Darth Vader's Star Wars Lightsabre, Keaton Batman Suit Go To Auction

LONDON, July 31 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- A lightsabre used by Darth Vader in "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" (1980) and a Batman suit worn by Michael Keaton in the 1989 film of the same name are among movie memorabilia going to auction, reported PA Media/dpa.

The Propstore auction will also see a bullwhip, belt and holster from "Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade" (1989) and a costume worn by Jane Fonda in "Barbarella" (1968) go on sale between September 4 and September 6.

Darth Vader’s lightsabre, which the auctioneer claims is the first of its kind to be offered for sale, is expected to fetch between US$1 million and US$3 million, while Keaton’s Batman suit is estimated to reach between US$250,000 and US$500,000.

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Ford’s Indiana Jones items, which Propstore claims are the first complete set of their kind to be offered at auction, are expected to make between US$250,000 and US$500,000, while Fonda’s Barbarella costume is estimated at between US$20,000 and US$40,000.

Brandon Alinger, Propstore chief operating officer, said: “We’ve assembled one of the most impressive selections of authentic props and costumes ever brought to market - pieces of genuine cultural history that continue to inspire awe decades after their debut.

“Whether it’s the craftsmanship of an original Batsuit, the power of a Star Wars lightsabre, each item tells a story.

“We’re proud to offer this exceptional collection and to give collectors and fans a rare opportunity to claim a tangible piece of the films and shows that shaped our imaginations.”

Other items in the sale include Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man costume from the 2002 film of the same name, estimated to make between US$100,000 and US$200,000, and a flamethrower used by Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley in "Aliens" (1986), which is predicted to sell for between US$125,000 and US$250,000.

An animatronic Billy the Puppet with a remote from "Saw III" is expected to sell for between US$30,000 and US$60,000, while a Captain America shield used by Chris Evans in "Avengers: Age of Ultron" (2015) is estimated to fetch between US$60,000 and US$120,000.

Propstore’s Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction will take place in Los Angeles and on the auctioneer’s website, showcasing more than 1,000 lots with a joint valuation of US$10 million. 

--BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa