SFScope reviewer Sarah Stegall points out that Hollywood auction house Profiles in History is once again ramping up for an auction of interest to sf/f/h fans. This time, it’s “Hollywood Auction 37”, which will be conducted 8-9 October 2009, and comprise 1200 lots (as with most of their auctions, there are many signed photographs, letters, and posters). The lot that caught her eye is #626: “Early Production Apple Macintosh 128 computer given to Gene Roddenberry by Apple Computer” (pictured at right). This lot is described as “This is an early production Macintosh 128 personal computer presented to Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry as a gift by Apple Computer, Inc. Bearing the serial number F4200NUM0001, this machine is listed as being the 776th example built. The Macintosh was a revelation among personal computers when it came on the market in 1984, being the first commercially successful personal computer to feature a mouse and a graphical user interface rather than a command-line interface. This computer was subsequently upgraded to a Macintosh Plus by Apple for Mr. Roddenberry (the original Mac’s Achilles heel was its insufficient memory). The computer features the beige-colored case with 9 in. display, 3.5 in. floppy drive and includes the short keyboard, external floppy drive, mouse and deluxe Apple logo padded carrying case. An incredible artifact with a wonderful association between the visionary computer designer/manufacturer and legendary Star Trek creator, and is a stellar example of the powerful synergy between technology and entertainment. Accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from Gene Roddenberry’s son, Rod.” Profiles in History expects the lot to sell for between $800 and $1200. On a related historical note, after his death, Isaac Asimov’s computer (silver-and-black a TRS-80) was given to New York City’s Science Fiction Shop. That store later merged with a comics shop, and then closed. Any readers know what’s become of the computer?
Some other interesting lots in the auction include: Lot #604: “The largest privately held photographic archive of Star Trek images”, which the auction house describes thus: “In all, nearly 10,000 pieces in the form of photographs, slides, transparencies and negatives, beginning with Star Trek: The Original Series (including the original two pilots) on through all feature films from Star Trek: The Motion Picture through Star Trek: Insurrection, then continuing through Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager. Many of the Original Series images have never been published. Featured are candid shots of the actors, scene stills, behind the scenes images taken during production, close-ups of various props, set pieces, costumes and alien creatures and makeup appliances. A virtual treasure trove of images from what many consider the most significant television show of all time. The archive has been used as a source over the years in all of [the] TV Guide Star Trek Anniversary issues, as well as other magazines such as Entertainment Weekly and Time, numerous books, calendars, biographies, trading cards, toys, action figures, etc. Without question, this archive outshines Paramount’s own Star Trek: The Original Series archive both in scope and quality. From the collection of Star Trek consultant and former assistant to Gene Roddenberry, Richard Arnold. Interested bidders strongly encouraged to preview the material in person. Note to Bidders: No copyrights accompany any of the images contained in this lot.” This lot, Profiles in History thinks should fetch $8,000-$12,000.
Lot #1146: “Full-scale screen-used Hero Bumblebee robot from Transformers“. It stands 16 feet 10 7/8 inches tall and weighs 3200 pounds. Built by FXperts, Inc. The model has been on a worldwide tour (including England, France, Japan, Korea, and around the US). When fully assembled, Bumblebee is 13 feet 5 13/16 inches wide, but it’s “currently de-assembled and housed in three large wooden crates. Assistance with assembly can be provided, if needed.” Estimated price: $60,000-$80,000.
Lot #965: “Original screen-used sectional piece of the Death Star surface from Star Wars“. “This original Death Star surface section comes from the collection of Academy Award-winning visual effects wizard, Richard Edlund. When creating the visual effect for the climactic assault on the Death Star in the original Star Wars, four scales of miniatures were used for altitude effect. This large section, measuring 8.25 in. x 48 in. is of the scale appropriate for the approach altitude of approximately 1,000 to 500 feet. Due to the filming equipment available in the day, these surface shots had to be taken in bright sunlight in the parking lot outside the studio.” Estimated price: $8,000-$12,000.
Lot #814: “Michael Keaton hero ‘Batman’ costume and display from Batman Returns“. Includes the original “armored” rubber body suit, boots, gauntlet gloves with serrated “fins”, rubberized cape, and “Batman” cowl which has been stabilized in areas. “The costume is mounted on a Michael Keaton body form and the cowl is mounted on Keaton’s life cast and features prosthetic grade glass eyes.” Estimated price: $60,000-$80,000.
Lot #893: “Full-scale Velociraptor maquette from Jurassic Park“. “This full-scale maquette of the fearsome Velociraptor was created as a paint study for the cunning pack-hunting dinosaur characters brought to life in the first Jurassic Park film. Created from resin and dense urethane foam over a steel armature, this Raptor stands an impressive 67 in. tall (on custom base) x 142 in. long.” Estimated price: $30,000-$50,000.
Lot #880: “Screen-used Terminator T-800 complete costume and display from Terminator 2: Judgment Day“. “This screen-used costume, consisting of distressed leather biker jacket, distressed black t-shirt, black faux leather pants, waist belt, boots, glove, grenade shoulder belt and plastic Beretta 9mm pistol were on the Arnold puppet used in the steel mill finale. The screen-used costume and pieces are mounted on an incredible full-body form of Arnold Schwarzenegger in ‘Stage 5’ advanced deterioration with exposed endo chest and left knee, created from the original molds and detailed and painted by the same artists responsible for the film character. The grenade launcher is replica to complete the display and the single exposed ‘endo’ eye illuminates red (adapted to standard wall socket). This figure was featured prominently in the famed display room at Stan Winston Studio. Stands approx. 6 ft. 4 in. tall (on base).” Estimated price: $40,000-$60,000.
Lot #978: “Large-scale model of front section of Discovery ship from 2010“. “Constructed in the same large scale as the primary Leonov filming miniature and used for scenes showing the two ships docked. Since most of the scenes would be shot in close-ups, only the command sphere and three cargo modules were built in this scale. (Long shots of the Discovery were accomplished with a separate 12 ft. miniature.) The command ‘ball’ measures 41 in. tall x 52 in. long. The top plate access panel gives access to the wiring loom. The cargo modules are separate items that attach to the ball via a steel pipe. Though only three cargo modules were used for filming, this lot includes extra cargo modules that were built for the film. It is in prime condition, Discovery is secured on iron base and both pieces are crated for delivery. Crate dimensions are 82 in. long x 42 in. wide x 30 in. tall (cargo module sections) and 52 in. tall x 60 in. wide x 50 in. tall (front ball).” Estimated price: $15,000-$20,000.
Lot #1197: “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince signed one-sheet poster” signed by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Tom Felton, and Bonnie Wright. Includes a Warner Bros. CoA. Estimated price: $600-$800.
Lot #842: “Screen-used magic wand box from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone“. “Original screen-used wand box given out to attendees of the UK premier of the film, constructed of cardboard with gold decal on the cover reading ‘Ollivander’s—This is to certify that the wand box is a genuine Ollivander’s article.’ Signed in black ink by Dame Maggie Smith who played Professor Minerva McGonagall.” Estimated price: $400-$600.
If you can’t make it to the auction in person (26901 Agoura Road, Suite 150, Calabassas Hills, California 91301 USA), you can bid online at iCollector.com (pre-registration and approval to bid is required).
Related articles previously published on SFScope:
Ackerman auction set: massive amounts of memorabilia on the block (14 April 2009)
Forrest J Ackerman’s collection to be auctioned off (12 February 2009)