"Star Wars" has always had a strong cult following, which was proven again recently by a fan who paid a record-breaking amount for a spaceship model at a California auction that ended last Thursday.
The object on the block in a three-day auction of Hollywood artifacts was a miniature model of the "Blockade Runner," the vehicle that carried Princess Leia in the "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope." It was snapped up by a still unidentified bidder for an eye-watering $450,000, according to Reuters. This is considered the highest price paid for a "Stars Wars" memorabilia.
The "Blockade Runner" is a 16-inch model that was built to provide the illusion of the spacecraft receding into the distance as it is being pursued by an Imperial Star Destroyer, according to the description provided by the auction house. It is touted as one of the most iconic "Star Wars" memorabilia because it was part of the very first shot of the "Star Wars Episode IV."
The Runner spacecraft, which is made of aluminum, was previously owned by the late Grant McCune, who is an Academy-Award winning special effect expert and Chief Model Maker for the "Star Wars" films, Mashable reported. It was also initially projected to fetch from $200,000 to $300,000.
Aside from the miniature spacecraft, the winning bidder also brought home a letter of authenticity, as well as a custom display case that illuminates the spacecraft's engine lights.
