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Star Trek: The Original Series Props – Auction House Archive, Part 1

April 17, 2008 By Jason DeBord

As noted in recent articles, there are many Star Trek “Original Series” (1966-1969) era prop replicas that have been traded in the marketplace as authentic, fooling experts, dealers, and auction houses, as well as collectors.

As a result, there are profound challenges in authenticating the iconic, high value props from this classic television series, especially the Tricorder, Communicator, and Phaser. The current ’state of the marketplace’ poses a significant potential risk for Star Trek collectors who could inadvertently buy an inauthentic piece.

The most productive manner in which collectors can help other collectors to mitigate this risk is by talking to one another, sharing information, and spreading awareness of the ’state of the marketplace’ for these types of props and underscoring the importance of formal and thorough authentication.

I thought it would be productive to catalog and archive information relevant to these props.

I was just this week reviewing some old auction catalogs I acquired, and was surprised at the number of Original Series Tricorders, Phasers, Hand Phasers, and Communicators that have been offered at public auction events.

I am in the process of obtaining scans from other collectors with more substantive catalog collections than myself, but thought I would post a “Part 1” article to begin this process of cataloging the information and photos of these pieces previously offered for sale to the public.

Events denoted [HIGH RESOLUTION] were scanned by me in higher resolution along with full descriptions; others have no photos or lower resolution photos and limited descriptions. Listed chronologically.

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Sotheby’s NY – “Collector’s Carousel” – June 22-23, 1990

224. Star Trek Communicator Prop, circa 1967, the original prop, finished in hard grey plastic with gold hinged mesh cover, dual knobs, three simulated indicator lights, 3-D wave screen, and Velcro holding ape 4 in. by 2 1/2 in. 3300.00 USD

Camden House – “The Art of Film and Rock” – October 14, 1990

1072. Original “hand phaser” from the classic television show “Star Trek”, NBC Television, 1966-1969.

1073. Original pistol “phaser” from the immensely popular television show “Star Trek”, NBC Television, 1966-1969.

Camden House – “Vintage Film Posters and Entertainment Memorabilia” – June 6-7, 1992

668. Original “hand phaser” from ‘Star Trek”, 1966-1969 (NBC-TV). 800.00 USD

669. A hand laser from ‘Star Trek”, 1966-1969 (NBC-TV). 3000.00 USD

670. A “tricorder” from ‘Star Trek”, 1966-1969 (NBC-TV). 4000.00 USD

Butterfield & Butterfield – “Hollywood Memorabilia” – March 14, 1993

2042. Tricorder Prop From “Star Trek”, T.V.

NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

Odyssey – “Rock-n-Roll & Hollywood Memorabilia, Autographs & Vintage Film Posters – May 16-17, 1993

247. “Star Trek” Hand Phaser

NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

Butterfield & Butterfield – “Entertainment Memorabilia” – December 12, 1993

948. “Star Trek” Communicator Hand Prop. Paramount Television 1966-1969. 5175.00 USD

949. “Star Trek” Pistol Phaser Hand Prop. Paramount Television 1966-1969. 4025.00 USD

950. “Star Trek” Tri-Corder Hand Prop. Paramount Television 1966-1969. 8625.00 USD

Camden House – “Classic Film Posters & Memorabilia” – June 25-26, 1994

765. “STAR TREK”, 1966-1969 (NBC-TV), original “hand phaser”. 800.00 USD

766. “STAR TREK”, 1966-1969 (NBC-TV), original “pistol phaser” used during the show’s first season as the crew of the Enterprise encountered Klingons, Romulans and other strange forms of alien life. 2750.00 USD

NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

Butterfield & Butterfield – “Entertainment Memorabilia” – June 26-27, 1995

820. Hand Laser from Star Trek. NBC Television, 1966-1969.

822. Communicator from Star Trek. NBC Television, 1966-1969.

NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

Sotheby’s NY – “Collector’s Carousel” – December 16 & 18, 1995

59. “Star Trek” Phaser Hand Prop, Paramount Television, 1966-1969, the grey, black and ‘chrome’ pistol-style phaser features an acrylic tip and force meter, controls are detailed. length 81/2, in. (21.6 cm.) The phaser would have been from the second season. $2,500-3,500

