To be a kid in the 1980s meant absorbing the last years of the Cold War through pop culture that played into fears about a World War III everyone assumed was coming—think WarGames, Red Dawnand “99 Luftballoons.” Somehow that script got flipped when President Ronald Reagan announced the “Strategic Defense Initiative,” a system intended to protect the U.S. from missiles that quickly acquired its own pop culture nickname: “Star Wars.”
While Reagan’s Star Wars never actually got off the ground, it remains a key takeaway from his time in office, so much so that the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Southern California hosted an exhibit framed around it last year: “Defending America and the Galaxy: Star Wars and SDI.” The library called it “a fun and informative exhibition on Star Wars—both the real-world technology of SDI, as well as items from the movie phenomenon,” showcasing “original items from SDI including an authentic Command Launch Equipment Console, as well as props, costumes, and concept art from the Star Wars franchise.”
That strange blend of politics (nuclear war, so fun!) and science fiction is no longer on display, but one of the key items featured is now going up for sale. A screen-used Stormtrooper helmet from Star Wars: Episode I – A New Hope would be a rare enough find, but according to Julien’s Auctions, it’s one of just six original stunt helmets still around being held by private collectors. Now it can be yours if you have the $200,000-$300,000 (estimated price) required to be the top bidder.
Here’s a full, uncropped look at the helmet:
Further details from a press release note that “this helmet is believed to be featured in scenes on Tatooine as a ‘Sandtrooper’ helmet and may have been worn by the third Stormtrooper guard from the left, escorting Princess Leia to be confronted by the ominous Darth Vader.”
Julien’s is co-hosting the auction, dubbed “Echoes From the Galaxy: A Star Wars Memorabilia Exhibit + Auction,” with Turner Classic Movies, and if you’re going to San Diego Comic-Con or you happen to be in the San Diego area, you can cruise by the Comic-Con Museum (2131 Pan American Plaza in San Diego) to check out the exhibit starting July 14. The sale will be Sunday, July 27 starting at 10 a.m. PT.
Here’s a video about the auction that quickly shows off some of the other lots, including the lightsabers. You can get a closer look at the Julien’s Auction website, which also has all the details on how to bid.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
