STAR WARS Darth Vader Promotional Costume With Poster-Matched Helmet l Prop Store Live Auction 2020

A 1977 or 1978 Darth Vader touring costume with poster-matched helmet made for the promotion of George Lucas' Star Wars: A New Hope. In late 1977 or early 1978 a handful of Darth Vader costumes were created to enable public promotional appearances featuring Darth Vader (prior to this, the film-used costume was used for such events.)
PropStore.com/LIVEAUCTION
This costume's facemask and helmet dome were made by artist Rick Baker and his crew, from molds of the film-used helmet. Of special note is that the helmet's dome, made from fine-weave finishing fiberglass, is the dome that appeared on the ESB Advance one-sheet poster. The dome photo-matches to stills from ESB Advance poster photo session based on unique flaws and finishing details, including a triangular drop of filler. The Advance poster was actually printed from a flopped image. The two-tone facemask (marked "1" inside) has been repainted a greener gray from its original metallic grey color, and the grills have been removed from the mouth and small vent triangle. The facemask cannot be photo-matched to the poster photo shoot due to the refinishing work (poster may show a different touring facemask.) Interior padding has also been removed, and the straps and eye lenses changed; the facemask overhaul was likely done while the costume was touring. The shoulder armor and shoulder bells were repainted the same green-hued grey color.
Also included are Vader's chestbox, molded from the film-used example, and a belt with metal buckles and boxes. The belt boxes feature vintage lighting elements and have unique details; vintage appearance photos exist showing a costume with similar belt boxes, possibly this exact outfit. A pair of vacuum-formed plastic shin guards completes the armor.
The ensemble's soft components include a shirt with thick leather sleeves, a matching pair of leather pants, a leather codpiece with a Bermans and Nathans label for "Darth Varder" [sic] (Bermans made the soft components for film-used Vader costumes,) a heavy wool-blend under-robe and cloak with leather and velvet trim, and a pair of black leather boots. Replicas of Vader's vest and gloves have been added to complete the costume for display.
The costume was specifically used for events in Australia and a late 1970s travel case is included. The case features Australian flight stickers and is stenciled for "The Kerner Co." in San Rafael, the codename for Industrial Light & Magic.
The costume is in fair overall condition with significant wear from use and age, including creasing to the leather, fraying black tape on the belt, and wear and scratches to the fiberglass pieces including a crack to the top of the helmet's dome.
Based on documentation on Rick Baker's touring helmets, it is assumed that around five touring costumes were made after A New Hope. This is believed to be the only example in a private collection and is a significant piece of Star Wars history.

[@simonfarrell6585]

Fantastic, love the lineage and history to this beautiful costume. Thanks for sharing

[@AugustusRex-nk8ze]

Cool stuff.

[@CessnaDriver2]

So which costume did I see at Toys R Us in San Diego back then? I remember his helmet was crooked as he walked around the store and the last minute he straightened it and everyone cheered. LOL

[@DrPinball]

I have a George Lucas autographed helmet with Mark Hamill, Jimmy Smitts, and Steven Spilberg's signatures on it. Its an RT ANH helmet. What would be the value of it? I was one of the stormtroopers of the AFI award in 2004. Thanks!

[@DesertVader]

Poor Vader is missing his tusks :(

[@dd61125]

why would anyone want that.. not screen used.

[@Zombiekiller1704]

Bc it's vader plus u can't really get screen used bc it's worth over 2 million dollars

[@BruceLeeKingoftheSewers]

@@Zombiekiller1704 I have like 3 of them. no big deal

[@Zombiekiller1704]

@@BruceLeeKingoftheSewers huh what u talking about