60. “Star Trek” Communicator Hand Prop, Paramount Television 1966-1969, constructed in black vacuform with various controls, moray disc, featuring a hinged metal grid which folds over the controls. Designer, Wah Chang. length 41/2, in. (11.4 cm.) The prop is from the original ‘Star Trek’ series. $2,500-3,500

Christie’s East – “Animation Art, Antique Toys & Entertainment Memorabilia” – June 20 & 25, 1996 [HIGH RESOLUTION]

727. STAR TREK, 1966-69 An original hand phaser from the cult television show. The black phaser has imitation dials and a silver adhesive patch. One side has worn velcro – Length: 3 1/4 in. $2,000-2,500

728. STAR TREK, 1966-69 An original phaser pistol from the cult television show; the grey and black pistol has a worn velcro side and imitation dials and knobs – Length: 8 1/4 in. $3,500-4,500

729. STAR TREK, 1966-69 An original hand communicator from the cult television show. The communicator has a hinged metal cover over imitation dials and lights. One side has a strip of worn velcro – Length: 4 1/4 in. $4,000-6,000

730. STAR TREK An original “tricorder” used by the landing parties of The U.S.S. Enterprise on the cult 1960s television series. The top unit of the tricorder turns up to reveal a mini screen and three imitation blue lights and knobs. It was used an an aid in scanning and analyzing as well as storing and recording information. The tricorder was designed by Wah Chang. A leather strap is attached – Height: 7 in. $5,000-7,000

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Butterfield & Butterfield – “Hollywood Memorabilia” – February 26-27, 1996

4359. Phaser from Star Trek. NBC Television, 1966-1969.

NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

Profiles in History – “Hollywood: A Collector’s Ransom II” – June 1 & 2, 1996 [HIGH RESOLUTION]

750. “Star Trek” type-1 phaser (NBC-TV 1966-1969) An original series Type-1 Phaser made of black painted wood with silver stripe down side. Affixed with an aluminum dial, small blue button, Lucite dial numbered “1 2 3 4 5″ (the energy level), and a piece of aluminum grid; base has applied Velcro. Measures: 3 1/2″x 1 3/4″ x 1” $2000-2500

751. “Star Trek” Starfleet Communicator (circa 2266) (NBC-TV 1966-69) Molded black plastic (hollow) with an aluminum band; brass mesh flip-lid reveals mock receiver and micro-phone with yellow, red and green buttons; Velcro affixed to back side. Measures: 2 1/2″ x 4″ $3500-4500

752. “Star Trek” Tri-corder (NBC-TV 1966-69) An original series Tri-corder made of black hollow plastic with aluminum strips down sides and across front. Top flips open to reveal small monitor screen, three emerald green buttons, three aluminum knobs, and a small brass grid microphone. Second section has an aluminum cylinder around an aluminum grid with center black and white psychedelic design. Third compartment with aluminum handle is fixed and does not open. Attached to a black leather shoulder strap. Measures: 5″ x 7 1/2″. $6500-7500

753. “Star Trek” type-2 phaser pistol (NBC-TV 1966-69) A type-2 phaser pistol made of plastic, wood and aluminum painted grey, black and silver. Barrel is constructed of aluminum with Lucite laser tip; Velcro strip on left side. Measures approx: 8″ x 6″. $4500-5500

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Sotheby’s London – “Rock ‘n’ Roll and Film Memorabilia” – September 18-19, 1996 [HIGH RESOLUTION]

214. STAR TREK, 1966-1969 A black and white phaser pistol used during the first season; this version of the hand prop was used prior to being designed in color. The phaser (“photon amplification by stimulated emission of radiator”) pistol was worn on the belt of the crew of the Starship Enterprise. The piece is constructed of a hand phaser snapped into a pistol mount, with power pack handle. The pistol has a number of specialty settings which permitted it to be used as a cutting torch, welding tool, etc. $6,000-8,000

