A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, many talented visual effects artists and modelers were tasked with creating sectional pieces for what came to be known as the Death Star. This incredible feat was accomplished through the founding of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the motion picture visual effects division of Lucasfilm. ILM was created specifically by George Lucas to bring Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope to life. One of the more remarkable props created were sectional pieces of the Death Star. These pieces were used to shoot the altitude effects outside of the studio, for one of the most iconic scenes in the original Star Wars: the assault on the Death Star. Many of these sectional pieces did not survive after shooting and were discarded to landfill. This is where the origin of this piece becomes a true story of survival and lore. After being discarded, an ex-ILM employee (name withheld per their request) rescued this specific piece and kept it as a memento for the next 37 years. Lost and forgotten from the world, this amazing prop resurfaced in 2014. Acclaimed Star Wars collector, Steve Grad acquired the piece and kept it in his personal safe for the next 4 years. HollywoodMemorabilia is proud to now bring this incredible part of Star Wars history back to the masses and offer it to one lucky fan.
This prop has been in existence for approximately 41 years and is a one of a kind piece of memorabilia. It measures 23.75” X 11.75” X 1.8”- 6.8” (height varies, refer to additional image for visual breakout) and is in good condition. It has incredible detail all throughout. Every inch of the piece has complex modeling to recreate the raised elevations and valleys of the Death Star. In addition, it is the customary gray in color with off-white hues as expected. Accompanying the piece is a custom manufactured display case measuring 27.25" X 15.25 X 9.75" with a black wood base and acylic removable top. The case also features a combination of laser-cut black and frosted acrylic which serves as the internal base with LED up-lighting to help display the piece in a museum quality setting. LED lights are seperated into two elements, both accessible, wired LED strips that require to be plugged into a standard 110/120V outlet and three battery operated and rechargeable LED task lights (can be removed) that provide directional light. To round out the presentation, a black custom name plate measuring 12" X 2" is included with a brief decription of the origin of the piece.
Included are two letters of authenticity from Lorne Peterson and Jonathan Erland. Both Peterson and Erland were critical employees of ILM during the production of the Death Star sectional pieces, and both attest to the authenticity of the piece.
There are not many of these surviving pieces left in the world, especially not this size, which increases and solidifies the provenance for any serious Star Wars collector.
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