Bond outguns Darth Vader at auction

Results from a Christie's sale of film memorabilia suggest that the 007 franchise is more popular than Star Wars – at least among big spenders.

Would Darth Vader have been more popular in a tux? Courtesy Christie's

One story takes place in a galaxy far, far away while the other takes place in various locations throughout the world. One features a host of intergalactic heroes, gargantuan monsters and lightsabres, the other an irresistible international man of mystery accompanied by an endless stream of beautiful women.

If you haven't guessed what we're talking about yet then shame on you. A pat on the back to most people on the planet, who will have heard of both Star Wars and James Bond. Both film franchises, which began more than 30 and 40 years ago, respectively, have produced some of the most popular movies in history. It's tough, however, to measure definitively which is more popular. But an auction held last week in the UK produced some interesting results.

At the Christie's sale, which took place in London, an original Darth Vader costume - complete with the mask and helmet - failed to sell for its reserve price of about £160,000 (Dh919,000). Bids for the outfit, which was being sold by a private collector, barely reached £150,000.

Which makes it all the more interesting to learn that a vintage air pistol, seen on the poster for the 1963 Bond movie, From Russia with Love, sold for £277,250 - more than 10 times its asking price. A surprising result, especially when one considers the hours of fun the new owner could have had answering the door dressed up like the Dark Lord of the Sith.