Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates, is a well known
collector of Star Trek and science fiction memorabilia. His private
asset management company, of which he is the founder and chairman, is
called Vulcan, Inc. Many of Mr. Allen's most celebrated TOS
collectibles, including the original Captain's Chair used on the Bridge
set of the Enterprise for all three seasons of production, are on
display at the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame in Seattle,
Washington.
Below are some images of his TOS tricorder hand prop; which is the
only Original Series tricorder currently on display in a public
venue. This tricorder was designed by the artist and
special effects master Wah Ming Chang and constructed by the Desilu prop department. It was part of the collection of Original Series Set Decorator John Dwyer for over 30 years before it was acquired by Paul Allen in the December, 2001 Profiles In History Matt Jefferies Star Trek Auction for a high bid of $45,000.
And now, some modern era photos of this rare TOS hand prop ...
Below is a vintage image of the tricorder taken several decades ago while it was in the custody of Mr. Dwyer. It is seen alongside a second TOS tricorder ...
And the following image shows the final bid realized for the prop on auction day - December 12, 2001 ...
