“I am your father” scene – Darth Vader’s lightsaber sold at auction for 4.875 million

A lightsaber used by Darth Vader in the "Star Wars" films "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi" sold for nearly $5 million at auction on Thursday.

The lightsaber was used in the decisive duel in Cloud City, when Vader says to Luke Skywalker: “I am your father.” Heritage Auctions held “The Ultimate Star Wars Auction” and fetched $4.875 million for it. According to Heritage Auctions, this sale represents a global record for “Star Wars” collectibles.

According to the organizers, the auction is also said to have set a record for a “Star Wars” prop used in the film. It surpassed the $3.75 million sale of the July auction, which sold Skywalker's lightsaber and severed hand props from "The Empire Strikes Back."

Vader's lightsaber had a few special features in the film: It has a bleeding kyber crystal. Vader stole the green kyber crystal from Jedi Master Kirak Infil'a. Through his hatred and the dark side, he caused the crystal to “bleed,” giving the blade its distinctive red color.

The handle also has a special modification that allows Vader to change the length of the blade during battle at the push of a button to surprise opponents. And: He can adapt the sword to his armor. The handle is slightly heavier and more robust than conventional models so that he can grip it optimally with his large, mechanical gloves.

Heritage's auction on Thursday featured numerous items from "Star Wars" episodes I through IX as well as other films and television series. In addition to Vader's sword, 27 other "Star Wars" lightsabers were put together for public auction.