“A Luke Skywalker Lightsaber used in Return of the Jedi” in Current Bonhams Auction Raises Questions

Bonhams has put up a piece for public auction in their current “TCM Presents … Out of This World!” event scheduled to conclude on November 21st – a prop which they describe as “A Luke Skywalker Lightsaber used in Return of the Jedi”. The description in the online catalog has been edited to remove the (vague) details about the provenance, and the piece in question seems to match a “Return of the Jedi” lightsaber prop that I wrote about in 2013 that was offered for sale on eBay and seemed to have a connection with Elstree Props (and went unsold with a high bid of $5,101 not reaching the reserve). The 2013 article about that “Return of the Jedi” lightsaber was one of a series of features published on the Original Prop Blog specifically about Elstree Props and lightsaber props attributed to Return of the Jedi (I even had an opportunity to ask Mark Hamill himself about one of these props at San Diego Comic Con in 2009).

You can read about the current Bonhams auction on their official site here:

Auction Archive: LINK

This is the original description (and how it appears in the printed catalog, which I received in the mail today, with the section omitted subsequently in red):

A Luke Skywalker Lightsaber used in Return of the Jedi

Twentieth Century-Fox, 1983. Assembled and machined cast metal, brass, and rubber Lightsaber prop. This original Luke Skywalker Lightsaber appears in a key moment in Star Wars, Episode VI: Return of the Jedi: As “Luke” (Mark Hamill), “Han Solo” (Harrison Ford), and “Chewbacca” (Peter Mayhew) face execution above the Sarlacc Pit, Luke mounts his escape plan. Just as the heroes seem doomed, the revelation of this Lightsaber hidden inside R2D2 tells the audience that the odds have shifted in the heroes’ favor. R2D2 fires the Lightsaber skyward, Luke catches it, and the Rebels’ escape begins. Several Lightsabers were used in the scene and this particular one is shown in closeup insert shots of R2D2. A more aerodynamic and safer plastic one was fired during the next long shot, and Mark Hamill catches a third “Hero” Lightsaber. Note that the chipped edge along the top rim of the Lightsaber used in closeups matches up with this one. This Lightsaber also has fewer parts than the “hero” version to make it more streamlined for ejection. Comes with a letter of authenticity and other documentation from its owner, whose father worked as General Manager at George Lucas’ Industrial Light and Magic in the early 1980s and whose brother worked on Return of the Jedi and acquired various mementos like this one. Length: 11.75 in.; Diameter: 2 in.

This is the current (revised) description:

A Luke Skywalker Lightsaber used in Return of the Jedi

Twentieth Century-Fox, 1983. Assembled and machined cast metal, brass, and rubber Lightsaber prop. This original Luke Skywalker Lightsaber appears in a key moment in Star Wars, Episode VI: Return of the Jedi: As “Luke” (Mark Hamill), “Han Solo” (Harrison Ford), and “Chewbacca” (Peter Mayhew) face execution above the Sarlacc Pit, Luke mounts his escape plan. Just as the heroes seem doomed, the revelation of this Lightsaber hidden inside R2D2 tells the audience that the odds have shifted in the heroes’ favor. R2D2 fires the Lightsaber skyward, Luke catches it, and the Rebels’ escape begins. Several Lightsabers were used in the scene and this particular one is shown in closeup insert shots of R2D2. A more aerodynamic and safer plastic one was fired during the next long shot, and Mark Hamill catches a third “Hero” Lightsaber. Note that the chipped edge along the top rim of the Lightsaber used in closeups matches up with this one. This Lightsaber also has fewer parts than the “hero” version to make it more streamlined for ejection. Comes with a letter of authenticity. Length: 11.75 in.; Diameter: 2 in.

As highlighted in red text is the original description, this is the portion of the description that was removed after the catalog was published onlin:

Comes with a letter of authenticity and other documentation from its owner, whose father worked as General Manager at George Lucas’ Industrial Light and Magic in the early 1980s and whose brother worked on Return of the Jedi and acquired various mementos like this one.

So this piece has an estimate of US$150,000 – 250,000… quite a sum of money to expect for a piece with really nothing to back it up as authentic (at least in the published auction description).

