‘World record’ Star Wars collection goes on display in Tokyo ahead of auction

Darth Vader’s lightsaber, the Mandalorian’s helmet, signed trading cards and original costumes from the Star Wars universe are just some of the items on show at a Tokyo exhibition held by auction house Heritage Auctions. 

The exhibition, open from September 18 to October 27, includes lightsabers and costume items used on set during filming of the Star Wars series. The items all set to go to auction in November, with organisers hoping to break records for sales of memorabilia from the beloved franchise. 

“This is more than a lightsaber, this was used by Darth Vader in ‘Empire Strikes Back’ and ‘Return of the Jedi’,” said Joe Maddalena, collectibles expert and executive vice president of auction organiser Heritage Capital.

“The last time this sold at auction was $3.6 million. We’re selling it again this November and hopefully it’ll break another world record,” he said. 

Among the rare items on display, Maddalena highlighted a lightsaber used by actor Ray Park during his portrayal of villain Darth Maul in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace as a personal favourite.

“These are the actual fighting blades, you can see the marks where he’s fighting a Jedi and they’re whacking each other,” he said. 

The pre-sale exhibition also features costumes and props from production of the AMC zombie drama The Walking Dead, as well as a selection of rare Pokemon cards and vintage video games.

Camera, editing, production and writing: Tom Bateman/Reuters