215. STAR TREK, 1966-1969 A hand phaser used in the first season designed in black and white. The phaser was small enough to be worn under a shirt, while maintaining a limited range and power output. Extending the working principles of the earlier lasers, the phaser emitted simultaneous beams of differing frequencies or multiples of one frequency. By selecting certain combinations of light frequencies, the hand phaser was used to dematerialize, disrupt, heat, stun and kill. $3,000-5,000

216. STAR TREK, 1966-1969 An original hand Communicator with “spinning moray” used in the television series. Designed as a miniature transceiver used between the ship and planet, the built in transponder served to pinpoint the position of a crew member on a planet’s surface, thus providing transporter coordinates. Activated by flipping open the antenna-grid, the Communicator responded to voice command. $10,000-12,000

217. STAR TREK, 1966-1969 An original Tricorder with “spinning moray” from the series. The Tricorder was named for its three basic functions: record, measure and analyze. Always carried by at least one member of the Starship Enterprise landing party, usually the science officer, it was also used as an audio-visual recorder. In the “City On The Edge Forever” episode, Spock indicates that his Tricorder is capable of recording images by flashing on the “Guardian Of Forever”. $12,000-16,000

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Christie’s – “Film, Television & Pop” – December 15, 1996 [HIGH RESOLUTION]

45. AN ORIGINAL ‘STAR TREK’ STARFLEET COMMUNICATOR. circa 1967, from the third season of the NBC TV series, black vinyl-covered case with flip-top grille covering control panel and speaker, back with Velcro strip, 10 by 6.5cm (4 by 2 1/2 in.) 4,800-5,000 GBP

46. AN ORIGINAL, TYPE-2 PHASER PISTOL FROM ‘STAR TREK’, circa 1967, from the second season of NBC TV series, grey body with various simulated controls and components, Velcro strip to one side, 21cm. (8 1/2 in.) long, 3,800-4,200 GBP

47. AN ORIGINAL ‘STAR TREK’ TRICORDER, circa 1967, from the second season of the NBC TV series, the instrument with flip-top revealing a screen, speaker and controls, two ‘compartments’ underneath, black vinyl-covered casing, with leather strap, 12.5 by 17.5 by 6 cm. (5 by 7 by 2 1/2 in.). The Tricoder was used by landing party members of the USS Enterprise, for recording and analysing scientific, medical or geological data; the example offered here was used for scientific data and was designed by Wah Chang. 5,200-5,500 GBP

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Profiles in History – “Hollywood: A Collector’s Ransom 3” – May 17, 1997 [HIGH RESOLUTION]

422. “STAR TREK” GEOLOGICAL TRICORDER (NBC-TV, 1966-69) This is the only known tricorder to come up for auction and is different in construction style. This middle compartment opens to reveal mechanics inside. Constructed by Wah Chung for the first season, the strap was modified for use in the second and third seasons making it possibly the only tricorder to have been used in all three seasons. Originally from the propmaster. $6000 – 8000

423. “STAR TREK” COMMUNICATOR (NBC-TV, 1966-69) This original series communicator was used extensively throughout the show, and is one of the few remaining authentic communicators. Originally from the propmaster. $5000 – 7000

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Butterfield & Butterfield – “Rock & Roll Memorabilia” – March 2, 1997 [HIGH RESOLUTION]

3961. Medical Tricorder from Star Trek. Paramount Television, 1966-1969. A sophisticated looking prop with three compartments. The top section opens to reveal a simulated television screen with several buttons at right. The middle section is made up of a round transponder and a silver metal cylinder. Bottom door opens up to reveal an empty section. Unit has a leather carrying strap attached. Tricorders were used on the show for measuring, recording and analyzing during planet expeditions. 7 inches x 5 inches. Estimate 2,500/3,500

3962. Prop Pistol Phaser from Star Trek. Paramount Television, 1966-1969. A futuristic pistol, known as a phaser, having a grey detailed casing equipped with simulated dials and knobs. The top mounted area is black with a rectangular shape. Along one side, a velcro strip has been applied with a silver strip drawn down the center. Attached to the top mount are two half circle dials, one of silver and the other a clear plexiglass with numbers readable at the bottom. The handle consists of a black textured grip. Length: 8 inches. Estimate 3,000/5,000

