BlasTech DL-44 blaster prop used by Harrison Ford as Han Solo in Return of the Jedi (1983) fetched US$550,000 at auction in New York. It had been kept in the possession of the film’s art director, James Schoppe, for the last 35 years.

The original production used prop weapon, mainly made of wood, was custom made specifically for the film. This is believed to be one of four hero Han Solo blasters made for and used in Return of the Jedi. The production had one hero 'practical' (blank fire) version rented from Stembridge Gun Rentals (which sold for US$201,600 at auction in 2007) and three hero 'non-firing' versions. The present one is one of the hero 'non-firing' versions.

Harrison Ford is seen using his blaster in many scenes

Once production was completed, the film’s Property Master Peter Hancock presented the U.S. Art Director James L. Schoppe with the Han Solo blaster and a few other props. Schoppe has kept this blaster and his massive memorabilia in archive for the past 35 years.

Harrison Ford is seen using his blaster in many scenes

The prop is sold with related original production documents, including an original letter of authenticity signed by James Schoppe, Schoppe’s personal notes on weapons, and one original production black and white photo featuring Han Solo and Rebel Soldiers confronting Imperials as seen in the film etc.

Estimated at US$300,000 - 500,000, this Han Solo blaster was sold for US$550,000, outstripping the record previously made by Luke Skywalker’s lightsabre which was sold for US$450,000 last year.

Luke Skywalker’s lightsabre was sold for US$450,000 last year

Yet, the title of the most expensive piece of Star Wars memorabilia is still held by an R2-D2 droid used in several Star Wars films. It fetched US$2.75m in Los Angeles last year.

R2-D2 prop was sold for US$2.75m last year

Return of the Jedi Han Solo Movie Prop Dl-44 Blaster

 

Lot no: 932
Provenance: From the Collection of James Schoppe, Art Director, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
Estimate: US$300,000 - 500,000
Price realised: US$550,000

Auction details:
Auction house: Julien’s Auctions
Location: Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
Sale: Hollywood Legends
Date: June 23, 2018