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A centerpiece of Star Wars history is about to hit the auction block, and collectors are already buzzing. Darth Vader’s lightsaber, used in both “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” is being offered for sale by Propstore, one of the leading names in entertainment memorabilia auctions. The rare prop is expected to fetch anywhere from $1 million to $3 million when it crosses the auction stage this September.

To build anticipation, the iconic weapon will embark on a three-city press tour in August, with stops in London, Los Angeles, and New York, perfectly timed to coincide with the 45th anniversary of “The Empire Strikes Back.”

According to Propstore, this isn’t just any lightsaber replica. It’s believed to be the only “hero” Darth Vader lightsaber from the original trilogy, with verifiable screen use, ever offered at public auction. Genuine lightsaber props from the first Star Wars films are exceptionally scarce, making this a true “grail” piece for serious collectors.

The prop was wielded by both David Prowse—the actor behind the mask—and his stunt double Bob Anderson during filming. “This lightsaber is simply everything you want it to be—one of the most significant Star Wars artifacts ever. One of the most significant cinema artifacts ever,” says Brandon Alinger, Propstore’s chief operating officer. He likened its importance to Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers from “The Wizard of Oz,” which set a record by selling for $32.5 million.

Screen-used Star Wars lightsabers have always commanded attention—and big numbers—at auction. Luke Skywalker’s “hero” lightsaber from “A New Hope” and “The Empire Strikes Back” brought in $450,000 at Heritage Auctions in 2017, while Obi-Wan Kenobi’s and Anakin Skywalker’s lightsabers from later films have also drawn six-figure bids.

The market for Star Wars collectibles has never been hotter. Disney pulled in more than $1 billion in Star Wars merchandise sales in 2024 alone, with the overall franchise raking in $12 billion last year. When it comes to iconic villains, few have the enduring impact of Darth Vader, who was recently named the most iconic movie villain of all time by Empire magazine.

For collectors with deep pockets, this auction offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own the lightsaber that defined a cinematic era—and the legacy of one of film’s greatest villains.