ANH: Darth Vader's Lightsaber

(Status: Completed)

History

Among prop collectors it was generally accepted that the ANH Vader lightsaber hilt was built on a relatively common, old, Heiland-brand camera flash. However, there were a couple of issues that the more anal among our number could not resolve; in reference photos why did the flash seem to have "E" and not "Extension" stamped on it and why didn't the shroud or end cap of the Heiland look correct?

In 2000 a couple of members of the prop board discovered that the flash wasn't a Heiland after all but was a Micro Precision Products (MPP) flash. This made sense as the MPP is an English version of the Heiland and that's where the original props were built. Unfortunately, the MPP seems to be rarer than hen's teeth and the prices of the few that appeared on eBay reflected this by going for $1000 or more. Only those with a lot of disposable income or the most fanatical of collectors, therefore, could get an accurate Vader lightsaber.

Aborted Attempt

Soon after the discovery of the MPP, Darth Malicious of the old Prop Board tried to lead an active project to create a replica for those of us without a thousand dollars to burn. Darth Malicious negotiated a kit from the Lightsaber manufacturer SFC for $50 for resin copies of the shroud, clamp and bulb release, also for rubber grips and clear calculator bubbles. The price was good but, unfortunately, the kit was not. It represented the worst of resin kits being warped, inaccurate and peppered with air bubbles. Those of us who signed up for this project were upset but, in a tale typical of the shady world of props, SFC first denied that there were any issues with the kit, then, when the problems were undeniable, promised to reissue a more accurate, quality kit and promptly disappeared off the map. At least we were only out $50; many Icon's customers lost much more. I chalked it down to experience and shelved the kit.

Larbel Comes Through

At the end of 2001 respected replica manufacturer Larbel let the collectors know that he had managed to get hold of an MPP and was going to copy it right down to the last detail. Considering the rave reviews he got for the replica Graflex flash he had recently produced I, like many members of the board, had no problems plonking down the $150 he was asking for his work. As promised the MPP copy arrived on time and it lived up to all expectations. Everything is metal rather than resin and it puts the Icons version of this saber to shame.

Conversion

To call this a "project" is overstating the amount of effort involved. Conversion involves mounting the rubber grips in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 o'clock positions with the bulb release at 12 o'clock. Calculator bubbles go in the clamp with the clamp set at 7 o'clock. Finally a D-ring is mounted on the should so that Lord Vader can hang this on this belt.