Han Solo's Blaster Sets $1 Million World Record

The Iconic Blaster and Its Record-Breaking Sale

Han Solo's blaster from Star Wars has officially set a $1 million world record, making it the most expensive prop gun sold at auction. The blaster, used by Harrison Ford in Star Wars: A New Hope and part of the original trilogy, has become an iconic and beloved figure in the history of cinema. It was sold in 2022 for $1,057,500, as the 'Most Expensive Prop Gun Sold at Auction' according to the Guinness Book of World Records for 2024.

Han Solo with a blaster in Star Wars

The sale of the blaster at over $1 million is remarkable considering its estimated value before the auction was only $300,000 to $500,000. This underscores the immense value and significance of this iconic prop from the Star Wars franchise.

Harrison Ford debuted as Han Solo, the charismatic and roguish smuggler who pilots the Millennium Falcon, in 1977's Star Wars: A New Hope and returned for the remainder of the original trilogy in 1980's The Empire Strikes Back and 1983's Return of the Jedi. Since then, Han Solo's signature blaster has become equally recognizable and incredibly valuable, cementing its place in cinematic history.

The History and Rarity of Han Solo's Blaster

The reason why Han Solo's blaster is so valuable is because the prop had been missing since the film finished shooting in 1976. New props, known as the BlasTech DL-44 Heavy Blaster, were built for the rest of the original trilogy and used by Ford on The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

Years later, after the Rock Island Auction Company (RIAC) took over ownership of the British prop house Bapty & Co., Han Solo's original blaster from A New Hope was uncovered in its inventory. The RIAC claims there are three original blasters made for A New Hope that still exist today, adding to the rarity and significance of this iconic prop.

Han Solo's blaster isn't the only Star Wars prop worth more than its weight in gold. Over the years, numerous Star Wars props have sold at auction for astronomical prices, including items such as Darth Vader's helmet, lightsaber, and Princess Leia's prisoner costume. The allure of these props as highly-coveted collectibles has made them some of the most recognizable and valuable in cinematic history.

Star Wars Props as Highly-Coveted Collectibles

Star Wars props have become some of the most recognizable and highly-coveted collectibles in the history of cinema. The allure and significance of these props have led to astronomical prices at auction, with items such as Darth Vader's helmet, lightsaber, and Princess Leia's prisoner costume fetching substantial sums.

Most recently, in 2022, an original Star Wars X-Wing model was sold at auction for $2.3 million, further emphasizing the enduring appeal and value of Star Wars props as iconic and highly sought-after pieces of cinematic history.