The only surviving blaster originally used by Harrison Ford as Han Solo in Star Wars: A New Hope sold at Rock Island Auction Companys August Premier Auction for $1,057,500. Han Solos blaster headlined the three-day event that drew international interest and achieved over $23 million. Interest in the iconic blaster was hotter than the twin suns of Tatooine in the run-up to the auction. The BlasTech DL-44 Heavy Blaster was estimated between $300,000-$500,000. Bidding quickly blew past the estimate, like the 2018 sale of a blaster prop used in Return of the Jedi, which realized $550,000. We know how passionate fine arms collectors can be, and its great to see that same energy in other fields of collecting, said Kevin Hogan, president of Rock Island Auction Company. Were grateful for the excitement and support generated for this auction. Its yet another demonstration of the growing markets for collectibles and fine arms. The prop, one of three made for the 1977 film, was previously considered missing and presumed lost forever. The gun had been in the inventory of Bapty & Co., a London prop house that provided numerous weapons for A New Hope. The blaster, comprised of military surplus parts, would go on to serve as the prototype for those carried by Solo throughout the first three Star Wars films produced. Star Wars fans refer to Han Solos blaster, one of the most recognizable weapons in movie history, as the Hero prop from Star Wars: A New Hope. This Aug. 26, 27, and 28 Premier Auction was the fifth largest in the companys history. With more than 2,000 lots, the sale marked the companys sixth consecutive event to breach the $20 million mark. Additional highlights new and old included a pair of pistols wielded by Angelina Jolie in the 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, which sold for $35,250; Wild Bill Hickoks Smith & Wesson No. 2 revolver, $235,000; the finest known 1891 Production Colt Single Action Army revolver, $763,750; and a Winchester One of One Hundred Model 1873 rifle, which sold for $440,625 About Rock Island Auction Company Founded in 1993 by its current CEO Patrick Hogan, RIAC has a 150,000-square-foot campus and hosts around 18 auctions each year. They are located in Rock Island, Ill. For more information, call 800-238-8022 or visit www.rockislandauction.com.