In an exciting event for movie memorabilia enthusiasts, a blockbuster auction in California is set to offer a stunning collection of iconic props from beloved films. This three-day online auction, hosted by Propstore, a leading Los Angeles-based company specializing in movie memorabilia, includes artifacts from a galaxy far, far away and legendary quests for the Holy Grail.
At the forefront of this auction is Darth Vader’s lightsaber, featured in the final two films of the original Star Wars trilogy. Valued at up to $3 million, this prop is considered the most valuable lot available. The lightsaber, which played a pivotal role in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983), showcases several dings and imperfections that enhance its authenticity and overall value. Propstore claims it to be “the only hero lightsaber prop with verifiable screen-use to ever be offered at public auction,” making it one of the rarest and most sought-after Star Wars props in existence.
Beyond the lightsaber, the auction features more than 1,000 lots from various action, adventure, and science fiction movies. Highlights include the leather whip used by Harrison Ford in the 1989 film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, estimated at $500,000, and the neuralyzer, a high-tech device from the 1997 blockbuster Men in Black, valued at $150,000. Additionally, Jane Fonda’s iconic catsuit from the 1968 movie Barbarella is also up for grabs, with a projected value of $10,000.
According to Propstore, collecting these unique items is a deeply personal experience, as every collector has distinct tastes. “Collectors are united through a common passion for the material and its preservation,” the auction brochure states. The company emphasizes the importance of preservation, noting that many items were once discarded as mere production tools in the film industry. Private collectors have taken the initiative to safeguard these artifacts for future generations.
The auction also boasts a wealth of science fiction props, including space suits, laser weapons, and posters from films such as Alien, Armageddon, and Back to the Future. Costume fans will find treasures like Michael Keaton's Batman suit from the 1989 film, valued at $500,000, and Jeff Bridges' iconic outfit from the cult classic The Big Lebowski. There’s even a Roman soldier’s costume from the 1959 classic Ben-Hur.
For bidders looking for something truly unique, the auction offers items like Kiefer Sutherland’s Counter Terrorism Unit badge from the Emmy award-winning series 24 and the blood-stained volleyball named Wilson from Tom Hanks' 2000 film Cast Away, which has already attracted bids exceeding its estimated value of $40,000.
Propstore has described this auction as one of the largest single sales of movie props and artifacts in the history of the entertainment industry, with expectations to raise tens of millions of dollars. “We strive to present these pieces with the same level of care that went into their presentation on screen, as they deserve nothing less,” the company remarked. This auction not only celebrates the rich history of cinema but also offers a rare opportunity for collectors to own a piece of that legacy.
