Replica Star Wars blaster pistols to be auctioned

Princess Leia's blaster can be seen in the 1977 film Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope

Model Star Wars blasters are set to go under the hammer in North Yorkshire.

The mint-condition metal replicas, accurate to the fictional guns used by Princess Leia and Han Solo in the 1977 film Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, are being auctioned at 10:00 GMT.

Ryedale Auctioneers estimated the limited edition items would each fetch between £600 and £1,000.

They come with a display case, base and plaque, as well as a certificate of authenticity.

Nick Turner, from the auction house in Kirkbymoorside, said: "For Star Wars collectors, they're about the pinnacle of prop collectable items.

"They only made 2,500 and they very, very rarely come up."

The Princess Leia blaster is one of only 2,500 made by Master Replicas

As strictly static models, they are meant to be displayed rather than used for re-enactments and cosplay.

The two coveted Master Replicas items will be sold alongside stormtrooper, rebel trooper and Jango Fett blasters.

Mr Turner said the owner had decided to part ways with his collection, after displaying it for a while.

"He's just downsizing," he said.

"He's one of these guys that gets a bit restless, so he's selling these and is concentrating on building a one-third scale armoured car from Aliens."

The blasters are fictional guns in the Star Wars franchise

With Star Wars being such a popular franchise, Mr Turner hoped the collection of blasters, lightsabers and full-size character busts would drum up a lot of interest.

"We've got a load of watchers and absentee bids but we can't access them because they're hidden," he added.

"The replicas are generally in the States as well, so if you did want to buy one in the UK, you'd have your import duties and expensive shipping."

Mr Turner said he put the items up at a competitive price but brand new, they could fetch up to £2,000.

A brand new blaster replica could fetch up to £2,000, auctioneers said

"Auctioneers have a saying, 'Put them low, watch them go. Put them high, watch them die'," Mr Turner said.

"I want to get collectors sitting up and getting out of their chair at the chance of getting them.

"Hopefully, we'll get a bidding war."

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