Darth Vader’s ‘I am your father’ lightsaber sells for record US$4.87 million
A lightsaber prop used by Darth Vader in 'The Empire Strikes Back' has sold at auction for a record-breaking $4.87 million. The item was used by actor David Prowse and stunt double Bob Anderson during the film's iconic reveal scene.
Why it matters
This sale highlights the massive economic value of pop culture memorabilia and the enduring legacy of the Star Wars franchise.
The price tag surpassed the auction record for a Star Wars prop, previously held by another lightsaber.
Oscar Holland for CNN 13 November 2026 4 min read Photo credit: flickr - BagoGames From a galaxy far, far away to a Dallas auction house — a lightsaber wielded by Darth Vader before he delivered the famous line “I am your father” sold for over US$4.87 million (about NZ$8.8m) on Thursday.
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