belloq
Sr Member
The black bars ANH Vader lightsaber holds a certain mystique because of a small detail, the distinctive red LED's- the perfect trigger for a Sith weapon. I also believe, if one had to choose, it is the primary/hero version of this prop.
The assumption that the silver bars version was the “V1” hero prop may be attributed the publication of its production photos in the 1997 Star Wars Chronicles book, while photos of the black bars version were never widely published.
After closely examining each scene and the production timeline, I concluded that the two versions seem to have been used interchangeably throughout the production in various scenes. No parts were exchanged or altered, and the unique features of each saber remained consistent during the production. However, for “hero” prop status, the advantage may be given to the black bars saber- because it was worn in more of the longer significant scenes: Tantive rebel commander, conference room, Leia's cell, control room and hangar. The silver bars saber was worn only in the Tantive entry, Tantive Leia and various Death Star corridor scenes.
In addition, Vader's ANH screen time total is about 11 minutes 50 seconds (11:50,) but the scenes with a belt-worn saber comprise only about 9:26, of which the majority, 7:39 (81%,) consists of scenes in which the black bars saber is worn.
So- more key scenes and more time in those scenes. Accordingly, I’ve set aside the misleading “V2” and “V1” nicknames. It’s “black bars” and “silver bars.”
Intrigued by its secret hero status, its relative obscurity and the scarcity of original boards, I decided to create a replica. The process was involved but satisfying. My board replica is not perfect but is close enough for me, as I may have never have been lucky enough to score a real one, and I wanted to finally complete this project and move on to others. However, though I made both blue and green mask color styles, I would love to find a board maker that offers more than one substrate color.
With the addition of the board, this may be the first accurate black bars saber made of all replica parts (except for the seven vintage red LED’s.) Main parts are by Roman and Gino. Special thanks to Newmagrathea, DarkJedi360 and LuketheBelter for reference photos of their original boards, and to whomever posted the original enlarged on-set photo years ago. (To avoid inadvertent harm on image/copyright ownership and to dissuade further unauthorized distribution, I’ve watermarked all the photos here and in the attached PDF of my research, including others’ images. If you want your image credited or removed, please let me know.)
The assumption that the silver bars version was the “V1” hero prop may be attributed the publication of its production photos in the 1997 Star Wars Chronicles book, while photos of the black bars version were never widely published.
After closely examining each scene and the production timeline, I concluded that the two versions seem to have been used interchangeably throughout the production in various scenes. No parts were exchanged or altered, and the unique features of each saber remained consistent during the production. However, for “hero” prop status, the advantage may be given to the black bars saber- because it was worn in more of the longer significant scenes: Tantive rebel commander, conference room, Leia's cell, control room and hangar. The silver bars saber was worn only in the Tantive entry, Tantive Leia and various Death Star corridor scenes.
In addition, Vader's ANH screen time total is about 11 minutes 50 seconds (11:50,) but the scenes with a belt-worn saber comprise only about 9:26, of which the majority, 7:39 (81%,) consists of scenes in which the black bars saber is worn.
So- more key scenes and more time in those scenes. Accordingly, I’ve set aside the misleading “V2” and “V1” nicknames. It’s “black bars” and “silver bars.”
Intrigued by its secret hero status, its relative obscurity and the scarcity of original boards, I decided to create a replica. The process was involved but satisfying. My board replica is not perfect but is close enough for me, as I may have never have been lucky enough to score a real one, and I wanted to finally complete this project and move on to others. However, though I made both blue and green mask color styles, I would love to find a board maker that offers more than one substrate color.
With the addition of the board, this may be the first accurate black bars saber made of all replica parts (except for the seven vintage red LED’s.) Main parts are by Roman and Gino. Special thanks to Newmagrathea, DarkJedi360 and LuketheBelter for reference photos of their original boards, and to whomever posted the original enlarged on-set photo years ago. (To avoid inadvertent harm on image/copyright ownership and to dissuade further unauthorized distribution, I’ve watermarked all the photos here and in the attached PDF of my research, including others’ images. If you want your image credited or removed, please let me know.)
