Entertainment
Darth Vader’s lightsaber sells at auction for over $3.6 million
A lightsaber Darth Vader used in the Star Wars films “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” sold at auction Thursday for more than $3.6 million.
The iconic prop had been estimated to sell for between $1 and $3 million, according to the auction site Propstore, which hosted the bidding. There were 31 bids, with the winning one at $3,654,000.
“Wielded by both David Prowse” — the Darth Vader actor — “and stunt performer Bob Anderson, this is the primary dueling prop created for Vader’s character in both Empire and Jedi,” the site says. “It saw extensive use during the filming of both movies and is one of the most memorable film props from the original trilogy.”
The lightsaber was sold in a Los-Angeles based auction of over 1,000 Hollywood costumes, props and more. Brandon Alinger, the CEO of Propstore, said they received a “cold call” about the lightsaber on a Friday afternoon — a “gentleman called in and said, ‘I have a lightsaber.'”
“We were able to work out not only which character used it, but exactly how it’s used,” Alinger told CBS News, “and you can see the small steel post that comes out of the top of it here, that’s how they actually mounted the blade on it.”
NIKLAS HALLE’N/AFP via Getty Images
Propstore says the lightsaber was made from a 1950s camera flash bulb attachment and “expertly modified by the production team into a lightsaber.” It says the piece “bears authentic signs of wear” that “serve as compelling evidence of the lightsaber’s direct involvement in the action — testament to its film-used authenticity.”
“It’s really an unprecedented piece,” Alinger said.
The auction, which is ongoing through Saturday, was offering virtual and in-person bidding at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. It was expected to net around $10 million.
contributed to this report.
- Parents carry biggest responsibility currently
- Rehabilitation centres facing serious operational challenges
- Media urged against glamorising narcotics issue
KARACHI: Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Sunday said the provincial government would conduct rapid random drug testing in schools to tackle increasing narcotics use among children.
“Unfortunately, we have not taken narcotics seriously,” Memon said while speaking to the media in Karachi, adding that drug abuse had become a global issue and a major concern across Pakistan.
He said several rehabilitation centres were being developed, but termed the situation a “challenge” for the government. Referring to a recent incident in Karachi, Memon said a drug-addicted child had opened fire on family members.
“When these people become zombies due to narcotics, they go beyond anyone’s control,” he said.
The senior minister said many people had turned narcotics into a profitable business and stressed that dismantling the network was the government’s responsibility.
“I do not want to name anyone, but this is an entire network,” he said, adding that naming individuals would only result in social media memes.
Memon also referred to a suspect identified as Anmol alias Pinky, calling her a woman involved in selling “poison” that was costing precious lives daily.
He urged the media not to glamorise the issue and said parents currently carry the biggest responsibility in protecting children from drug abuse.
“I am not talking about one government alone, but the entire country,” Memon added.
The Princess of Wales has been quietly distinguishing herself during a significant two-day visit to Italy, marking her first overseas engagement since undergoing cancer treatment in 2024.
Catherine travelled to the northern city of Reggio Emilia, where she was warmly received by local residents and praised for her grace and personal approach during a series of engagements.
During a lunch held on the final day of the visit, 86-year-old Carla Nironi, who once worked closely with the founder of the Reggio Emilia educational approach, spoke highly of the Princess after meeting her in person.
“When I think about the other members of the royal family, I think Catherine is a step ahead of them,” she said.
“If she were to become queen, she would be the greatest queen on earth. She reminds me of Elizabeth II,” she added.
The trip concluded with a more informal and personal visit to Agriturismo Al Vigneto, a rural farm located about an hour outside the city.
There, the Princess took part in making fresh pasta and hosted an intimate lunch to thank locals for their hospitality.
She sampled the dishes and appeared visibly moved by the setting.
“It’s so beautiful here. Thank you for having me. It’s a wonderful view,” she told her hosts during the outdoor gathering overlooking the valley.
Jane Pauley hosts our annual look at design. Featured: Tiny homes in your backyard; Louis Vuitton; Adobe house construction; Finland’s Marimekko; domino art; Philadelphia food favorites; chandeliers; Longwood Gardens; rare maps; and director Jon Favreau of “The Mandalorian and Grogu.”
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Sindh govt to conduct random drug testing in schools: minister
Princess of Wales praised as ‘step ahead’ of royal family
5/17: Sunday Morning "By Design"
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