This lightsaber is an original prop used in the film and was auctioned on Propstore.com. We use the original auction text and photos with kind permission from propstore.com.
Description
Qui-Gon Jinn’s (Liam Neeson) prototype lightsaber from George Lucas‘ Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Jedi Master Jinn used his lightsaber to fight battle droids aboard the Trade Federation command ship to defend Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) from Darth Maul (Ray Park) on Tatooine, and in his fatal duel against Maul on Naboo.
This lightsaber is a production-made prototype, as evidenced by the metal rod embedded in the emitter, which here is completely smooth but was changed to a threaded rod for the final film-used props. The threaded rod added extra security that the blade would remain attached to the hilt. The piece is built of resin hand-painted black and silver to appear metallic with a red extending button and the unique slotted grip. This prototype version features slightly different paint details to final pieces, as evident around the bottom endcap. It is in good overall condition with some wear from production and age, including chips to the button, grime and dust along the handle, and scuffed paint throughout. Dimensions: 17″ x 1.5″ x 1.5″ (43.25 cm x 4 cm x 4 cm)
Estimate: $8,000 – 10,000
