What Happened to the Treasured Props of the Original Star Trek Series?

The original Star Trek series, a cultural phenomenon that left its mark on science fiction and pop culture, featured a myriad of iconic props and sets that captured the hearts and imaginations of viewers. From the command chair of the USS Enterprise to the intricate designs of the bridge, these props not only brought the Star Trek universe to life but also became beloved memorabilia.

The fate of these props after the series ended is a topic of interest for many fans. Here, we explore the journey of these cherished objects, from their initial use to the various ways they found after the original series came to an end.

Decommission and Fate of Classic Props

The original series sets were primarily dismantled and destroyed. This was a common practice in the film and television industry at the time, but the fate of specific props varied significantly. For instance, the command chair of the Enterprise, an artifact that played a central role in many episodes, was initially kept by Robert Justman, the assistant director and later producer. This chair was later auctioned off in 2002 and now stands on display at the Henry Ford Museum, preserving its place in Star Trek history.

Other notable props, such as the helm and command module, managed to find their way into the hands of private collectors. Some of these personal collections also included parts of the command bridge, which were auctioned off in 2012. These auctions not only preserved the legacy of the original series but also provided fans with a tangible connection to the past.

Reusing and Repurposing in Subsequent Series

While the original series sets were dismantled, the production designs and props from subsequent series often reused the iconic elements of the Enterprise and other vessels. For instance, the starship USS Enterprise from Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) and Star Trek: Voyager (VOY) series utilized many of the original props, albeit with modifications. This reuse ensured that the spirit of Star Trek remained consistent across the franchise.

A significant part of this reuse involved the bridge designs. The USS Enterprise-D (TNG) even featured a "horseshoe-shaped" bridge that was showcased at the Hollywood Museum for a time. This bridge was originally built as a replica for a 1992 Smithsonian exhibition and became an official part of the museum’s collection after its use.

Deep Space Nine and Beyond

The sets from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9) also found new life in various productions. For example, the USS Defiant set from DS9 was reused in Voyager and Enterprise. This reuse continued to maintain the continuity of the Star Trek universe. Additionally, the posterior cave set from Enterprise was repurposed in Nemesis for the Reman mine scenes, demonstrating how these props could be utilized across different series.

The cave set from the original series was auctioned off in 2007 and 2011, allowing fans to acquire a piece of Star Trek history. The remaining DS9 sets, however, were mostly destroyed, marking the end of an era.

The Thirteenth Episode and Beyond

The sets and props from the Klingon stronghold known as the cave in the Star Trek: The Next Generationepisode "The Thatcher Incident" (also known as the tribble episode) were auctioned off in 2011. This further illustrates the transition and preservation of these iconic elements as the Star Trek franchise evolved.

For the USS Defiant set, various consoles, including one from Voyager, found their way to an exhibition in the UK between 2016 and 2018. In addition, a display panel from the movie Nemesis was auctioned off in 2010, continuing the tradition of making these props accessible to fans.

The Kelvin Bridge Chair and Its Outliving Legacy

A standout example is the Kelvin bridge chair from Star Trek 2009, which was auctioned off in 2010. This chair, constructed as part of the Klingon sets in the film, found its place among Star Trek enthusiasts, ensuring that even modern productions of Star Trek could leave their mark on the franchise’s legacy.

Paramount Pictures, the production company behind these series, had a policy of dismantling and destroying props after the series or film ended. This practice was not exclusive to the original series but was common throughout the history of Hollywood production. However, the preservation of some key props and sets through auctions and exhibitions ensures that fans can still experience the magic of Star Trek even decades later.

For those interested in more detailed information on the whereabouts and stories behind these props, websites like Memory Alpha are a treasure trove of information. These sites not only provide comprehensive overviews but also invite fans to explore the legacy of Star Trek in greater detail.

In conclusion, while the original series sets were primarily dismantled and destroyed, the legacy of these iconic props continues through auctions, exhibitions, and the ongoing use of these elements in subsequent series. The enduring popularity of Star Trek ensures that these props remain a part of the franchise's rich history and continue to inspire new generations of fans.

Keywords: Star Trek props, Original Series sets, Star Trek collectibles

Backlinks:

Command Chair USS Enterprise Deep Space Nine Nemesis (film) Star Trek Into Darkness