I was recently invited to Heritage Auctions, the largest fine art and collectibles auction house founded in the US, to get an up-close look at several pieces from the Star Wars films. Among the items were the dueling lightsabers used by Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor in Revenge of the Sith. I feel like one lucky fangirl to have had this opportunity, and I'm thrilled to share this experience with you.
Please note that this is a photo heavy post.
It was surreal to hold these lightsabers! I genuinely have no idea how I managed to compose myself. These hilts go up for auction beginning July 16th - 18th online, along with the other incredible Star Wars collector's items, which you can find listings for here.
The hilts themselves were thin and naturally distressed. They had a lot of character and were lightweight, as some fans may expect. Holding them brought me back to the behind-the-scenes footage of Hayden and Ewan practicing their duel on Mustafar. It'll be interesting to see whether these go to the same collector!
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Of course, Anakin's lightsaber was the very first item I held when I arrived. I have a hard time believing this actually happened, and I feel endlessly grateful that I had the chance to hold my favorite character's lightsaber. I recorded the experience, which you can watch here on my Instagram page, if you're interested.
This lightsaber was specifically constructed for the film and features a different design to Anakin's lightsaber as seen in the prior episode. It features a resin handle cast around an aluminum sleeve with an upper and lower section secured together with threaded rod from the base of the blade. With chrome-plated finish and black painted grips, this handle is similar to the hero version but with notable differences, including a lack of buttons or knobs and a stepped-down neck area near the emitter designed to make handling and spinning easier for the actor during action sequences. This saber's red dueling blade is constructed of carbon fiber, a material unique to the third prequel film, with a threaded rod installed at the lower end and a clear plastic sheath intended to prevent blade chips from causing injuries.
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There was one thing I knew I had to do when I held Obi-Wan's ligthsaber; his classic battle-stance! It's too iconic not too. I love how similar his hilt is to Luke's lightsaber in Return of the Jedi. It almost makes it feel like a family heirloom.
The handle is crafted of cast resin surrounding an aluminum sleeve and is composed of upper and lower sections joined together by a threaded rod extending from the base of the dueling blade. The handle has a multicolored finish, a chrome-plated emitter, and a widened neck under the emitter for improved maneuverability during action scenes. It has a simplified grip and lacks a lower control box, which is different from its predecessors. To facilitate McGregor's performance in action scenes, the prop team created several versions of the lightsaber handle that varied in complexity. The blade of the lightsaber is made of carbon fiber, a new material introduced in the third prequel film. At the lower end of the blade, there is a threaded rod, and it is protected by a clear plastic sheath to prevent injuries caused by blade chips.
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Another piece I got to hold was the Screen-Used Snowspeeder Filming Miniature from The Empire Strikes Back. But this isn't just any Snowspeeder. This one was given to Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) herself by George Lucas. It's a gorgeous piece that measures at 6" x 5", and mounted at 9" x 7" x .5" on a black acrylic base with the film's logo displayed. The sentiment of this piece is truly special.
This piece was donated by Carrie Fisher for an online auction via Sothebys.com to raise funds for her mother, Debbie Reynolds, to establish The Hollywood Motion Picture Museum. Included with the Snowspeeder miniature is a COA signed by both Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill stating: "The Following item was utilized in the production of Star Wars Episode V, 'The Empire Strikes Back'. One Snowspeeder Miniature Model, Screen Used. Please know that the item you have purchased on Sothebys.com through Entertainment Rarities is part of my personal collection and has been in our family for many years. This Certificate warrants and guarantees that this item is a Snowspeeder Model utilized in the making of 'The Empire Strikes Back'. George Lucas gave me this model after the making of this film. My mother, Debbie Reynolds, has spent her whole life collecting and fighting for the preservation of Hollywood. Proceeds from your purchase go towards her dream of establishing The Hollywood Motion Picture Museum on the corner of Hollywood and Highland in Hollywood, CA." Included is a color copy of a signed photograph showing Fisher holding this Snowspeeder on its display, inscribed to the consignor, "For John Azarian Hope you enjoy my Snowspeeder, Love Carrie Fisher". Included are three 8.5" x 11" color prints of screen captures of Snowspeeders from the film. Exhibits production wear and age with missing harpoon gun at rear of ship.
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I think the most remarkable thing about this Death Star Turbo Laser Canon Minuature is that it's made from cast resin with rigid polyfoam! It makes you wonder how many were made. I love how detailed it is!
