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Obi-Wan Kenobi's (Ewan McGregor) hero lightweight lightsaber hilt from George Lucas' Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Obi-Wan carried his signature lightsaber throughout the film as he acted as Qui-Gon Jinn's (Liam Neeson) Padawan apprentice, including during his and his master's climactic "Duel of the Fates" battle with Darth Maul (Ray Park). Obi-Wan's lightsaber also appeared on page 21 of Star Wars: The Complete Visual Dictionary.

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace introduced audiences to the world before A New Hope, and thus a younger Obi-Wan. The film shattered numerous box office records and dethroned Jurassic Park's records for both largest single-day gross and fastest to gross $100 million USD in five days. This prequel film was nominated for numerous Academy Awards®, BAFTA®, and Grammy Awards® for technical and musical achievements.

This lightweight lightsaber hilt is constructed predominantly from cast resin with several static switches painted to appear metallic and a black circular fixture where it was previously attached to a belt clip. It also features a steel blade emitter end cap and inset plate, components unique to The Phantom Menace's lightsaber props and seen in reference photos from the production.

Additionally, this hilt features horizontal cut-outs in the all-black grip which distinguish it as a lightweight version, as the aluminum hero hilts used silver-colour cut-outs. Numerous shots of Obi-Wan in the film feature his lightsaber with an all-black grip, including several in which he wore his weapon on his belt as part of his Jedi costume. Shots of this nature would have required a lightweight lightsaber.

Also included are a Letter of Authenticity signed by Lucas on Lucasfilm letterhead as well as a custom acrylic display stand, also made by Lucasfilm. According to the LOA, Obi-Wan used this exact lightsaber in fight sequences for the film, though it is unclear if it was worn on the Jedi's belt or used for dueling without a blade affixed in those sequences.

Original Star Wars props with official LOAs signed by Lucas are exceedingly rare, with this example believed to be the only Obi-Wan lightsaber accompanied by such an LOA ever to come to market. The lightsaber, LOA, and stand were gifted by the legendary filmmaker to a former associate.

The hilt exhibits chipped paint along its grip from production use, exposing the resin. Dimensions: 28 cm x 5 cm x 6.5 cm (11" x 2" x 2.5")

Estimate: £75,000 - 150,000 Ω

View all lots from STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE (1999)

View all lots from STAR WARS - ALL ITEMS