Darth Vader’s ‘I am your father’ lightsaber sells for record $4.87 million
CNN • • entertainment
Key Points:
- A Darth Vader lightsaber prop, described as his “primary dueling lightsaber,” sold for over $4.87 million at a Dallas auction, setting a new record for the most expensive “Star Wars” memorabilia ever sold.
- The lightsaber was used by actor David Prowse and stunt double Bob Anderson in key fight scenes, including the iconic Cloud City duel in “The Empire Strikes Back” and a confrontation in “Return of the Jedi.”
- This sale surpassed the previous record held by Luke Skywalker's Cloud City lightsaber, which sold for $3.75 million earlier in the year.
- Many original trilogy lightsabers were repurposed vintage camera flash holders modified for combat scenes, with their glowing effects added in post-production; Vader’s lightsaber showed visible wear consistent with on-screen use.
- Heritage Auctions’ “Ultimate Star Wars” sale included nearly 200 items, featuring other notable props like Boba Fett’s rifle and various lightsabers from different “Star Wars” films and spin-offs, with prices ranging widely.
