Bonhams’ hotly anticipated TCM Presents...Out of this World sale will feature Luke Skywalker’s original lightsaber from Return of the Jedi (ROTJ).
The lot can be seen emerging from the top of R2-D2’s head in the pulse-pounding scene in which Luke Skywalker (Marc Hamill), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford) escape the Sarlac pit.
This is a streamlined version of Luke Skywalker's lightsaber
The auction house explains: “Just as the heroes seem doomed, the revelation of this Lightsaber hidden inside R2-D2 tells the audience that the odds have shifted in the heroes' favor.
“R2-D2 fires the Lightsaber skyward, Luke catches it, and the Rebels' escape begins.”
This is the first of three lightsabers used during the sequence. It’s more streamlined than the so-called “hero” examples used in close-ups.
The second, which launches from R2-D2, is made from plastic. The one Luke catches is a fully outfitted hero lightsaber.
The lot is estimated at $150,000-200,000 ahead of the November 21 sale.
As you might expect, lightsabers are among the most sought after props from the Star Wars franchise.
The record at auction is $240,000 set for one Marc Hamill used in the first movie, A New Hope, in 2008.
Other highlights of the sale include the original Robby the Robot from Lost in Space and Columbo’s iconic raincoat.
We have a very special piece of Star Wars memorabilia for sale.
Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about movie memorabilia auctions.
