On September 25, 2019, Profiles in History will be offering a rare Original Series Type 2 Phaser Pistol, originally from the collection of Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols and with outstanding provenance associating it with the famous 3rd season episode "Plato's Stepchildren" (first airdate: November 22, 1968), as Lot 295 in their Icons & Legends of Hollywood Auction, with a pre-sale bid estimate of $100,000 - $150,000.
The precise Profiles auction description is presented as follows:
295. Original Type-2 Phaser Pistol from the Star Trek: The Original Series episode "Plato's Stepchildren" - from the collection of Nichelle Nichols. (Paramount, 1966-1969) The Type-2 Phaser pistol is the most iconic and sought-after hand prop from the original Star Trek series - it is also the most difficult to obtain. This Phaser has extraordinary provenance: Star Trek producer Fred Freiberger gifted the Phaser to actress Nichelle Nichols, who played "Lt. Uhura", the iconic communications officer aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. Accompanying the Phaser is a signed letter from Freiberger, dated March 6, 1972, stating (in part): "I ran into Jerome Stanley [NBC Program Executive] last week (remember him?) He actually apologized for his "handing" of the "kiss issue" and admitted that he was wrong. I am still most proud of "Plato's Stepchildren" and kept a few mementos from the episode including a phaser. I thought you might like to have it. I have great memories of our work together and will never forget your support or the change we brought about ..." This Phaser is constructed of fiberglass, resin, turned aluminum and acrylic and measures 8.5 in. long x 5.5 in. tall x 2 in. wide. Exhibits expected wear to paint and scuffing to metallic surfaces. To many science fiction fans around the world, an Original Series Phaser pistol transcends its mere association with an outstanding television series; it represents one of the defining icons of American pop culture. In all of our years of business, this is only the third fiberglass Type-2 Phaser pistol we have handled and this example has impeccable provenance, being tied to the historic, groundbreaking episode. Provenance: From the collection of Producer Fred Freiberger and gifted to actress Nichelle Nichols in 1972. Accompanied with the original Freiberger letter gifting the Phaser to Ms. Nichols, plus a signed letter of provenance by Nichelle and a video of her discussing this Phaser. $100,000 - $150,000
This site is pleased to present the following set of high resolution photos to document the design and construction details of this rare prop. These photos were taken earlier this month while the phaser was on exhibit at the Creation Official 2019 Star Trek Las Vegas Convention from July 31 - August 4 at the Rio Suites Hotel & Casino in Nevada. Special thanks to Brad Teplitsky of RareMemorabilia.com for his kindness in graciously permitting the photo session and the publication of these images ...
Immediately below is an image of the original provenance letter, dated March 6, 1972, from Star Trek Producer Fred Freiberger to Nichelle Nichols that gifts the actress this phaser ...
The following video features Nichelle Nichols discussing her acquisition of two Phaser Pistol props from TOS. While the "Plato's Stepchildren" phaser has been consigned to Profiles September 2019 Icons & Legends of Hollywood Auction, the second phaser, which has been attributed to the 3rd season episode "The Cloud Minders", is currently on exhibit at the MoPOP Museum in Seattle, Washington ...
