LOS ANGELES - Light sabres used by Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker in the "Star Wars" movies are expected to fetch around US$60,000 ($88,600) each at a Beverly Hills movie memorabilia auction on Friday.
The two light sabres from the original "Star Wars" and its 1980 sequel "Star Wars: The EmpireStrikes Back" are among more than 75 "artifacts in an auction that also includes Harrison Ford's signature leather jacket from "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," estimated to fetch some US$50,000.
The "Star Wars" treasures come from the collection of producer Gary Kurtz, who worked closely with director George Lucas from 1973-81, and many of them are expected to be snapped up by fans and collectors for well over their estimates.
"We know already that there are going to be bids over the estimated amount," said Lorna Hart, a spokeswoman for auctioneers Profiles in History.
Hart said it was the first known occasion on which items from Kurtz's extensive personal movie archive had come up for public auction. Kurtz is selling off some pieces in order to ensure that the bulk of his collection can be properly preserved.
Other movie memorabilia on the block include Tom Hanks' costume from "Saving Private Ryan," John Travolta's leather chaps from "Urban Cowboy" and the suit worn by The Riddler in the first episode of the 1960s TV series version of "Batman."
