/ 6 July 2005

Luke Skywalker’s light sabre up for the highest bid

Two of the most famous props in United States film history — light sabres belonging to Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader of Star Wars fame — will go under the hammer in an auction to be held in late July, organisers said on Tuesday.

Dozens of objects from George Lucas’ celebrated sci-fi saga will go the highest bidders at the auction on July 29 in Beverly Hills organised by Profiles in History, which specialises in the sale of film props.

The Jedi knight’s light sabre, owned by Star Wars producer Gary Kurtz, is estimated to sell for between $60 000 and $80 000.

The light sabre used by the evil Darth Vader character in The Empire Strikes Back is estimated to go for $40 000 to $60 000.

The light sabres, of course, worked only on screen with the help of special effects. Luke’s weapon, shown on Profiles in History’s website, is a silvery tube with a black handle.

The 75 objects up for bid include Skywalker’s orange ”X-Wing” pilot jumpsuit, estimated to go for $60 000 to $80 000. Actor Mark Hamill wore the suit for flight scenes in Stars Wars and The Empire Strikes Back.

A Stormtrooper ”blaster” weapon used in Star Wars is expected to sell for between $25 000 and $30 000, while a latex mask used for the green Yoda character may go for $8 000 to $10 000, organisers said. – Sapa-AFP