Rebel Blockade Runner model breaks Star Wars prop auction record

The Rebel Blockade Runner model used in the opening sequence of Star Wars has sold for $375,000.

It surpassed its $300,000 estimate at Profiles in History yesterday.

Blockade Runner Star Wars
 The first prop Star Wars audiences saw

In doing so it becomes the most valuable piece of Star Wars screen-used memorabilia ever sold, surpassing the $350,000 achieved by a T.I.E Fighter model in 2008.

Its strong performance yesterday can be attributed to the fame of the scene: the model was the first prop cinema goers saw upon the film's release in 1977.

The model's unique nature was another factor, as Profiles in History explains: "Unlike other Star Wars models of which many examples were created, this is the only Blockade Runner of this scale that was made."

It tops three days' of exciting film memorabilia sales at the auction house. George Reeves' Superman costume from the 50s TV show achieved $230,400 on Wednesday, while three scripts from Orson Welles' Citizen Kane made a combined $102,400 on Tuesday.

Yesterday's auction also saw the sale of a Star Wars Princess Leia costume, worn by Carrie Fisher in Return of the Jedi. It is a composite piece, after several parts of the outfit had to be resized when Fisher lost weight during filming.

Star Wars memorabilia is the most popular of any film franchise, according to a recent study by JustCollecting.

Have you seen our movie memorabilia for sale?

Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about film memorabilia auctions.

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock