If you’re aStar Wars collectorwith some very deep pockets, you may want to head out to Los Angeles at the end of this month, because you could take home the original Luke Skywalker lightsaber. This historic item is just one of threeStar Warspieces that will be sold off at the Profiles in History auction, which will take place between Monday, June 26 and Wednesday, June 28. Here’s the official description of the lightsaber, revealing where it came from.
“Profiles in History is proud to announce, Mark Hamill’s screen usedLuke Skywalker LightsaberfromA New HopeandEmpire Strikes Backwill be going up for auction during their three day Hollywood Auction 89 in Los Angeles. It comes directly from the archive of Gary Kurtz, producer of aA New HopeandEmpire Strikes Back. It is accompanied by a letter of authenticity signed by Kurtz. It is pictured left and estimated to sell for $150,000 - $250,000.”
The last time a Luke Skywalker lightsaber sold at an auction it went for $240,000, so this estimate fromProfiles in Historyis likely quite accurate. That won’t be the onlyStar Warsitem up for sale, though, with a complete film-usedR2-D2unit also up for auction. There is no price estimate for the R2 unit though. Here’s the official description of R2, which will include original concept artwork as well.
“And in celebration of the 40th anniversary ofStar Wars, we’re offering some of the most important pieces ever offered, including an unprecedented complete film used “R2-D2” unit, one of the most beloved characters in pop culture. To complement R2, we offer Mark Hamill’s hero “Luke Skywalker” lightsaber from Star Wars andThe Empire Strikes Backfrom the collection of producer Gary Kurtz. Included are original conceptual artworks by Tom Jung used to create the posters for the original Star Wars trilogy.”
The final piece ofStar Warslore that will be up for auction is Darth Vader’s helmet and shoulder armor fromA New Hope. These are production made pieces that originated from Lucasfilm. They are made of fiberglass and expertly painted. This item is expected to sell for between $40,000 to $60,000. Other non-Star Warsitems that will be auctioned off include the original script and production materials forCasablanca, scripts for 17 episodes ofThe Twilight Zonewritten by prolific genre author Richard Matheson, Daryl Hannah’s mermaid tail fromSplash, stop-motion puppets and set pieces fromNightmare Before Christmas,Corpse Bride,James and the Giant PeachandCoraline, William Peter Blatty’s signed and annotated adaptation copy ofThe Exorcistthat he used to create the Academy Award-winning screenplay, and a collection of over 70 items from James Cameron’sTitanic, and much more. We have a look at the authentic lightsaber and helmet here.
