Heritage Auctions to Sell Star Wars Lightsaber in July

A major auction of Hollywood and music memorabilia, highlighted by the original lightsaber prop and severed hand used by Luke Skywalker in "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back," will be held this July. The items, expected to sell for a seven-figure sum, have never before been offered at auction.

The Hollywood Entertainment Signature Auction, presented by Heritage Auctions, will take place from July 13 through July 17, 2026. The event was announced on Tuesday, June 16. The lightsaber, used by actor Mark Hamill during the film's climactic Cloud City duel where Darth Vader reveals his paternity, includes the special effects rig depicting the character's severed hand. Bidding will open at $1 million.

The sale features a wide array of iconic items from film history. Other notable pieces include the Wicked Witch of the West hat worn by Margaret Hamilton in 1939's "The Wizard of Oz," with a starting bid of $100,000, and the brown top hat worn by Gene Wilder in 1971's "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," starting at $50,000. Collectors can also bid on hoverboards from "Back to the Future II," a pair of boxing boots worn by Sylvester Stallone in the opening montage of "Rocky III," and...