A pair of props from the original Star Trek series is heading to auction after disappearing for more than half a century.
The items in question are an original phaser and communicator as used by William Shatner’s James T. Kirk in NBC’s 1966 television show. The props are expected to fetch between $100,000 and $200,000 when they go for sale at an auction co-hosted by Julien’s Auctions and TCM in Hollywood on November 9.
First though, the props will be on display to Star Trek fans at the Comic-Con Museum in San Diego, July 15 to 28. It’s the first time Julien’s Auctions and TCM have had a presence at America’s largest comics and pop culture event, representing an ongoing partnership between the cable network and the L.A.-based auction house.
“We are extremely honored to present at our exhibition the holy grail of the original Star Trek series props,” said David Goodman, CEO of Julien’s Auctions.
James T. Kirk’s phaser and communicator from the original Star Trek. Photo: courtesy Julien’s Auctions.
The two props are “hero” versions of Kirk’s tools, meaning they were well-made enough to appear in close-up shots. They feature moving parts and intricate details with the auction house labelling them “exceedingly rare.”
According to the auction house, the phaser is featured in episodes of the TV series including “The Gamesters of Triskelion” and “The Cloud Minders,” while the communicator with its spinning dial can be seen in “Catspaw,” “Friday’s Child,” and “Day of the Dove,” when it was held in Captain Kirk’s hands.
James T. Kirk’s communicator from the original Star Trek. Photo: Julien’s Auctions.
The original owner of the phaser and communicator was a veteran of Hollywood’s prop industry who is believed to have obtained the objects from an employee at Paramount, the studio responsible for Star Trek since 1968.
Prior to presenting the props at Comic Con, Julien’s Auctions had them authenticated by Don Hillenbrand, a long-time collector and researcher. He did so by comparing the props with those that appear in early episodes and a documentary book on the iconic series, The Making of Star Trek.
Julien’s Auctions and TCM’s appearance at Comic Con will culminate with an auction on July 28 titled “Harry Potter & Other Heroes.” There are around 50 items from Harry Potter’s filmic universe included, such as a Slytherin house robe ($6,000 to $8,000), a stone knight chess head prop from the inaugural film ($30,000 to $50,000), and a golden snitch ($5,000 to $7,000)—it’s made of resin.
Ryan Reynolds’ Ryan Gosling shirt from the latest Deadpool film. Photo: Julien’s Auctions.
Marvel is also strongly represented at the auction. There’s the original USO shield prop from Captain America: The First Avenger ($8,000 to $10,000), X-Men X2 story board illustrations ($200 to $300), and a life-sized model of Spider-Man developed for Madame Tussauds Wax Museums ($2,000 to $3,000).
Ahead of the latest Deadpool movie, Julien’s Auctions and TCM are offering a screen-worn button-down shirt sported by Ryan Reynolds, featuring images of Ryan Gosling ($2,000-$3,000).
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