Continuing a long line of “screen used” Luke Skywalker prop lightsabers attributed to Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi with connections to Elstree Studios/Elstree Props/The Danziger Collection, yet another one has surfaced for sale on eBay. Although there are photos of the prop and related documents and certificates of authenticity (COAs) from “Piece of the Stars Memorabilia” (a company I have never heard of before), of course the resolution of these images are limited to 500px × 375px (do cameras still exist today that shoot at such a low resolution?), rendering examination challenging, to say the least. In the interests of public debate and discussion, Original Prop Blog has long documented the public sale offerings of other prop lightsabers attributed to Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in Return of the Jedi that have similar origins and associations, which can be found HERE.
The auction for the prop made available for sale via public auction can currently be found on eBay (Item #190829992892) via seller kcdpd:
Below is the description copied from the auction listing:
This is the real deal. This is an authentic Luke Skywalker’s “Return Of The Jedi” screen used Lightsaber prop from the movie. This particular Lightsaber prop was designed and used to be ejected from R2-D2 during the “Sail Barge Sequence” approx. 32 minutes and 30 seconds into the movie, it also measures approx 11.25″ tall. It is also speculated that this Lightsaber was also used as s “Stunt or Practice” prop. The Emitter portion of the Lightsaber was designed to be interchangeable to accommodate various sized components for dueling and close proximity fighting. This “Stunt” prop is intentionally missing the “Control Box” to make hand manipulation during wielding sequences easier and also to create better air compression build-up for a smoother launching. This Lightsaber comes with all the certificates of authenticity and it also comes with certificates for the archival polaroids photographs that is included as well. The Lightsaber has some war wounds as you can see in the picture but is still in overall condition and what a rarity to come across an actual movie prop like this one. If you are the ultimate Star Wars fan than this item it something you cannot pass up, once in a life time deal. We are not going to do a buy it now price, we are just going to let the auction ride. Thanks for looking and good luck bidding. No international shipping. We only ship to confirmed Paypal addresses. Please feel free to ask any questions before bidding. We are a business and are closed on thursdays and fridays, so this may delay the shipping. Buyer pays $150 for shipping and insurance. California buyers pay sales tax. We ship UPS ground on Mon Tues Wed.
The auction includes photos of several Certificates of Authenticity (COAs) from “Piece of the Stars Memorabilia”, a company I’ve never heard of in all of my experience in this art market in the past decade. As noted, at a fixed image resolution of 500px × 375px, it makes these documents challenging to even attempt to read. Regardless, I’ve made some attempts to transcribe what appears to be written in each document, along with some comments and observations. Please note, due to the low resolution and poor quality of the photos, there may be errors in my review and translation of what appears to be written in these documents.
The first document is the only one depicted that is not from “Piece of the Stars Memorabilia”, but on Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation letterhead.
“Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation” Letter:
My attempt to read and transcribe the text from the document pictured above:
March 14, 1984
Dear Mr. [name blocked by eBay dealer]
On behalf of Lucasfilm and Mr. Harrison, I would like to express our appreciation for helping make the Star Wars Trilogy the success it is today. Your outstanding leadership throughout all levels of production has inspired many to persevere during grueling weather, scheduling conflicts and constant malfunctions while maintaining time and budget demands. By all definitions, you are a miracle worker!
Your work ethics, consistent attention to detail and abilities to work with others are impeccable. You have the determination, passion and skills to make the best out of any situation and your productivity is unmatched. You are a true master of your craft and I wish you good fortune on all your endeavors. You are the greatest!
We would like to express our gratitude by offering you these mementos as a [obscured] of your dedication, hard work and patients [sp]. We have included a few archival photographs along with a card signed by the cast and crew. This letter will also set as a release of property and ownership of Items: #2126, #3874 and #3876. We hope you will cherish these items throughout your career.
We wish you the best of luck on all your future projects and we look forward to another opportunity to work with you again! May The Force Be With You!
Always,
Eric Cole
Production Assistant, Fox Studios
Comments: There is no mention anywhere in this letter about the gifting of a production used lightsaber movie prop. Per the letter, accepting it as genuine at face value, the recipient was gifted two Polaroid photos and an autographed card. Nothing else. It is also highly unusual that a PA would have authority to gift anything; and, of course, Lucasfilm kept the majority of the production assets, not Fox. Also strange in that the film was released theatrically nearly a year earlier (and obviously wrapped production long before that).
“Piece of the Stars Memorabilia” COA #1:
My attempt to read and transcribe the text from the document pictured above:
PIECE OF THE STARS MEMORABILIA
Certificate of Authenticity
Archival Polaroid Photographs of Item no. 8675031
Item Description:
These items no. 8675033 and no. 8675034 have been extensively researched and documented to be 100% authentic. These Two (2) Polaroid Photographs a.k.a. #3874 are said to be the property of Lucasfilm Ltd. and were transferred to John. E. Handberry in a typed letter written by Eric Cole from Fox Studios
These items are documented and accompanied by Two (2) articles listed below:
Letter from 20th Century Fox Film Corp. Dated 3/15/84 no. 8675032
Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber from Star Wars Episode VI “Return Of The Jedi” no 8675031
Item History:
Polaroid Photographs were generally used to catalog specific props used in film. These particular photographs depict and catalog a screen used “Stunt or Practice” Lightsaber prop that was also designed to be ejected from R2-D2 during the “Sail Barge Sequence” approximately 32 minutes 30 seconds into the movie.
The Polaroid images are still visible and are in good condition despite some discoloration and fading typical of Polaroid Instant Film. The Photographs indicate a catalog date circa July 1982. The “Lot #” is the unique identification number associated with the items being photographed. The term “elstree 2” typically means where the item is located or stored at any particular moment e.g. Elstree Studio #2. The Photographs were discovered inside an envelope behind a frame which held the 20th Center Fox Letter no. 8675032. The Polaroids appear to have some environmental defects such as Prolonged exposure to Humidity and Nicotine/Cigarette smoke. The Typesetting and Cataloging Style match the time period and similarly known examples.
This certificate is a guarantee to the fact that [obscured by camera flash] and documentation contained within is accurate. The piece(s) mentioned herein have not [obscured by camera flash] digitally, mechanically, or in any way reproduced. These item(s) and information [obscured by camera flash] within has been carefully inspected and [obscured by camera flash] this item was numbered.
Comments: Nothing in the document above speaks to the background, provenance, or authenticity of the prop lightsaber, only two production used Polaroid photos.
“Piece of the Stars Memorabilia” COA #2:
Comments: This document appears to contain the same language/description as COA #1, though the signature of the “President” appears slightly different, so it is a different document.
“Piece of the Stars Memorabilia” COA #3:
My attempt to read and transcribe the text from the document pictured above:
PIECE OF THE STARS MEMORABILIA
Certificate of Authenticity
20th Century Fox Letter
Item Description:
These items no. 8675032 has been extensively researched and documented to be 100% authentic. This item is a letter dated March 18, 1984, written by Eric Cole from Fox Studios and is addressed to John. E. Handberry Sr. acclaiming his efforts as a Production Coordinator on the Star Wars Films. This letter also mentions Four (4) different “Gifts” awarding and releasing property.
This item is documented and accompanied by Three (3) articles listed below:
Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber from Star Wars Episode VI “Return Of The Jedi” no 8675031
Polaroid Photograph no. 8675033
Polaroid Photograph no. 8675034
Item Condition:
This Letter is legible and is in [obscured by camera flash] good condition despite discoloration. The Letter was discovered poorly framed and appears to have several environmental defects such as Prolonged exposure to Humidity, Fluorescent Lighting, Acid Contamination from [obscured by camera flash] and Nicotine/Cigarette smoke. The Stationary, Letterhead and Typesetting match the time period and similarly known examples.
Refer to Supplemental [obscured by camera flash] for more information
This certificate is a guarantee to the fact that [obscured by camera flash] and documentation contained within is accurate. The piece(s) mentioned herein have not [obscured by camera flash] digitally, mechanically, or in any way reproduced. These item(s) and information [obscured by camera flash] within has been carefully inspected and [obscured by camera flash] this item was numbered.
Comments: This COA claims that the Fox letter (depicted and transcribed further above) “mentions Four (4) different “Gifts”“, when in fact it clearly states three gifts – two Polaroid photos and one autographed card. Again, these is no mention or reference in the Fox letter to any prop lightsaber.
“Piece of the Stars Memorabilia” COA #4:
My attempt to read and transcribe the text from the document pictured above:
PIECE OF THE STARS MEMORABILIA
Certificate of Authenticity
20th Century Fox Letter (Continued)
Item History:
Supplemental Research Item no 8675032 is a letter dated March 18, 1984, written by Eric Cole addressed to John E. Handberry Sr. The letter also mentions Three (4) separate “Gifts”.
