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Large-scale Martian miniature filming spacecraft from Zombies of the Stratosphere and Commando Cody

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia Start Price:20,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
Large-scale Martian miniature filming spacecraft from Zombies of the Stratosphere and Commando Cody
Condition Reports: If you wish to obtain additional information on a particular lot, or cannot appear at the viewing, Profiles may provide, upon request, a condition report. We remind prospective buyers that descriptions of property are not warranted and that each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the terms of the limited warranty. Condition reports, as other descriptions of property, are not warranted; they are only provided as a service to interested clients.
(Republic Pictures, 1952) Fuselage constructed of fiberglass, with fins and turret of balsa wood, painted matte silver for special effects filming, and measuring 52” long, 12” high, and 14” wide. Small metal nosecap is attached to prevent structural damage during motion effects, as well as nose and tail eyelets (with nylon filament remnants) for “invisible” suspension while filming. This is the invading Martians’ space ship, who have come to blow Earth off its orbit so that Mars can take its warmer place in the solar system. This prop space craft is clearly visible not only in numerous scenes throughout both serials, but appears in a number of posters and other original publicity materials for them as well. Zombies of the Stratosphere gained quite a late cult following after unbilled menacing Martian Leonard Nimoy came to fame 14 years later in the television series Star Trek (not entirely unlike these simple space operas), portraying once again, an inscrutable and emotionless alien, Mr. Spock. This amazing relic of the beginning of space travel on screen, which was designed by the legendary sci-fi effects team of Howard and Theodore Lydecker, saw extensive duty for Republic, and may even have appeared in other serials like Radar Men from the Moon and the like. Condition is quite remarkable considering its age and the manner in which it was used, including smoke effects billowing from tail (soot residue is present, and paint has bubbled in that area); paint layer has crackalure and has chipped out in a few small areas, revealing fiber web of structure; fin edges are scraped and extreme tips of the four larger tails are missing; turret once had a small faux gun barrel which is missing; all very minor issues when considering the historical significance (not to mention the fun factor) of such a spectacular and unique science-fiction film prop. Very Good.