Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

An original pyrotechnic miniature used in the production of the 1977 science fiction picture Star Wars, the first instalment in the classic franchise directed by George Lucas.

This X-Wing fighter S-Foil laser cannon was used on one of the pyrotechnic miniatures which was exploded during the production of the climatic trench sequence. The explosions seen on screen were achieved practically by rigging specially built pre scored pyrotechnic miniatures which would break apart when a charge was detonated, these shots were achieved by Industrial Light & Magic in collaboration with the Nine-Ten effects house of pyrotechnic expert Joe Viskocil and 2001: A Space Odyssey veteran Bruce Logan. The groundbreaking visual effects of Star Wars were recognised with the 1977 Academy Award for Best Visual Effects with many of the techniques developed during the production becoming an industry standard for years to come.

The laser cannon is constructed in cast resin, painted and weathered to the standard you would expect of an ILM miniature, the piece retains some glue residue where it was attached to the wing of the pyrotechnic miniature, this piece would have featured on the right hand side of the prop as it it viewed from the front and the side closest camera in the trench explosions.

The miniature measures approximately 3.75" in length and remains in good condition, lacking the laser tip and with some light wear from production use as you would expect.

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