3963. Prop Communicator from Star Trek. Paramount Television, 1966-1969. Small, black rectangular prop communicator which appears to be hollow. The hand-held unit has a hinged top of a metal mesh material. This panel lifts up to reveal a round dial above three buttons: one yellow, one red and the other green. Two smaller silver dials and a square area is applied below. Velcro has been attached to the back. Now, all that is missing is the communicator sound effect to be complete. 4 1/2 inches x 2 1/4 inches. Estimate 800/1,200

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Heather Holmberg – “Hollywood & Rock ‘n Roll Memorabilia Auction” – October 26, 1997 [HIGH RESOLUTION]

569. $3,000-3,500 Star Trek (NBC, 1966-69) Communicator. This personal communication device was used by Starfleet personnel. It allowed crew members on planetary surfaces below to communicate with the orbiting Enterprise. In addition, it also enabled a ship’s transporter system to determine the exact coordinates of a crew member for transportation. The flip-up antenna grid is shown here in the open position. 4 1/2 x 2 1/2″, black. EX

571. $4,000-5,000 Star Trek (NBC, 1966-69) Tricorder. Original first season tricorder created by Desilu Productions. The tricorder has two opening doors, the first flipping open to reveal a simulated picture screen, three blue crystals and three small silver knobs. The second door opens to reveal eight simulated discs and a round mech matrix. Item has black leather strap. Several types of tricorders have been used by Starship crews, all an essential part of missions and operations, for example, to detect subspace phenomena or sensing neutrnio emissions. Seen in a variety of original Star Trek episodes throughout the first season. Given age and use, EX

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Profiles in History – “Hollywood: A Collector’s Ransom 4” – February 28, 1998 [HIGH RESOLUTION]

797. Communicator from the original “Star Trek” series. (NBC-TV, 1966-69) Plastic and allow communicator, finely detailed with hinged flip-up cover. Approximately 4 in. x 3 in. x 1 in. $4000 – 6000

798. Phaser pistol from the original “Star Trek” series. (NBC-TV, 1966-69 Resin, wood and allow Type-2 phaser painted black, silver and gray. Hand-held phaser insert has attached velcro for mounting on holster. $5000 – 7000

799. “Tri-corder” from the original “Star Trek” series. (NBC-TV 1966-69) An original black and silver tri-corder with leather strap and flip-up pseudo display screen. 5 in. x 7 in. x 2 in. $6000 – 8000

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Profiles in History – “Hollywood: A Collector’s Ransom 5” – December 12, 1998 [HIGH RESOLUTION]

231. “Star Trek” type-1 hand phaser. (NBC-TV, 1966-69) Black and silver/grey painted balsa wood, approx. 4 in. x 1 in. x 1 in., with silver foil on top and clear window with power indicator. Velcro on bottom for waist attachment. $2,500-$3,500

232. “Star Trek” original series communicator. (NBC-TV, 1966-69) The classic, 3 in. x 4 in. black plastic with metal flip-grille protector. Velcro on bottom for waist attachment. $3,000-$5,000

233. “Star Trek” type-2 pistol phaser from the original series. (NBC-TV, 1966-69) Grey and black painted resin with machined steel barrel. Integral hand-held phaser is not removable; has Velcro on side for waist attachment. $3,000-$5,000

234. “Star Trek” original series scientific tricorder. (NBC-TV, 1966-69) 7 in. x 5 in. x 2 in., black plastic and machined steel. Top flips up to reveal ‘display screen’, and top center door opens to access dials. Black leather strap intact. $4,000-$6,000

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Butterfield & Butterfield – “Entertainment Memorabilia” – October 24, 2000

3800. Original Tricorder from ‘Star Trek”

3801. Star Trek Communicator from “Star Trek”

NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

Profiles in History – “The Star Trek Auction” – December 12, 2001 [HIGH RESOLUTION]

221. “STAR TREK” PROP TRI-CORDER. (NBC-TV, 1966-69) Original series Tri-corder made of black plastic with aluminum strips down sides and across front, and attached leather shoulder strap. Top flips open to reveal small monitor screen, three small buttons and three knobs, and a small brass grid square. Comes with a letter of provenance from set decorator John Dwyer. $12,000 – $15,000

