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The 17-piece ensemble includes the villain's
black mask, boots, a pair of capes and a cod piece, said the
auctioneers, who estimated it could sell for between $1 million
and $2 million.
The seller is Bryce "Kermit" Eller, whose deep voice helped him
land a job making public appearances as Vader at premieres, book
signings, conventions and the 1978 Academy Awards.
The costume going up for auction is one of a handful of Vader
outfits produced in 1979 by the team of "Star Wars" costume
designer John Mollo in London for the movie "The Empire Strikes
Back," Bonhams said. It is unclear if any pieces were used on
screen before they were given to Eller.
The components are made from leather, wool, silk, fiberglass and
other materials, Eller said in an interview.
"It's really, really hot," Eller said. "You've got multiple
layers. It takes about 25 minutes to put it on, and you've got
to have assistance."
In fact, Eller said he once fainted after wearing the costume
for hours and becoming dehydrated. Paramedics came to his
assistance and wanted to cut it off.
"I said 'absolutely not,'" Eller said. "I said 'I'll heal. The
costume won't.'"
The outfit will be part of a public exhibition with Turner
Classic Movies starting on May 4 before going on sale on May 14.
Props and costumes from "Star Wars", one of the most popular
film franchises, have fetched high prices at auction.
In 2017, a complete R2-D2 droid used in the first, 1977 "Star
Wars" movie sold for $2.76 million, and a lightsaber used by
hero Luke Skywalker fetched $450,000.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine and Omar Younis; Editing by Sonya
Hepinstall)
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