ALEXANDRIA, Va. >> Colin Powell’s career spanned some of the most significant moments of the past 40 years so it’s no surprise that an auction of items from his estate reflects that: gifts and medals from foreign dignitaries and presidents, photos of his swearing-in as secretary of state.

But it might be the more whimsical items that better tell the story of what kind of man he was: the “Star Wars” lightsaber given to him by George Lucas or a race car helmet.

The auction is already underway and will run through Nov. 16.

In all, nearly 400 items big and small are up for auction, with proceeds to benefit the America’s Promise Alliance — which Powell once chaired — and the Colin Powell School at the City College of New York, his alma mater.

The Potomack Co. is the auction house conducting the estate sale.

— The Associated Press