Obi Wan Kenobi’s (Ewan McGregor) fighting lightsaber from George Lucas‘ Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. The Jedi Padawan wielded his lightsaber during the final battle sequence in Naboo’s Theed Palace, where he and his master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) duelled with Sith apprentice Darth Maul (Ray Park).

This version of the lightsaber was used for action purposes, featuring an aluminium blade and the protruding control details removed from the hilt to allow for a more comfortable grip. The materials used for the construction of lightsaber blades progressed throughout the production of the Star Wars prequels. The blades for The Phantom Menace were constructed from aluminium, but this caused problems for the actors and stunt performers as the blades were easily bent and damaged.

The weapon’s hilt is cast in resin, with a metal internal core to add weight and strength, and a machined metal cap adhered at the top. Finished in faux silver and black, the hilt features a red-painted circle representing the activator button, a ribbed handgrip and a spherical pommel decorated with six silver rectangles depicting the power cell reserve cap. The blade comprises an aluminium tube covered in shrink-wrapped green paint, and is fastened to the hilt by two bolts.

The weapon is accompanied by a Polaroid of McGregor sat sleeping while holding a stunt version of his lightsaber, with a handwritten message underneath. There are minor scuffs, cracks and paint wear on the hilt, which have exposed the resin beneath in some areas. The blade displays light wear to the shrink wrap, evidence of fingerprints at its centre, and the paint has faded in some areas, notably on the tip of the blade. Dimensions (lightsaber): 124 cm x 4 cm x 4.5 cm (48 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ x 1 3/4″); (Polaroid): 10.5 cm x 10.5 cm (4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″)

Estimate: £40,000 – 60,000