Constructed of cast resin filled with rigid polyfoam, the piece is sprayed in primer gray and detailed with painted shades of gray to replicate the battle-worn surface of the station. Expertly studio-distressed, this cannon was prominently featured during the climactic battle when the Rebel Alliance launches its fighters to attack the Galactic Empire and the nearly completed Death Star. The cannon tower measures 7.5" x 2" x 3".
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Upon seeing this piece, I knew it had to be something from either Yoda's home on Dagobah or Jabba's Throne Room. It's so cute! I'd love for a piece like this to be made available at Galaxy's Edge.
This production-made vessel can be seen in on-set photos sat atop a slot machine to one side of Jabba's throne, though it is not visible in the final theatrical release of the 1983 blockbuster. Measuring 2.5" x 7" x 4.25" and constructed from fiberglass with carved effect, with geometric design to the front and one handle to the side. Finished in copper/verdigris-color and a layer of varnish.
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This Return of the Jedi poster is signed with a silver felt tip by Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), and David Prowse (Darth Vader). As a Star Wars fan, I usually opt for photos with the actors but having signatures from this trio would be amazing!
Replica mini poster from Return of the Jedi signed by cast members Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), and David Prowse (Darth Vader). Signed in silver felt tip. Poster measures approx. 10" x 16".
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I think this was the first time I've ever seen the signature of George Lucas in person. I loved it! I also appreciated that you could actually read it. These are George Lucas/Lucasfilm early documents for Star Wars (TCF, 1977) and American Graffiti (Universal, 1973), (1) with Universal Pictures and (1) with United Artists (ca. 1972).
These documents reflect the moment that Star Wars shifted from a mere "notion" to "an obligation" for Lucas. He first signed a two-picture agreement with United Artists, but after executives reviewed the completed Graffiti script, the studio withdrew, claiming the film didn't align with their vision. With support from his mentor, Francis Ford Coppola, Lucas then signed a two-picture deal with Universal on April 6, 1972. Titled the "Lucas Option Contract," this agreement between "LUCASFILM LTD." and Universal referred to American Graffiti and the unnamed sci fi project as "the Films." It included an option clause Universal never exercised-and both films eventually found homes elsewhere, with Star Wars famously produced by 20th Century Fox. The Universal contract is on 8.5" x 11" paper with 2- punched holes at the top and features a clear signature by George W. Lucas Jr. Lucas began developing Star Wars before American Graffiti was even released, marking an early step toward the world's most influential franchise.
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This is a Original R3-Series Astromech Droid Dome featured in A New Hope! The way it was displayed made it look like a lamp, and now I think droid lamps need to be a thing.
An extraordinary artifact from George Lucas's groundbreaking 1977 film Star Wars, which redefined the science fiction genre. This original R3-series astromech droid dome was used during the film's legendary Death Star sequences. While closely resembling the well-known R2-series, R3 droids are distinguished by their clear domes-one of which briefly appears as Obi-Wan Kenobi (Sir Alec Guinness) moves through a Death Star corridor to disable the tractor beam. Constructed from clear acrylic, this dome features detailed line graphics being a mixture of hand-painted elements and applied decals in black, white, and gold, to simulate complex circuitry and internal components. Measuring approximately 17.5" in diameter and 9" in height,
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This was one piece I wish I would've asked to hold, but didn't. I was obsessed with the stained Lucasfilm folder. It was wild getting a look at the notes inside, especially seeing that the Revenge of the Jedi title was still on the table during the third draft.
Original bound and bradded 8.5 x 11" Third Draft script for Revenge of the Jedi by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas, housed in an official "Lucasfilm Ltd." cardstock cover and dated December 1, 1981. Every script page bears the ink-stamped "ROJ" with a serial production security code. An official studio draft of Revenge of the Jedi-the film's original title before it was changed to Return of the Jedi-would be a valuable collector's item on its own. But this is the only known copy personally-annotated by James Kahn, author of the official novelization beloved by generations of Star Wars fans. Signed by Kahn on the first page, the script is filled with his handwritten notes, annotations, underlines, and additional dialogue-brimming with insights and revelations. Among the surprises: in this draft, Luke kills Emperor Palpatine, rather than the Emperor dying at the hands of Darth Vader. One especially compelling note reflects Kahn's intention to add an internal monologue for Leia during her iconic moment chained to Jabba the Hutt on the sail barge. Other annotations include filled-in dialogue that was still being written by Lucas and Kasdan while Kahn was actively crafting the adaptation
Which pieces stand out to you the most? Let me know! You can get in touch with me by leaving a comment below or following me on my social media channels: Instagram, X, Threads or Bluesky.
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