It seems that what is purported to be the one and only screen-used bowcaster prop from the OT is going to be going up for auction at Propstore in March. It's not clear how much of the add-on greeblies and other components are supposedly original at this point, but there is mention of some restoration. Hopefully the full catalogue listing with the detailed description and photos will reveal more about it. Here is the preview photo and teaser write up:
Propstore - Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction: Los Angeles Spring 2025
Chewbacca’s Bowcaster
Another auction stand-out is Chewbacca’s Bowcaster, wielded by Peter Mayhew’s beloved Wookiee warrior in all three films of the original Star Wars trilogy - George Lucas’ A New Hope (1977), Irvin Kershner’s The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Richard Marquand’s Return of the Jedi (1983) - as well as in iconic publicity photos of the character. The Bowcaster was built around a real-world Horton crossbow, modified with custom components and detailed dressing to give it a futuristic yet battle-worn look. This particular prop is believed to be the only Bowcaster used throughout the trilogy, with no evidence of a backup version, making it one of the rarest Star Wars hero props in existence. The Bowcaster had some of its dressing components removed after filming but retains key original elements, including its unique shoulder stock extension, which was custom-fabricated for Peter Mayhew during the filming of Return of the Jedi (1983). The piece also photo-matches to production stills from each of the original trilogy films. It has been sympathetically restored to its Return of the Jedi (1983) configuration, with the missing dressing components faithfully recreated. With its unmistakable silhouette and deep connection to one of Star Wars’ most beloved characters, this photo-matched piece is expected to be a major highlight of the auction, with an estimated value of $250,000 to $500,000.
Propstore - Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction: Los Angeles Spring 2025
Chewbacca’s Bowcaster
Another auction stand-out is Chewbacca’s Bowcaster, wielded by Peter Mayhew’s beloved Wookiee warrior in all three films of the original Star Wars trilogy - George Lucas’ A New Hope (1977), Irvin Kershner’s The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Richard Marquand’s Return of the Jedi (1983) - as well as in iconic publicity photos of the character. The Bowcaster was built around a real-world Horton crossbow, modified with custom components and detailed dressing to give it a futuristic yet battle-worn look. This particular prop is believed to be the only Bowcaster used throughout the trilogy, with no evidence of a backup version, making it one of the rarest Star Wars hero props in existence. The Bowcaster had some of its dressing components removed after filming but retains key original elements, including its unique shoulder stock extension, which was custom-fabricated for Peter Mayhew during the filming of Return of the Jedi (1983). The piece also photo-matches to production stills from each of the original trilogy films. It has been sympathetically restored to its Return of the Jedi (1983) configuration, with the missing dressing components faithfully recreated. With its unmistakable silhouette and deep connection to one of Star Wars’ most beloved characters, this photo-matched piece is expected to be a major highlight of the auction, with an estimated value of $250,000 to $500,000.
