This is part of my ongoing series of YouTube videos, with a follow up to my recent look at the Bonhams “TCM Presents … Wonders of the Galaxy – Science Fiction and Fantasy in Film” auction that took place today, May 14th, in Los Angeles. This latest video editorial provides an update to Lot 162 described as “A complete Darth Vader costume from The Empire Strikes Back/Star Wars Episode V”. Shortly before the auction was scheduled to begin, the status of the costume was changed to “WITHDRAWN”. However, the Darth Vader gloves from Star Wars were not withdrawn, though failed to reach the unstated reserve, stalled at $28,000.
The Los Angeles Times published a news feature about the costume an hour or so before the auction, though it was updated a few times throughout the day, and ultimately provided the following statement from Bonhams:
“Bonhams, together with Mr. [Bryce] Kermit Eller and the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, agreed to withdraw from auction the Darth Vader costume from ‘The Empire Strikes Back.’”
You can check out the YouTube video here:
FOOTNOTES (links to public sources of information referenced in the YouTube video):
- Original Prop Blog: YouTube Close-Up Look – “Empire Strikes Back” Darth Vader Costume Up For Auction with Bonhams (Screen-Used? Production Made? Touring Costume?)
- Bonhams: Lot 162 – A complete Darth Vader costume from The Empire Strikes Back/Star Wars Episode V
- Bonhams: Lot 158 – A pair of screen-worn black gloves from Star Wars: Episode IV–A New Hope, worn by Kermit Eller as Darth Vader in personal appearances
- Los Angeles Times: A Rebellion twist? ‘Star Wars’ Darth Vader costume withdrawn from Bonhams auction
Jason DeBord