Born on [illegible due to low resolution of image], John E. Handberry Sr. was a Freeland Production Coordinator for Elstree Studios in Borehamwood and Clarendon Road Studios from 1982-1985. He had various minor duties as a Set Builder and engineer for the Star Wars Films (uncredited). He was [illegible due to low resolution of image] between Eric Cole and Fox Studios. He had [illegible due to low resolution of image] himself in many aspects of film and television production throughout his 40 year career. He retired in [illegible due to low resolution of image] and died in 2001 from Emphysema.
Eric Cole was a Production Assistant for Fox Studios from 1979-1986. He briefly worked at Paramount Studios in 1996 (Job Title unknown) and in 1992 was employed by Universal Studios. It was later rumored he was working at MGM but no records could be found. There is no other information available.
The letter also mentions Four (4) different “Gifts”. #2126, #3874, #3876 and Signed Card and Crew card. Other than #3874 the whereabouts of the other items are unknown. #3876 is cataloged as a [obscured by camera flash] an accessory to Item #3874. [obscured by camera flash] is cataloged as a set design piece and was [obscured by camera flash] is a Stormtrooper Helmet from Ewok Village. This was likely a prop [obscured by camera flash] during the [obscured by camera flash] sequence at the end of ROTJ.
This certificate is a guarantee to the fact that the information and documentation contained within is accurate. The piece(s) mentioned herein have not been digitally, mechanically, or in any way reproduced. These item(s) and information contained within has been carefully inspected and [obscured by camera flash] before this item was numbered.
Comments: This COA contradicts itself, at one point claiming “The letter also mentions Three (4) separate “Gifts”” and later stating “The letter also mentions Four (4) different “Gifts”“. Again, the original Fox letter (depicted and transcribed further above) clearly states three gifts – two Polaroid photos and one autographed card. Again, these is no mention or reference in the Fox letter to any prop lightsaber.
“Piece of the Stars Memorabilia” COA #5:
My attempt to read and transcribe the text from the document pictured above… this image of the final COA is the most difficult to transcribe, but I was aided by redundancies in the other COAs as well as the eBay auction description itself.
PIECE OF THE STARS MEMORABILIA
Certificate of Authenticity
Luke Skywalker’s “Return Of The Jedi” Screen Used Prop
Item Description:
This item no. 8675031 has been been extensively researched and documented to be 100% authentic.
These items are documented and accompanied by Three (3) articles listed below:
Letter from 20th Century Fox Film Corp. Dated 3/15/84 no. 8675032
Polaroid Photograph no. 8675033
Polaroid Photograph no. 8675034
Item History:
This is a screen used prop from the movie Star Wars Episode VI “Return Of The Jedi”. This particular Lightsaber prop was designed and used to be ejected from R2-D2 during the “Sail Barge Sequence” approx. 32 minutes and 30 seconds into the movie. It is also speculated that this Lightsaber was also used as s “Stunt or Practice” prop. The Emitter portion of the Lightsaber was designed to be interchangeable to accommodate various sized components for dueling and close proximity fighting. This “Stunt” prop is intentionally missing the “Control Box” to make hand manipulation during wielding sequences easier and also to create better air compression build-up for a smoother launching.
This piece was designed by Norman Harrison and Norank Engineering at Elstree Film Studios in England and was [illegible due to low resolution of image] part of the Danziger Collection.
This certificate is a guarantee to the fact that the information and documentation contained within is accurate. The piece(s) mentioned herein have not been digitally, mechanically, or in any way reproduced. These item(s) and information contained within has been carefully inspected and [obscured by camera flash] before this item was numbered.
Comments: This COA states that the lightsaber had been authenticated “100%” as having been made for and used in Return of the Jedi.
No where in the eBay auction description nor the COAs is there any explanation as to how the two Polaroid images and one autographed card gifted to the deceased gentleman in any way related to the “screen used” prop lightsaber attributed to Return of the Jedi. As a side note, they attribute it to a launching scene (from R2-D2), and I doubt that they would have fired a metal object at actors on set (and would have instead used a casting made of rubber or another soft material). The same would typically be true of a “stunt” prop (foam or rubber – not metal).
The COAs from “Piece of the Stars Memorabilia” are dated February 7, 2004, which would have made them contemporary with Elstree Props when owned by Paul Harrison, before the change of ownership in October 2008.
It appears to read, at the bottom of one of the COAs, “Piece of the Stars is an authentication authority and subsidiary of Elstree Props Ltd.”
Jason DeBord