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Interest Veracity Labs - "The Princess" (Leia lightsaber) hilt Interest Thread
- Thread starter Verity Cosplay
- Start date
we know from the oxidation in the archive photos that the actual prop is untreated/uncoated copper.
russellsch
Master Member
Well, I finally watched The Rise of Skywalker late last night. I liked it better than The Last Jedi, however it was a hot mess of a movie.
However, when Ray unwrapped Leia's lightsaber, I thought it was very beautiful.
However, when Ray unwrapped Leia's lightsaber, I thought it was very beautiful.
Right. Hope I didn't confuse with my image. I was just pointing out how the color of polished and untarnished copper is almost identical to rose gold to support the notion that those getting the rose gold hilts will still have something that looks like the screen-used prop. 
Interested in the copper version.
arcana
New Member
Why does this article call it rose gold? It's on the official SW page but is unsigned as to who wrote it. Were they simply guessing at the color or did the prop masters tell them rose gold? EDIT: Of course if you watch the video, they say "copper color" in it.
Inside the Lucasfilm Archives: Lightsabers of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker | StarWars.com
From Leia’s elegant weapon to the reforged lightsaber carried by generations of Skywalkers, we take a closer look at some of the beautiful prop hilts from the final film in the Skywalker saga.
www.starwars.com
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Why does this article call it rose gold? It's on the official SW page but is unsigned as to who wrote it. Were they simply guessing at the color or did the prop masters tell them rose gold?
Inside the Lucasfilm Archives: Lightsabers of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker | StarWars.com
From Leia’s elegant weapon to the reforged lightsaber carried by generations of Skywalkers, we take a closer look at some of the beautiful prop hilts from the final film in the Skywalker saga.
Misinformation can happen even in official publications or releases. Perhaps the rose gold was the intended "in universe" material. Perhaps they were referring to the color and not the material... perhaps they were mistaken and thought it was rose gold or were told as much.
We cannot possibly know. What we know is what evidence we see. The photos in the archive ARE untreated copper.
On screen it either looks like fresh burnished copper or rose gold (as it was pointed out these materials in those states can be nearly indistinguishable).
The main run is copper because that IS what is accurate to the actual prop. Clearly.
the rose gold offering is intended to honor the desire for luxury/exclusivity/whimsy of what people thought it was.
both are looking to be offered to satisfy both consumer groups.
Press releases and articles are cool, but when it comes down to it, you have to go with what's in the actual movies. Lotsa people have been burned or gotten super excited from a behind the scenes shoot or other details, and then some study shows that the prop shown doesn't match up to anything found in the movies.
In this case we do know this is one of the same props in the film, but the word choice doesn't change the material and visuals.
In this case we do know this is one of the same props in the film, but the word choice doesn't change the material and visuals.
arcana
New Member
I'd love to see the study you all are referring to? Is it on the RPF? I agree that the material looks tarnished in the photos, but if a more extensive analysis has already been done I'd like to read about it.
Simple matter of empirical visual evidence.
Copper oxidizes at a vastly higher rate than rose gold due to the copper content difference of the two.
Second, pure copper oxidizes to a brownish hue while rose gold will go from pink to red and only over MANY years will eventually brown.
given the age from filming to archive, it simply is not possible to be rose gold as the simple reality of the oxidation rate of rose gold would not yield the pictures in the archive photos.
100% the actual prop was untreated copper, by simple deductive reasoning and the reality of the oxidation rates of the two metals from a metallurgical perspective.
(don't get me wrong; I really could have sworn it was rose gold on screen and wished the actual prop was AND I'd want a rose gold one anyway, however I HAVE to concede the reality of the actual prop from an accuracy standpoint is copper).
VitalNonsense
Well-Known Member
Will your runs with copper&rose gold be given any protection/treatment to resist oxidizing like the prop? And how long does that sort of thing hold for?
(I know nothing of this process)
(I know nothing of this process
)
Will your runs with copper&rose gold be given any protection/treatment to resist oxidizing like the prop? And how long does that sort of thing hold for?
(I know nothing of this process
So a lot of folks have asked this. At this time we are NOT planning to treat the copper but will ensure the packaging includes plenty of desiccant to ensure it does not oxidize in transit. Furthermore, the design assembly is such that it can be FULLY disassembled by the customer to allow them to buff and treat the copper (turtle wax, renaissance wax, clear matte polyurethane or anything that will yield a semi hard air barrier will work).
Now the next question is WHY not treat it.
1.) more expense that would get passed on to a consumer that is actually less expensive and easier for a consumer to treat it if they wish.
2.) I KNOW there are going to be folks (cuz we love accuracy) that will want to attempt to achieve the current state effect of the prop and WANT it to tarnish and may even do so in such a way as to achieve the same oxidation locations. Cuz that is the kind of folk we are. Just look at the lengths people go to in order to mimic the effects on the V2 or any other saber. Heck even a single degree of rotation on Graflex grips. We just are that particular. So... if we treated it then it would have to be removed potentially damaging or abrading the material to then let it oxidize vs sending untreated and letting those who want to keep it shiny and fresh just need to slap some turtle wax on there. These method can last from months to years to forever depending on what protectant layer is used.
make sense?
Museums use renaissance wax which is a mixture of microcrystalline waxes. That I have found is pretty darn permanent.
given physical rubbing if the hilt is regularly handled it may require annual reapplication. If it is a shelf queen then it would never need additional treatment
arcana
New Member
renaissance wax is what they use in museums, but clear matte polyurethane would probably be more durable long term if you plan on handling regularly. Make no mistake copper tarnishes VERY quickly if you are touching it raw.
VitalNonsense
Well-Known Member
Sorry, didn't realize it had already been asked a bunch. I'm a doofus, but thanks for the answer! And thanks for the renaissance wax recommendation.
absolutely correct however polyurethane may yield a more matte appearance
Not a doofus. Happy to answer.
Just to clear up ANY doubt: we now have confirmation from one of the TROS prop masters the prop itself was polished aluminum and polished copper.
(not that we didn't already clearly know that, but it has now been verified)
(not that we didn't already clearly know that, but it has now been verified)
