The lightsaber used by Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in “Star Wars: A New Hope” and “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” is now in the vault at Ripley Entertainment’s Orlando headquarters.

  • Original "Star Wars" lightsaber arrives in Orlando
  • The piece was acquired at an auction in June
  • It's being held in the Ripley's vault

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! purchased the iconic prop at an auction in June for $450,000. It arrived in Orlando last week, a spokesperson for the company said. The item is being stored in a warehouse, which is not the same building from the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Odditorium.

The lightsaber came from the archives of Gary Kurtz, who served as a producer on both “Star Wars” movies. It was constructed from a 1930s Graflex flashgun camera, according to Ripley’s.


A replica of the Millennium Falcon made of matchsticks is in the vault at Ripley's Orlando headquarters. (Ripley Entertainment)

Although it’s not on display, the lightsaber joins other “Star Wars”-themed memorabilia in the Ripley’s collection, including hair from Chewbacca’s suit and portraits of Star Wars characters made from staples.

Another “Star Wars” piece that is new to the Ripley’s vault: a replica of the Millennium Falcon that is made of nearly one million matchsticks.  The piece was created by artist Patrick Acton, who has made other pieces for Ripley’s, including a replica of Hogwarts castle and the International Space Station.

The lightsaber isn’t the only galactic item the company now owns.


A bridge engineering console used in "Star Trek: First Contact," "Star Trek IX: Insurrection" and "Star Trek X: Nemesis." (Ripley Entertainment)

Ripley’s also recently acquired a bridge engineering console used in three “Star Trek” movies, including “First Contact” and “Insurrection.” The console was typically manned by Lt. Cmdr. Worf (Michael Dorn) and Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton).

Ripley’s hasn’t said when or where Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber will be displayed. However, the company said the website will be updated.

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