Qui-Gon Jinn’s (Liam Neeson) fighting lightsaber from George Lucas‘ Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. The Jedi Master wielded his lightsaber as he battled against the Trade Federation’s droids and duelled with Sith apprentice Darth Maul (Ray Park) on Tatooine and in Naboo’s Theed Palace. Qui-Gon’s lightsaber was subsequently used by Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) to avenge his master.

Many variations of lightsabers were designed for The Phantom Menace by design director Doug Chiang, with each Jedi having a uniquely crafted lightsaber designed to reflect their personality. Liam Neeson personally picked this hilt design for his character.

Produced for stunt purposes, the lightsaber hilt is constructed from resin and features ribbed detailing running from the blade emitter down to the base, creating a grip. The hilt is finished in a combination of black and faux-silver paint, and a red static activator switch adorns one side. A thin protruding metal rod has been cast into the projection plate, added to allow the weapon’s blade to be easily affixed. The threaded rod would have been rotoscoped and replaced with a beam of light in post-production. There are minor signs of production use, including paint wear, light scratches and notable scuff marks down one side. Bubble marks from the casting process are still present and the metal rod has become discoloured over time. Dimensions: 44.5 cm x 4 cm x 5 cm (17 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ x 2″)

Estimate: £10,000 – 15,000