Mark Hamill’s Star Wars lightsaber shatters expectations and sells for record amount at auction

A distinctive piece of star wars The memorabilia shattered expectations and was sold for a record amount.

Luke Skywalker’s original lightsaber used by Mark Hamill has sold for $3.75 million, Heritage Auctions confirmed late Wednesday afternoon. It’s the weapon he used during the climactic confrontation with Darth Vader in the 1980s Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back Until the Sith Lord cut off his hand and delivered the infamous “I am your father” phrase.

According to multiple reports, it was originally listed for $1 million and is expected to go for $2 million. $3.75 million set a new world auction record for a used monitor star wars Support, for all Dallas-based heritage. The previous record was held by an original 20-inch X-wing Starfighter model used in a space battle in 1977. star warsa lot that sold for $3.135 million in October 2023. The record holder in the masterworks category beats both records as Tom Young’s original half-sheet main poster painting for Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope Sold for $3.875 million.

“This is one of the most important survivors star wars “Antiques that exist,” explained Heritage Executive Vice President Joe Maddalena. “It comes from an emotional peak The Empire strikes back – the scene that changed the saga forever and produced one of the most unforgettable moments in the history of cinema. Collectors realized they were bidding on more than just a prop. They were vying for a real piece of modern mythology.

The lightsaber was originally created from a modified Graflex flash unit and was accompanied by an original severed hand effects rig created by makeup artist Stuart Freeborn, who also helped create Yoda and many of the franchise’s makeup effects. According to lore, the lightsaber is directly descended from Freeborn, who passed away in London on February 5, 2013.

Wednesday’s auction was part of Heritage’s Hollywood & Entertainment Signature Auction, which runs through July 17. Other pieces of movie memorabilia also for sale during this period were hats from Wizard of Oz and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Back to the Future II hoverboards Big Lebowski Carpet and a pair of shoes worn by Sylvester Stallone Rocky III.

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