A Star Wars Fan's Dream: Iconic Props Fetch Up Big Bucks in Comic-Con Auction

If you've ever dreamed of possessing a piece of that otherworldly galaxy, far, far away, then this news from the most recent Comic-Con event in San Diego is going to send your midichlorians into overdrive! An original helmet worn by a nefarious Stormtrooper in the very first Star Wars film - "Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope" - scooped up a whopping $256,000 at an auction on Sunday.

Now, just to clarify, we're not talking about a mere knock-off here. Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies affirms that this was a genuine stunt helmet used in the very heart of the Star Wars action. It's believed that this unique piece of memorabilia played its part in scenes on the desert planet of Tatooine, functioning as a ‘Sandtrooper’ helmet. But hold onto your hyperdrives, because this helmet is one of only six helmets known to have survived the sands of time. Talk about limited edition!

But wait, there's more from the treasure trove of intergalactic swag. If wielding the power of the Force is more your speed, you might be interested to hear that original stunt lightsaber props got snapped up too. Both Ewan McGregor's Obi-Wan Kenobi saber and Liam Neeson's Qui-Gon Jinn saber from "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" went for a cool $38,400 each. Darth Maul, the dual-saber wielding baddie played by Ray Park, also saw his lightsaber get a handsome price at $76,800.

Stretching out a bit further to other items, one lucky bidder now possesses Anthony Daniels' C-3PO hand prop from the "Empire Strikes Back" for $16,000. Industrial Light & Magic also contributed a Stormtrooper appearance costume which went for $12,800.

Ever fantasized about piloting an X-wing? The lucky owner of the screen-matched Resistance pilot "Red Four" helmet from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" sure has, and they put down a nifty $32,000 to prove it. Long live the Resistance!

Let's not forget about the wartime hero Poe Dameron's metal GLIE-44 blaster from the "The Force Awakens," calling forth a commendable $44,800 from its new owner. Old school fans were not left out either. There were rare original 1983 Kenner card back proofs for 3.75″ scale action figures of Princess Leia, C-3PO, and the notorious bounty hunter, Boba Fett. Each card, an echo of the time when "Return of the Jedi" almost wore the title "Revenge of the Jedi," was given a new home for $10,240 apiece.

Some proceeds from this legendary auction will bolster the coffers of the Comic-Con Museum, an amazing institution in its own right. Additional proceeds will be directed towards fostering the future Saga Museum of Star Wars memorabilia, a haven for Star Wars aficionados curated by collectors Steve Sansweet, Gus Lopez, Duncan Jenkins, Lisa Stevens, and Vic Wertz. So, while the winning buyers are relishing their coveted pieces of galactic history, they can also feel good about contributing to the preservation of the Star Wars legacy for all fans. May the Force be with them, indeed!