TNG Cricket Phaser

A very desirable prop as it screams early TNG.

TNG Cricket Phasers sell for about $3-4,000 in the current market.

Alec

TOS Mid-Grade Phaser

A guest blog by Gerald Gurian

This exceptionally rare Star Trek: The Original Series fiberglass mid-grade Phaser Pistol is one of only two such examples known to have survived from the '60s; and it has been exhaustively researched and precisely screen matched to the mid-grade phaser prop featured in an opening scene in the 2nd season TOS episode "Assignment: Earth", where it is seen in a close-up view on-screen in the hand of a security officer in the Transporter Room.  Most significantly, it is the presence of both a uniquely contoured scratch line and a small blemish formed by excess paint - both on the front face of the pistol body - as well as perfectly matching orientations of the attached silver nozzle ring and the right-angled metal plate on top that have enabled this particular prop to be positively identified on-screen in that memorable time-travel episode, which originally was broadcast on Mar. 29, 1968.  

Furthermore, it is very likely that this historic hand prop, as part of the Desilu and then Paramount inventory, was utilized in the filming of several other TOS episodes during the 2nd and 3rd seasons of the series, in addition to "Assignment: Earth".

 

In the following five composite images containing Original Series screen captures shown side-by-side with modern day photos of this fiberglass Phaser Pistol, please note the matching overall contours and matching designs of the major hand phaser and pistol body components that are seen from multiple camera angles -- in addition to the numerous very subtle contour matches specifically mentioned in the annotations.     The following image demonstrates the precise screen match of this unique prop to the episode "Assignment: Earth".

A key aspect in the authentication of this phaser was the identification of a tiny mold flaw / accent line defect in its rear body fin appearance which is a perfect match to a mold flaw observed on a different phaser seen in a close-up screen capture from the Original Series episode "Spock's Brain".   In the following image, note how the width of the highlighted white band on the phasers suddenly narrows at the end due to the little flaw / deviation of the grey ridge line that runs along its bottom border.  The different orientations of the grooved regions on the silver noozles attached to the front of the pistol bodies establishes that the two phasers seen below are in fact two different hand props and not the same piece.

The presence of several very subtle contour line matches and tiny geometry matches between this unique phaser and the examples observed on-screen in different Original Series episodes, as illustrated in the photos below, are additional highly compelling factors in the authentication analyses.

As well, the uniquely patterned silver foil material on top of the permanently affixed hand phaser unit has been photo matched to the foil on the Greg Jein TOS Hero Type II Phaser, and this vintage material match is another key element of authentication.

Additionally, high resolution photography of the velcro on the hand phaser has revealed some gold, blue and red TOS velour Starfleet tunic fabric traces still trapped in the velcro - exciting remnants from production on the Desilu soundstage 47 years ago!

This extremely rare Original Series hand prop bears the to-be-anticipated paint wear, surface scratches and some cracks/seam separation in its fiberglass pistol body; and it is missing the semi-circular acrylic dial and metal faux thumbwheel control that were once attached to the top of its hand phaser -- yet it remains an undeniably visually exciting, sturdily-constructed and highly presentable piece of Star Trek history. The only movable part on this weapon is the tiny circular silver control knob inset on the front left side of the pistol body which still smoothly rotates a full 360 degrees.

 

Thanks to Gerald Gurian, the owner, for writing this blog!

The Holy Grail - Kirk's Phaser Rifle at Julien's

I was just saying to a friend recently, that the Holy Grail of Star Trek props is Kirk's Phaser Rifle from "Where No Man Has Gone Before".  And all of a sudden it appears!  The rifle will be at Julien's Hollywood auction April 5th, 2013.

The Description:

STAR TREK WILLIAM SHATNER PILOT PHASER RIFLE

A Phaser Rifle from the William Shatner-starring second pilot for Star Trek (Desilu Productions, Norway Corporation, 1966-1969). This one-of-a-kind weapon was created by toy inventor Reuben Klamer at the behest of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. When the original pilot presented to NBC was asked to be retooled for a more action-packed adventure, Roddenberry asked for a really big gun. Klamer designed and created the weapon at no charge to the production in exchange for potential licensing rights to the weapon. When production was wrapped, the piece was returned to Klamer and replaced with the now familiar pistol design used throughout the remaining three seasons of the original series. While this weapon was never seen again in the series, it was used in a number of studio-commissioned publicity photos and even represented on an early lunch box for the series. The weapon is constructed out of wood and finished with a blue/green metallic paint. There is additional detailing, including the hand-tooled aluminum barrel and spring-loaded trigger, a sliding switch to adjust the force setting, three plastic non-functional domed indicator lights and inset plastic panels as well as a telescoping antenna mounted to the top. Moveable pieces on the weapon include three acrylic “Turret Tubes” cylinders with what appears to be copper painted metal conduit with ends painted to match the three force settings. The entire turret unit turns on a center axis. The black shoulder butt also rotates to be used as a handle or shoulder stock. The weapon comes in the original custom-made case made to deliver the rifle to the studio.

Also included in the lot are copies of Inter-Department Communications from Roddenberry to Bob Justman, Bernie Weitzman and Ed Perlstein regarding the weapon as well as an original, signed letter from Roddenberry to Klamer, dated March 16, 1966. The letter informs Klamer that the series was picked up and they would continue discussions regarding Klamer’s possible involvement in creating more props for the show. Seven black and white Polaroid photographs accompany the lot showing the finished weapon from various angles with a letter to Klamer from employee AB Kander, discussing Roddenberry’s visit to the shop to inspect the rifle and approving the final product. Finally, the design plan for the rifle, signed by Roddenberry for approval on June 28, 1965. There is an additional pen sketch on the plan with some minor revisions to the weapon.

34 by 14 by 4 1/2 inches

 

 More to follow.   

Alec

The Bajoran Phaser Rifle

First seen in the season 3 Star Trek:Deep Space Nine episode "Shakaar", the Bajoran Phaser Rifle was shorter and bulkier than other phaser rifles, but its differences made it interesting.  

The Original Production Sketch of the Bajoran Phaser Rifle by Jim Martin

From Star Trek: The Magazine

Deep Space Nine: "Shakaar"

Voyager: "Flesh & Blood"

The most recent sale of one of these rifles was in Profiles in History Hollywood Auction 40 for $ 2,250.

Thanks to Jorg Hillebrand for the screencaps!  I have asked Jorg to review every new post and add what he thinks is important.  If you don't know Jorg, he is the premier Star Trek resource.  If you need to know something Star Trek, he is your man, and frequents the Star Trek Prop Forum.