Presented below are some detailed photographs of a laser pistol hand prop used in the 1st pilot episode of Star Trek, entitled "The Cage"; which was filmed during the months of November and December, 1964 and featured actor Jeffrey Hunter in the role of Captain Christopher Pike. The laser weapon was designed and built by the famed artist and sculptor Wah Ming Chang; who also created the TOS communicator, the TOS tricorder, the Gorn and the M-113 Salt Vampire costumes during his extensive association with the show. This historic Cage Laser prop is part of the collection of the renowned Star Trek TOS expert Greg Jein. Mr. Jein, a celebrated model maker, is also the creator of the 4 foot filming miniature of the Enterprise-D built at the start of the 3rd season for Star Trek: TNG. The Cage laser was also seen in some first season episodes of The Original Series such as "Where No Man Has Gone Before" (also the 2nd pilot, which starred William Shatner), "The Man Trap" and "What Are Little Girls Made Of". Some episode screenshots that feature this early weapon, which was the predecessor of the familiar Type II phaser pistol, are shown at the bottom of this post. A detailed photostudy of the only known "hero" or working Type II phaser in existence; also a part of the Greg Jein collection, can be viewed at the following link on this website: http://startrekpropauthority.blogspot.com/2008/04/rare-photos-of-greg-jein-tos-hero-type.html
Special thanks to TOS expert Darrell Hyde for his kindness in providing these rare photos for display on this site.
And now, the Cage laser pistol ...
As noted in "The Art of Star Trek" (Pocket Books, 1995), Wah Chang utilized painted typewriter keys as control buttons ...
Some episode screenshots from the two pilots and early first season of TOS that feature a laser pistol ...
