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Star Trek (1966) Mark English (ME) Forgery Communicator

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Television Memorabilia Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Star Trek (1966) Mark English (ME) Forgery Communicator
One of the most sought after and controversial props is the original communicator from "Star Trek" (1966). Very few of the actual screen used communicators remain. Because of both its intrinsic and monetary value, great energy was put into creating "replicas" (or perhaps more accurately, forgeries). Some of the best burst out on the collecting scene about 25 years ago. So good were these reproductions, that even the best Star Trek experts, as well as craftsmen who made the originals were hard pressed to see the difference without hyper-scrupulous inspection. Most of these came from the hands of Mark English. It was said that he actually had a real screen used functional communicator at his disposal, to help him in every detail. Great "care" was made to give these old props a "patina", including the use of some rather "exotic" liquids to age-stain the brass antenna. Other signs that these were reproductions are seen in the more modern "hooks" on the back-glued Velcro as well as the mic grill holes, the material used for the Jewels and the moiré insert pattern (which does not match the originals). So many "forgeries" were created, that they were all given the nickname of "ME" (for Mark English), even if they were made by someone else. Ironically, Mark English "reproductions" have become collectables in their own right. This is a Mark English "reproduction", which has been authenticated by several top Star Trek authorities. Approx 3"x4", closed, 7" with antenna grid open. Crew members and independent collectors have verified the authenticity of this item as a Mark English Forgery. Comes with a COA from Premiere Props.