**Darth Vader’s Iconic Lightsaber Set for Multimillion-Pound Sale as London Exhibit Draws Crowds**
A lightsaber once wielded by one of cinema’s most infamous villains, Darth Vader, has taken centre stage in a new London exhibition ahead of an anticipated multimillion-pound auction. The legendary prop, part of the Star Wars saga, is expected to command a staggering sum—possibly as much as $3 million (around £2.2 million)—when it goes under the hammer in September.
The weapon in question is none other than the primary duelling lightsaber used by Darth Vader in the explosive final confrontations of “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) and “Return of the Jedi” (1983). For decades, this lightsaber has symbolised the darkness and drama at the heart of the original Star Wars trilogy, making it highly coveted among collectors and fans alike.
The lightsaber is being showcased at a private event at The Dorchester hotel in London, serving as the headline act for a broader auction led by the renowned firm Propstore. The auction, scheduled to run from 4 to 6 September in Los Angeles, boasts over 1,000 items from a range of beloved films and iconic franchises. Collectively, the lots are valued at an estimated $10 million (£7.5 million), underscoring the high demand for authentic film memorabilia.
Among the notable items to be offered are costumes and accessories from superhero blockbusters and cinematic classics. Fans of Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man will be particularly interested in the red-and-blue suit he donned in the 2002 film, estimated to fetch between $100,000 and $200,000 (£75,000–£150,000). Meanwhile, the distinctive batsuit worn by Michael Keaton for his acclaimed role in Tim Burton’s “Batman” (1989) could reach as much as $500,000 (£375,000) at auction.
Other superhero memorabilia set to be included are Chris Evans’ star-spangled shield from “Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015) and the unmistakable mask worn by Ryan Reynolds in “Deadpool” (2016). For those with a taste for retro science fiction, Jane Fonda’s costume from the 1968 cult favourite “Barbarella” will also be available for bidding.
The auction’s catalogue reaches beyond the sci-fi and superhero genres. Harrison Ford’s eight-foot bullwhip, famously seen in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989), comes as a set complete with belt and holster, with estimated bids expected to land between $250,000 and $500,000 (£188,000–£375,000). Props from terror and fantasy classics will appear too, including the imposing flamethrower wielded by Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley in “Aliens” (1986), and Jon Snow’s formidable stunt Longclaw sword from HBO’s “Game of Thrones”.
The auction features a number of standout items from the Harry Potter film series as well. Notably, the Platform 9 ¾ sign, an evocative piece for any wizarding enthusiast, could claim up to $40,000 (£30,000). Daniel Radcliffe’s wand, prominently seen during key sequences in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”, is another highlight sure to attract spirited bidding.
In a nod to cinema history, the shark tooth clapperboard from Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” (1975)—celebrating its 50th anniversary this year—will also be up for grabs. Auction house guidance places its anticipated value between $40,000 and $80,000 (£30,000–£60,000), proving that props from all eras remain in high demand.
The attention surrounding the Darth Vader lightsaber highlights not only the enduring appeal of the Star Wars franchise but also the growing interest in rare and authentic movie memorabilia. As collectors and fans prepare for the September auction, all eyes are on how high these treasured artefacts will soar when the bidding finally opens.