"Star Wars" light saber and more iconic film props going up for auction

A lightsaber wielded by Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in a climactic scene from "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" is among the highly anticipated items in an upcoming Hollywood memorabilia auction. The custom-designed prop, which includes a severed hand effects rig, is expected to draw significant attention.

Heritage Auctions, based in New York, is presenting the "Hollywood & Entertainment Signature Auction," offering enthusiasts a chance to bid on a wide array of props from beloved films. The collection spans various eras of cinema, from Hollywood's Golden Age to contemporary blockbusters and influential moments in popular music.

Bidding for the "Star Wars" lightsaber, which has never been auctioned before, is set to open at $1 million. The prop was used in the 1980 sequel during the iconic Cloud City fight where Darth Vader reveals, "I am your father."

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I am your father.

Other significant items include a Wicked Witch of the West hat worn by Margaret Hamilton in the 1939 classic "The Wizard of Oz," with bids starting at $100,000. Gene Wilder's top hat from "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (1971) will also be available, with opening bids at $50,000. Additionally, hoverboards from "Back to the Future II," rugs from "The Big Lebowski," boxing boots worn by Sylvester Stallone in "Rocky III," a drafted screenplay for a "Godfather" sequel, and John Lennon's handwritten lyrics for "If I Fell" are up for sale.

Joe Maddalena, executive vice president of Heritage Auctions, highlighted the auction's breadth. "This auction represents the full spectrum of entertainment history, from Hollywood's Golden Age to modern blockbuster cinema and the most influential moments in popular music," he stated. The auction is scheduled to run from July 13 to 17.

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This auction represents the full spectrum of entertainment history, from Hollywood's Golden Age to modern blockbuster cinema and the most influential moments in popular music.