This press release was issued today by the Powerhouse Museum:

Powerhouse Museum to auction exclusive Star Wars Obi-Wan Kenobi lightsaber

To celebrate the success of Star Wars: The Magic of Myth, the Powerhouse Museum will auction an Obi-Wan Kenobi lightsaber replica signed by George Lucas. This prestigious item will be auctioned via Ebay (www.ebay.com.au - collectibles) and will be open to bidders between 1 November ? 10 November 2002.

The lightsaber was generously donated to the Powerhouse Museum by Lucasfilm Ltd in support of Marist Youth Care where all proceeds from the auction will go. Marist Youth Care is a charity that takes abused and disadvantaged children who have often been living on the streets for some time, and provides them a home, family support, education and life skills. The group works together to repatriate these kids and give them a chance in life to reach their full potential.

?The Powerhouse Museum is delighted to be able to support this worthy cause. The parallels between the role of Marist Youth Care and the Star Wars story are substantial and I am pleased the auction of this exclusive lightsaber can assist the charity,? said Dr Kevin Fewster, the Museum?s Director.

Star Wars: The Magic of Myth has beaten all records by enticing the largest number of visitors to any temporary exhibition in the Powerhouse Museum?s history. This record translated to 3,551 eager people coming through the Museum?s doors to see the exhibition on 10 October 2002.

Star Wars: The Magic of Myth is one of the most popular exhibitions of all time. As the Powerhouse Museum is the only venue in Australia, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see original artwork, props, models and characters used to create all five Star Wars films including Attack of the Clones.