This is a follow-up to an article posted a few days ago, (see “Movies Galore” TOS Star Trek Hand Phaser – February, March, April eBay Listings), discussing a Star Trek: The Original Series “hand phaser”, marketed as original and from the 1966-69 classic television series with a Certificate of Authenticity from “Movies Galore”, which was offered for sale on eBay and sold, offered for sale on eBay again and sold, and was then offered for sale on eBay for a third time over the span of just three months.
Per an article published today by Alec Peters on his Star Trek Prop, Costume, and Auction Blog (see Phaser Update – Resolution all around!), the current eBay seller, “notdads2004”, ended his auction early and returned the prop for a refund from the previous seller, “truck8”. Buyer “truck8” then returned the prop for a refund from the original eBay seller, “grandenagus”.
Given that those who have been in the chain of ownership of this piece appear to have concluded that the prop is inauthentic, I am happy to see that each seller has reportedly made refunds to the subsequent buyers with some facilitation through Alec’s efforts and communication. I do not know the details of the chain of ownership between the authenticator who issued the Certificate of Authenticity, Movies Galore, and the original eBay seller, “grandenagus”. The COA states: “Guaranteed Authentic for the life of the item”.
Here is a compilation of photos from the three eBay auctions, for archival reference:
High Resolution Archive: Movies Galore Star Trek TOS Hand Phaser
Movies Galore COA:
High Resolution Archive: Movies Galore Star Trek TOS Hand Phaser COA
Related Articles & Discussion:
The Trek Prop Zone: Fake P1 Surfaces AGAIN
The Trek Prop Zone: “Original” TOS Phaser, Hummmmmmmm?
The Star Trek Prop, Costume & Auction Blog: Fake Phaser on eBay…More Movies Galore fraud
The Star Trek Prop, Costume & Auction Forum: Phaser One ?
The Star Trek Prop, Costume & Auction Forum: Possible “authentic” Type 1 Tos Phaser On Ebay
Original Prop Blog: Star Trek: The Original Series Props – Auction House Archive, Part 1
Jason De Bord