Via Nbcnews.com:

The mystery surrounding Luke Skywalker in the latest “Star Wars” movie has been drawing crowds into theaters since the film opened late last year. Now some deep-pocketed fans will have a shot at owning a “very rare and desirable” part of the character’s past: his blaster.

Luke Skywalker’s DL-44 Blaster, featured in the 1980 epic “The Empire Strikes Back,” is up for auction this week, starting with a minimum bid of $200,000.

Due to hit the block at Nate D. Sanders Auctions this Thursday, the blaster is based on the design of the German Mauser C96 pistol, and is the same model used by Han Solo.

Overall, the prop gun is in good condition, but does show some signs of wear, including one glued section. The blaster prop is constructed from silver-, brown- and gray-colored fiberglass, and includes its original flash suppressor and scope.

Mark Hamill who plays Luke Skywalker in the “Star Wars” saga, gave the gun away during an episode of “Jim’ll Fix It,” a BBC children’s television show, and it was last auctioned by Sotheby’s in 1998, according to the auction house.

“Star Wars” items often net big sums when they come up for auction. A Sotheby’s auction in December garnered more than $500,000 after selling over 600 original action figures, toys and other collectibles from the Star Wars franchise, all of which came from Japanese designer Nigo’s private collection.