Bidding for this lot will end on Wednesday, March 26th. The auction will begin at 10:30AM PDT and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Thursday, March 27th or Friday, March 28th.

A Darth Vader touring helmet created by N.J. Farmer Associates Ltd. for touring and promotional events in the UK circa 1980s. Lucasfilm commissioned Farmer to produce a number of high-quality Darth Vader costumes for use in public events and press appearances. Farmer had a relationship with Lucasfilm UK as he was previously part of Palitoy, the toy-manufacturer who created Star Wars toys and merchandise in the UK. They first created the costumes around the time of The Empire Strikes Back's release, and continued to support Lucasfilm's UK division with costumes and components through the release of Return of the Jedi into the late 1980s.

Originating from an ILM employee, this two-piece fiberglass helmet, molded from a genuine film helmet, is painted black and gray, with machined aluminum "tusks" at the sides of the mouth and dual-layer metal grills inserted behind the mouth and chin vents. It consists of a faceplate and a dome, which secures to the top of the faceplate via a two-piece ring mounting system. Inside the mask is a single acrylic lens piece which is screwed in place, with foam pads at the cheeks, forehead, and scalp for comfort. The facemask includes adjustable nylon straps to secure to the head and is marked inside with a number "5" in yellow paint and "15" in red paint. The interior of the dome is marked with a "15" in red paint.

The helmet dates to the 1980s, and it is believed to be all original condition, with unrestored paintwork and components, which makes this rare for a touring helmet. It's exact specific promotional use is unknown. The piece exhibits cracks in the fiberglass, scuffing to the finish, discoloration on the interior as well as a buildup of grime, frayed fiber on the straps, bent aluminum, and chipped paint. Dimensions: 16" x 16" x 20" (40.75 cm c 40.75 cm x 51 cm)

Estimate: $60,000 - 120,000