Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

An original space slug tooth created for the production of the 1980 science fiction picture The Empire Strikes Back, the second instalment of the classic Star Wars franchise directed by Irvin Kershner.

The space slug was devised by conceptual designer Ralph McQuarrie with the effects achieved practically by Industrial Light & Magic. The sequence used a puppet designed by Phil Tippett and operated by Jon Berg in addition to a large model of the creatures jaws which was built largely by chief model maker Lorne Peterson for the shot where our heroes escape in the Millennium Falcon. The large jaw section measured over four feet wide and contained a number of teeth through which the small Falcon miniature would fly.

This tooth was created during the production and is cast in ivory coloured resin, ultimately unused on the model the tooth was gifted to special effects supervisor Brian Johnson by Phil Tippett and Lorne Peterson after they had finished filming the shot at the Industrial Light & Magic facility at San Rafael in late 1979. The base of the tooth is hand inscribed in pen 'SLUG TOOTH FOR BRIAN, STAR WARS, 1979'.

The tooth stands approximately 3.5" high and 2.5" wide and remains in excellent production made condition. Obtained by The Prop Gallery directly from the collection of Brian Johnson.

A displayable artefact from one of the most influential and highly regarded franchises in cinematic history.