Chewbacca's bow and Luke Skywalker's medal sell for more than $1m at auction

The “bowcaster” used by Chewbacca in the original Star Wars trilogy has sold for more than $750,000 at auction – while the medal given to Luke Skywalker at the end of “A New Hope” has fetched over $370,000.

“Chewie’s” weapon, which featured in all of the first three Star Wars films between 1977 and 1983, sold for far more than its estimate of between $250,000 and $500,000 (£193,203 to £386,407).

The item sold for $768,600 (£593,985) and is a real Horton crossbow, which was modified to give it a futuristic look so it could serve as a laser weapon.

Some of the components have been removed, and missing parts have been recreated, according to the auctioneer Propstore.

Chewbacca, a huge hairy Wookie who was played by London-born actor Peter Mayhew, is one of the most iconic characters in the Star Wars franchise.

His weapon was described by Propstore as “one of the rarest Star Wars hero props in existence”.

Meanwhile, a medal given to Luke Skywalker after he destroyed the Death Star in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) was sold for $378,000 (£292,124).

“The Medal of Yavin” was presented to Skywalker, played by Mark Hamill, by his sister Princess Leia Organa, who was played by Carrie Fisher.

It was estimated to sell for between $300,000 and $600,000 (£231,844 and £463,689).

It is also believed to have been worn by Harrison Ford – who played Han Solo – during rehearsals.

Propstore has claimed it is the “first and only medal to be offered for public sale”, coming from the collection of props master Gerard Bourke, who worked on the original Star Wars films.

Skywalker blows up the Death Star in the movie after the rebels find the plans for the planet-destroying weapon, which is later rebuilt in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return Of The Jedi.

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After fan complaints that Chewbacca was not also given a medal for his efforts, he was handed the bravery honour during 2019’s Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise Of Skywalker.

The bowcaster and the medal sold for a combined $1,146,600 (£886,109).

Brandon Alinger, Propstore’s chief operating officer, said after the auction: “Propstore are thrilled with the incredible success of the first day of our Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction.

“The auction surpassed our expectations and showcased the enduring popularity of franchises like Star Wars.”

Star Wars, originally filmed at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, is a huge and iconic franchise, spawning prequels, sequels and spin-off shows including The Mandalorian, Andor and 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker.