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A model E-11 Imperial Stormtrooper blaster from George Lucas' Star Wars: A New Hope. The BlasTech E-11 blaster rifle was the standard-issue rifle for Imperial stormtroopers, who used them in the Mos Eisley scenes, the desert sequences filmed in Tunisia, and the trash compactor scene. This type of blaster can also be seen in the Star Wars Chronicles book.
This weapon, based on an L2A2 Sterling submachine gun, was fabricated especially for Star Wars by theatrical armourers Bapty & Co. and was returned to the company after the completion of filming. It was designed in such a way that armourers would not be required on set.
The weapon is made from a Sterling body tube with a wooden-dowel barrel and custom-made aluminium components for the receiver, magazine well, stock, pistol grip and trigger guard, all of which are finished in black paint. Years after production, the piece was rediscovered in the Bapty armoury, stripped of its various dress-up components, and restored by Propstore.
The replacement M38 scope is a functional Azimuth tank scope obtained from Bapty armourer Karl Schmidt (creator of the original prop weapons), and may be one of the originals used in Star Wars. A steel scope rail made to the original specifications has also been fitted, along with plastic barrel ribs, magazine cylinders and a contemporary Hengstler counter. Well-used during filming and offered in a restored state, this blaster displays some paint wear and scuffing. Dimensions: 49 cm x 21 cm x 13 cm (19.25" x 8.25" x 5.25" )
Estimate: £60,000 - 120,000 M
View all lots from STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE (1977)
View all lots from STAR WARS - ALL ITEMS