A rare 1980s Star Wars poster is among a number of collectables that have gone up for auction – with the potential to sell for up to £20,000.
The Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back 1980 standard cinema or UK Quad poster is part of Propstore’s Collectible Poster Auction which started on Monday, May 4, marking the informal commemorative day of the beloved franchise, also known as Star Wars Day.
The auction house described it as being regarded as “one of the most desirable posters from the franchise” featuring artwork from Roger Kastel.
The design was produced in limited numbers with many copies trimmed for the London Underground display with untrimmed examples being “exceptionally rare”.
The poster is estimated to sell for between £10,000 to £20,000 pounds and holds a 10/10 rarity rating from Star Wars collector and historian Stephen Sansweet.
A Russian three-panel poster, which was produced for the delayed Star Wars release in the Soviet Union in 1991, also went up for sale and is estimated between £2,500 and £5,000.
The avant-garde “space cowboy” artwork was designed by Aleksandr Kulov and reflects the translated title Star Wars: A Galactic Western.
The poster auction opened for bids on Monday and will run through to May 22 with more than 400 rare and original posters as well as artwork by poster artist Brian Bysouth up for sale.
The auction house also launched its Online Entertainment Memorabilia Auction which features a number of materials and props from across cinema including a Stormtrooper helmet from 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
The helmet, which was seen among the remains of the Death Star during Rey’s search for Sith Wayfinder, is a nod to the original trilogy and is estimated to sell between £2,000 to £4,000.
A Resistance bomb, constructed from foam with a metallic resin finish and internal electronics, which was used in 2017’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi is also up for auction for the same amount as the helmet.
The prop was used during the film’s opening battle sequence, deployed by resistance bombers against a First Order Dreadnought.
The online auction will run until May 21 offering fans the chance to take home a piece of the franchise’s cinematic history.
Stephen Lane, Propstore founder and chief executive, said: “Star Wars material has always been synonymous with Propstore, and it remains one of the most enduring and sought-after areas of collecting.
“From iconic poster artwork to pieces used in the films themselves, this selection reflects the depth and legacy of the franchise, and we’re thrilled to bring it to auction for fans this May the fourth.”
