The Humble Beginnings of Luke Skywalker's Lightsaber

Up Close & Peculiar

More than 100 years ago, the globetrotting Robert Ripley began collecting artifacts from his journeys around the world, which today form the heart of the greatest collection of oddities ever assembled.  Up Close & Peculiar brings the curious history of these pieces to a personal level Kurtis Moellmann, explores the strange relics that lie within our Warehouse walls! Become a part of the story as we share pieces for every history buff, pop culture junkie, and oddities collector alike.

Today: Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber® 

Featured in  Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back ™, this iconic piece of cinematic history was once held in the hands of the legendary Mark Hamill. Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber® was constructed from a 1930s Graflex camera flash tube, complete with glued-on buttons and circuitry additions. This screen-used prop was purchased from the personal collection of  Star Wars® producer Gary Kurtz! Learn more about the humble beginnings of this laser sword on this episode of Up Close & Peculiar.