Item Number: BAN000134

Across the frozen plains of Hoth, glides a darkly ominous Probe Droid, engaged in a deadly game of hide and seek. Upon discovery, it opens fire with a volley of laser blasts. Coming under returning fire, it activates a self-destruct mechanism and explodes in a conflagration of metal and flame. A certain space pirate lowers his BlasTech DL-44 heavy blaster and reports back to base that it s a good bet the Empire knows where the Rebels are... So returns Han Solo to the fighting fray in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, with not only his companion Chewbacca, but also a slightly different version of his signature blaster at his side. The original Han Solo blaster prop used in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, had been returned to the prop rental company upon completion of filming. Therefore, the prop department had to recreate this iconic weapon for the sequel. This time out they chose a Japanese replica of an antique German Broomhandle Mauser pistol as the base for Han s blaster. Other changes included a different scope mount bracket on the side that now held a M19 azimuth sight, instead of the earlier vintage sniper scope. Similarly, the fire extinguisher nozzle that formed the muzzle of the original was replaced with a specifically- machined aluminum component that closely approximated what had been seen previously. Lastly, three model kit parts and two metal electrical connectors were glued and riveted onto the left side of the blaster to add visual interest. The Corellian pirate s weapon was now complete. In recreating Han Solo s DL-44 from Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, Master Replicas accessed never-before-seenarchival materials, sourced original parts and faithfully copied the original replica of the Mauser pistol to ensure as authentic a reproduction as possible. The paint finish, weathering, and details match the version carried by Han in his scenes on Hoth.