224. “STAR TREK” TYPE-1 PHASER (1). (NBC-TV, 1966-69) Original series Type-1 Phaser made of black and silver-painted plastic, with aluminum grid affixed to the top and two small buttons just beneath. Velcro attached to the underside. Comes with a letter of provenance from set decorator John Dwyer. $3,000 – $5,000

225. “STAR TREK” TYPE-1 PHASER (2). (NBC-TV, 1966-69) Original series Type-1 Phaser made of black and silver-painted plastic, with aluminum grid affixed to the top and two small buttons just beneath. Velcro attached to the underside. Slightly cracked on one side. Comes with a letter of provenance from set decorator John Dwyer. $3,000 – $5,000

226. “STAR TREK” TYPE-1 PHASER (3). (NBC-TV, 1966-69) Original series Type-1 Phaser made of black and silver-painted plastic, with aluminum grid affixed to the top and two small buttons just beneath. Velcro attached to the underside. Exhibits cracking along one side. Comes with a letter of provenance from set decorator John Dwyer. $3,000 – $5,000

227. “STAR TREK” TYPE-1 PHASER, STUNT MODEL (1). (NBC-TV, 1966-69) Black rubber Type-1 Phaser with silver accents, used for filming stunts. Comes with a letter of provenance from set decorator John Dwyer. $2,000 – $3,000

228. “STAR TREK” TYPE-1 PHASER, STUNT MODEL (2). (NBC-TV, 1966-69) Black rubber Type-1 Phaser with silver accents, used for filming stunts. Comes with a letter of provenance from set decorator John Dwyer. $2,000 – $3,000

229. “STAR TREK” TYPE-1 PHASER, STUNT MODEL (3). (NBC-TV, 1966-69) Black rubber Type-1 Phaser with silver accents, used for filming stunts. Comes with a letter of provenance from set decorator John Dwyer. $2,000 – $3,000

230. “STAR TREK” PROP STARFLEET COMMUNICATOR. (NBC-TV, 1966-69) Molded black plastic (hollow) with an aluminum band; brass mesh flip-lid reveals mock receiver and microphone with red and green buttons. Velcro strip affixed to back side. $6,000 – $8,000

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Profiles in History – “The Ultimate Sci-Fi Auction” – April 26, 2003 [HIGH RESOLUTION]

123. ORIGINAL TRICORDER FROM THE ORIGINAL STAR TREK SERIES. (NBC-TV, 1966-69) Original series Tricorder made of black plastic aluminum strips down sides and across front, and attached vinyl shoulder strap. Top flips open to reveal small monitor screen, three small buttons and three knobs, and a small brass grid square. Comes with a letter of provenance from set decorator John Dwyer. At the conclusion of the series, John gave this prop to his son, Matt, in whose possession it has been ever since. Also comes with a letter from Matt Dwyer stating these facts. A rare and highly desirable hero prop from the original series! $12,000 – $15,000

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Lelands – “Americana Auction” – May 29, 2003

362. 1960’s STAR TREK SERIES TRICORDER PROP

NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

Profiles in History – “Hollywood Auction 17” – December 12, 2003 [HIGH RESOLUTION]

520. ORIGINAL STARFLEET COMMUNICATOR FROM STAR TREK. (NBC-TV, 1966-69) This extremely rare, original Starfleet communicator is constructed of black vaccuform plastic with brass-colored metal flip-screen, which opens to reveal a round dial with yellow, red and green jeweled indicators just beneath. The back side is covered with a wide Velcro strip, attached with a period adhesive, for easy attachment to a crewmember’s waistband. Comes with a letter of authenticity from Star Trek set decorator John Dwyer. Original Star Trek landing set props with excellent pedigrees are the rarest of Star Trek collectibles. $12,000 – $15,000

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Christie’s NY – “Entertainment Memorabilia – June 24, 2004

141. ‘WORKING’ COMMUNICATOR FROM “STAR TREK”
NBC Television, 1966-1969 A hand communicator used in the series; designed with a gold-tone metal screen that flips open to expose a circular disc which moves (indicating the communicator is ‘working’) when an outside dial is pushed twice; to turn off, dial must be pushed once. Operating like a wristwatch, this dial must be occasionally wound-up to keep the disc running. 4 x 2 1/2 inches This piece was originally sold in the December 15, 1996 Christie’s (Los Angeles) auction titled “Film, Television & Pop;” Sale 7927, Lot 216, Page 81 of that catalogue; final price realized was $9,200.