Which isn’t to say that there haven’t been “original” lightsabers from the original trilogy of Star Wars films sold at public auction for six figures. But I am friends and acquaintances with many high end Star Wars collectors and Star Wars experts, and I’ve never heard first hand or read any published account from any of them expressing a belief that any “Original Trilogy” lightsaber sold at public auction has been sold with compelling provenance that convinced them as to the piece being certainly authentic and genuine as used on set in any of those original three Star Wars films.

But I don’t want to speak for anyone else. If someone would like to point to an example of any such prop lightsaber sold at public auction that was attributed to one of the first three Star Wars films (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi) and described as used on set in the production and make a case for it how and why it is a genuine production piece, please contact me as I’d love to publish such an opinion here on this website for public evaluation and debate and discussion, as it seems to be a topic of great interest and concern in this art market.

In any event, this lightsaber in this current public auction is featured prominently in the catalog for this Bonham’s sale event (Turner Classic Movies Presents “Out of This World!” on November 21, 2017 in New York), with a two-page spread inside as well as being featured on the inside back cover:

As mentioned at the lead of this feature, this appears to resemble a lightsaber prop that was listed for sale on eBay in May 2013 that I wrote about at the time here on the Original Prop Blog. The auction ended with a high bid of $5,101.00, going unsold as the reserve was not met (link to eBay auction result).

Why do I believe that they may be the same piece? There is damage to the emitter that appears to match:

Here is a full view, but they are not in matching orientation, though they appear to be of the same style overall and both (uncharacteristically for this prop) lack the control box on the side:

Both the 2013 eBay auction and the 2017 Bonhams auction include two Polaroid photographs showing a disassembled Luke Skywalker “Return of the Jedi”-style lightsaber (though it is not clear if it matches the prop itself). Since Polaroid photos are all produced in camera (no film negative), there is no such thing as exact copies of the same photo. These photos do appear to match in their respective auction listings. In the top example, you can see a black line in-between the photo and the white border at the top side (as positioned) that seems to match as well. In the lower comparison, the bottom right corner (as positioned) shows the same corner damage to the Polaroid:

Here is a link to my 2013 article here on the Original Prop Blog: Yet Another Luke Skywalker “Screen Used” Return of the Jedi Lightsaber Movie Prop with Elstree Studios/Elstree Props/Danziger Collection Connections Surfaces on eBay

Here is the original 2013 eBay listing description:

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.

As I noted in my 2013 article, the 2013 eBay auction included photos of several Certificates of Authenticity (COAs) from “Piece of the Stars Memorabilia”, a company I’d never heard of in all of my experience in this art market outside of this auction. As explained at the time, at a fixed image resolution of 500px × 375px, it makes these documents challenging to even attempt to read. Regardless, I’d 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 appeared to be written in these documents.

Interestingly, Bonhams made no specific reference whatsoever to these documents. Did the consignor not send them to Bonhams, or did Bonhams elect not to provide them as part of the auction listing?

The first document depicted in the 2013 eBay auction 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 (in 2013 eBay auction):

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 (in 2013 eBay auction):

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 (in 2013 eBay auction):

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 (in 2013 eBay auction):

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 (in 2013 eBay auction):

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 (in 2013 eBay auction):

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.

Nowhere 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.”

________________________

The Original Prop Blog has published many articles related to (pre-2008 owned) Elstree Props and in particular, Luke Skywalker lightsaber props attributed to Return of the Jedi and described as production made and/or used (link to category).

You can check out all of the many articles regarding props associated with Elstree Props pre-2008 here: LINK

My open questions to Bonhams:

“Is the lightsaber prop in your auction with a $150,000-$250,000 pre-sale estimate the same lightsaber prop that went unsold on eBay in May 2013 with a high bid of $5,101 not meeting the reserve?”
“Did the consignor of this piece share all of the paperwork and history as I archived from this auction?”
“Where is the proof that this is an authentic lightsaber prop used on the set of Return of the Jedi?”
“Why was the auction description changed?”
“Since the “story” (multiple stories) of the prop provided in the 2013 eBay listing and the “story” provided in the Bonhams auction description (that has been removed) do not match up, what is the explanation? What is the supposed history? Did it come from Elstree in England? Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation? Fox Studios? Industrial Light and Magic?”

In any event, all of these mainstream media news outlets promote the sale of this prop lightsaber, no questions asked:

Jason DeBord