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A snowtrooper helmet from the production of Irvin Kershner's Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Snowtroopers wore their shrouded helmets as part of their cold weather equipment during the assault on the hidden Rebel base on the ice planet Hoth, as they battled the entrenched Rebels alongside their massive walkers.

In the decades since its release, The Empire Strikes Back has often been cited as the best film in the Star Wars franchise and some regard it as one of the greatest films ever made. It was nominated for three Academy Awards®, winning Best Sound in addition to receiving a Special Achievement Award for Visual Effects. The United States Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2010.

Designed by John Mollo from initial concepts by Ralph McQuarrie and Joe Johnston, this helmet and hard armour components were sculpted by Jan Stevens. The snowtrooper armour was initially envisioned by George Lucas as a samurai-themed modification to the standard stormtrooper; however, the design evolved extensively throughout pre-production and eventually acquired its now distinctive look.

This unfinished helmet is constructed from vacuum-formed ABS plastic, with glued sections for the faceplate, dome, and neck guard. Recesses were incorporated into the faceplate for the installation of eye lenses. The interior of the helmet features a manufacturers tag on the motorcycle helmet padding used, with a stamped "S" for size and a hand-marked "6" of 76 for "Date of Code." A replica vinyl skirt was added to complete the helmet. This helmet exhibits minimal discolouration, scuffs, scratches, and marks.

Estimate: £25,000 - 50,000 Ω

View all lots from STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980)

View all lots from STAR WARS - ALL ITEMS