() Darth Vader’s iconic on-screen lightsaber is up for auction this week in Los Angeles.
The prop was used in the final two installments of the original Star Wars trilogy, “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.”
The lightsaber, used in duel scenes between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, bears wear and tear marks that provide evidence of its use in the films.
“Instead of reducing its worth, these markings provide strong evidence of the lightsaber’s active participation in the scenes, verifying its authentic use in films,” stated the Propstore Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction.
By Thursday morning, the bid for the lightsaber had risen to $1.2 million. Propstore anticipated the lightsaber to sell for anywhere between $1 million and $3 million.
The lightsaber has been in a collection for decades, and this marks the first time it will be available through auction.
Additional items up for auction include a bullwhip, belt, and whip holster from “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” a batsuit costume from the 1989 “Batman” movie, and a neuralyzer from “Men in Black.”
Fans can bid on the memorabilia in person, online, over the phone or through absentee bidding through Sept. 6.