142. ‘WORKING’ HAND PHASER FROM “STAR TREK” NBC Television, 1966-1969 A grey hand phaser used on the series; when a small dial is turned, a piece of plastic flips a metal lid which then turns on a small frontal red light; a piece of Velco on the side allowed the piece to be affixed to the uniform belt of a Starship Enterprise crew member. 4 x 1 1/2 inches

143. PHASER PISTOL FROM “STAR TREK” NBC Television, 1966-1969 A black and white phaser pistol used during the first season of the series; this duo-tone version being used prior to the color-designed one. Constructed of a small ‘hand phaser’ (See Lot 142) snapped into a pistol mount, this piece has Velcro on the side so it could be affixed to the uniform belt of a Starship Enterprise crew member. 8 x 6 inches This piece was originally sold in the December 15, 1996 Christie’s (Los Angeles) auction titled “Film, Television & Pop;” Sale 7927, Lot 214, Page 81 of that catalogue; final price realized was $7,475.

Bonhams – “Rock n Roll & Film Memorabilia” – April 27, 2005

257. Star Trek, One of the very first black and white phaser guns from the original TV series, 1966, one of approximately four known to still exist with full provenance 9000.00 GBP

[NOTE: This Black and White Phaser was determined by the authenticator to be a replica in late 2005]

Christie’s NY – “Film and Entertainment Including Vintage Film Posters – June 16, 2005

231. Star Trek A prop hand phaser, the phaser of black painted plastic, with silver foil detail, a silver painted and a perspex control button — 3½x1½in. (8.9×3.8cm.) — made for the first season of Star Trek, 1966-1969, in common mount with four corresponding colour stills (printed later) showing identical hand phasers and a brass plaque engraved “Hand Phaser” used during the filming of the TV Series “Star Trek” 1966-1969, overall measurements — 18x29in. (45.7×73.7cm.) framed; accompanied by two documents concerning the provenance (3)

Profiles in History – “Hollywood Auction 25” – July 28, 2006 [HIGH RESOLUTION]

562. Original Starfleet Tricorder from Star Trek. (NBC-TV, 1966-69) Original series Tricorder constructed of aluminum, wood and plastic with vinyl shoulder strap, measuring approx. 7 in. tall x 5 1/8 in. wide and weighing 1.6 pounds. This Tricorder differs from the other examples we have handled in that it is covered in black vinyl (intended for closer shots) instead of being vaccu-form plastic or fiberglass with molded leather grain finish. The top flips open to reveal a small monitor screen, three small buttons and three knobs, and a small brass grid square. Designed by Wah Chang, this multipurpose scientific and technical instrument was developed for Starfleet and incorporated sensors, computers and recorders in a convenient and portable form. Originally acquired from Dick Rubin, a veteran Hollywood property master who worked on Star Trek: The Motion Picture. $18,000 – $22,000

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If anyone has any insights or information/photos to add, please post a Reader Comment below or contact me.

Special thanks to PropCatalogs.com for additional scans and information.

Jason De Bord

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Further Reading:

“eBay Auction: Star Trek TOS Original Series Tricorder Prop“

“Star Trek TOS Original Series Tricorder Prop – eBay Seller Response“

“Star Trek TOS Original Series Tricorder Prop Update: Crank Calls, Lawyers, Strange Blog Article“

Filed Under: Market Watch, Star Trek Tagged With: auction, authentic, bonhams, christies, coa, design, ebay, Film, Fraud, Hollywood, house, kirk, leather, mark english, memorabilia, Original, paramount, phaser, photos, pistol, profiles in history, Prop, Provenance, replica, resolution, screen, season, series, sotheby's, spock, star, Television, trek, tricorder, tv

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