors of combat.
Record-breaking sale
Previous record for 'Star Wars' auction
The $4.87 million price tag for Darth Vader's lightsaber has shattered the previous record for a Star Wars prop auction.
This record was held by another lightsaber from the Cloud City fight, which belonged to Luke Skywalker and was sold with a special effect rig of an amputated hand. The item fetched $3.75 million at Heritage Auctions in July 2026.
Auction highlights
Other top lots from Heritage Auctions sale
Heritage Auctions's Ultimate Star Wars sale featured nearly 200 props and artworks from the Star Wars franchise, including spin-offs like The Mandalorian.
Other top lots included a rifle used by Boba Fett in The Empire Strikes Back (sold for $3,75,000) and a miniature Snowspeeder model used during filming (sold for $2,00,000).
The auction also included 27 other lightsabers.