A Galaxy Far, Far Away… Built in Britain

Every year on Star Wars Day, the spotlight falls on lightsabers, Jedi, and the occasional argument about whether Han shot first.

But one of the most iconic pieces of Star Wars kit didn’t come from a galaxy far, far away at all.

The blaster carried by Imperial Stormtroopers—the famous E-11—was built using the British Sterling submachine gun.

Which means that, technically speaking, every time a Stormtrooper misses a target at point-blank range, they’re doing it with British equipment with a reputation for accuracy. We’ll let you draw your own conclusions...

From Service Weapon to Sci-Fi Icon

When the original Star Wars films were being made, the production team needed weapons that looked futuristic—but also worked reliably on set.

Their solution was simple and surprisingly effective:

• Take a real Sterling SMG

• Add a scope and external detailing

• Bolt on various “greeblies” (film prop extras)

• Give it a fresh coat of sci-fi identity

The result was the E-11 blaster—something that looked completely at home in the hands of the Empire, despite its very British origins. It worked because the Sterling already had a sleek, industrial design so it didn’t need much help to look like it belonged on the Death Star.

Why the Sterling Worked So Well on Screen

The Sterling worked because:

• Clean lines and compact shape

• Distinctive magazine position

• Practical proportions for actors to handle

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It looked futuristic without being unrealistic. Also, crucially, it didn’t look like something from the First World War—which might have made the Empire feel slightly less intimidating and slightly more Dad's Army.

The Difference Between Film and Reality

Of course, outside of film, the Sterling wasn’t a prop.

It was a real piece of equipment, carried in real circumstances by real people.

And while Star Wars turns its weapons into part of a larger story about rebellion, empire, and adventure, the reality behind equipment like the Sterling is far more grounded—and far more personal. There are no dramatic musical scores.No slow-motion hero shots.And, generally speaking, far fewer missed shots at ten feet.

From the Death Star to the Display Shelf

One thing Star Wars does get absolutely right, though, is the instinct to display what matters.

Fans display:

• helmets

• lightsabers

• ships

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Because those objects represent something they connect with. And it’s not all that different closer to home. Military items—whether it’s a badge, a piece of kit, or a symbolic display—are often kept and displayed not for what they are, but for what they represent:

• service

• memory

• identity

  
  

Today, many people choose to display these pieces in a way that  reflects that meaning—whether that’s through carefully presented memorabilia or detailed display models inspired by real equipment. And, unlike that famous 1977 Stormtrooper, most of those displays are exactly where they’re meant to be.

Why This Still Matters Today

The connection between Star Wars and the Sterling SMG is a fascinating bit of film history.

But it also highlights something more enduring.

Objects—whether fictional or real—carry meaning because of the stories attached to them.

For some, that’s the story of a galaxy far, far away. For others, it’s something much closer to home. But it's important that these objects have real memories attached, not just another generic present - which is why we write about the importance of understanding unique military gifts here

Either way, the instinct is the same:to remember, to connect, and to display what matters.

In Summary

• The Stormtrooper E-11 blaster was based on the British Sterling SMG

• Film designers adapted real equipment to create a believable sci-fi weapon

• The Sterling’s design made it ideal for on-screen use

• Real-world equipment carries very different meaning beyond film

• Displaying meaningful items—fictional or real—is something people naturally do

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❓ FAQs

Was the Stormtrooper blaster a real gun?Yes. The E-11 blaster used in the original Star Wars films was built from a real British Sterling submachine gun, modified with additional prop components.

Why did Star Wars use real weapons as props?Using real equipment made the props more realistic and reliable on set. It also gave them a natural weight and authenticity that’s hard to replicate from scratch.

What is the Sterling SMG?The Sterling submachine gun was a British service weapon used by the armed forces for many years. It became well known for its reliability and distinctive design.

Do you sell real weapons?No. All our model kits are designed to be decorative display items only. They are non-functional and designed purely to be home-built then displayed and appreciated.

Why do people display military items at home?For many, these items represent service, memory, and personal history. Displaying them is a way to reflect on that meaning in a respectful and lasting way.