Darth Vader’s lightsaber from his Cloud City duel with Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is heading to auction, with an expected sale price of at least $1 million.

Darth Vader’s Lightsaber Coming to Auction

The prop is a highlight of Heritage Auctions’ Ultimate Star Wars Auction on November 12, 2026. According to Heritage Auctions, the saber was used during the climactic confrontation in Episode V in which Vader reveals that he is Luke’s father. It also appeared in Return of the Jedi.

The hilt’s predicted value stems from its documented screen use and, of course, its connection to a pivotal moment in Star Wars history.

Heritage identifies it as a “screen-matched” prop, meaning its distinctive physical details can be matched to the lightsaber seen in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Its use in the Cloud City duel gives collectors a direct connection to Vader’s revelation that he is Luke’s father.

There is also a substantial sales precedent: this same hilt last sold for $3,654,000 at Propstore in 2025.

More than two dozen lightsaber props are included in the Ultimate Star Wars Auction. Among them are Anakin Skywalker’s sabers from Revenge of the Sith, expected to sell for at least $10,000; Boba Fett’s EE-3 carbine blaster from The Empire Strikes Back; a Yoda puppet hand used by Frank Oz; and Anthony Daniels’ signed personal third-draft screenplay for the original Star Wars.

For any inquiring minds with pocket change to spare, you can check out the full catalog for yourself on Heritage Auctions’ website.

Heritage also partnered with Disney for the Disney Experiences Auction at D23, which featured Muppet*Vision 3D statues, converted Big Thunder Mountain Railroad train benches, and other park memorabilia.

If you’re in the market for a more budget-friendly lightsaber solution, you can check out the new Protection & Defense components that recently arrived at Savi’s Workshop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Of the many props used throughout all Star Wars films to date, which one would you most like to own? Let us know on social media!

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The post Darth Vader’s Lightsaber from ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ Expected to Fetch at Least $1 Million at Auction appeared first on WDW News Today.