Casting from Screenused ANH Imperial Officer blaster

[bigbaddaddyvader]

This is a casting taken directly from a screenused ANH Imperial Officer blaster.Only five casts were taken from this blaster so a very limited run.Requires sanding and painting but a very cool blaster:

$225 plus shipping.PM or email for details.PayPal only please.

 

[Darth Lars]

I'm sorry but that can not possibly be a cast from a screen-used gun. It must be a cast of a replica made from replica parts.

- The flash hider is a cast of a replica, not a cast of a real one. The best tells are the too short knurled section and the too narrow flat section below the knurled.

- The real gun used to cast the screen-used guns was a real Mauser pistol. It had the text "Waffenfabrik Mauser" clearly visible on the side.
This base-gun is most probably a Denix. There are many tells.

I'm sorry if you bought the master believing it to be a real screen-used prop.
I am sending you an email as well.

 

[bigbaddaddyvader]

This was taken from a screenused piece with indisputable provenance and is also featured in the Star Wars chronicles book.The original had previously been in the collection of the late John Stears..This officer blaster was used by officers aboard the Death Star.Here is the original piece:

 

[moffeaton]

That looks exactly like the parts Boba Debt offered back in 2000 or so. Exactly. The "Imperial Disc", the scratchbuilt greeblies on the right side, and even the auto indicator lamp domes...

 

[bigbaddaddyvader]

The original was purchased from the collection of John Stears in 1999.I really cant add any more to it I'm afraid other than to say that the original has extensive and thorough documentation and provenance.

 

[bigbaddaddyvader]

I am removing this piece for sale until I can get some more information on the original from the current owner of the blaster.Thank you for your input guys.

 

[lonepigeon]

It's cast from a Bobadebt replica.
I told the owner that when they posted it on myprops.com

The red dots on the side were Bobadebt's idea.
Darth Lars posted some other good giveaways.

It's a fake/replica.
Absolutely no doubt about it.

 

[wolverine solo]

wasnt this called a merrsonn blaster.

 

[bigbaddaddyvader]

As I say guys I appreciate all your input here.Having seen all the information presented to me I would be hard-pressed to disagree with any of you.

 

[jdebord]

I had asked Ashley about the "original" back in 2005.

This is the provenance that was relayed to me:

The Blaster was originally owned by John Stears, having taken the gun as a momento of his time on ANH. On his death, his wife gifted the blaster to good friend Norman Harrison, who Stears worked with on many movies. I have an hand written letter on original production Star Wars letterhead confirming the pieces history.

The Blaster is made of resin, with attachments like the faux neons. I know that most of the blasters of this style were produced without barrels, so to allow easier, more secure fitting into the Officers holsters. The only ones shown in reference pictures are the ones with the sliced barrel (see the Star Wars Chronicles book), but this type of finished blaster can be seen in the Officers holsters, especially in the docking bay control room. It is suspected that there are only an handful like this completed for close up screen use, maybe only 2 or 3. There are a couple of marks on it, but nothing really of a mention.

I acquired it directly from Norman Harrison, so it's history is traceable direct from source. Norman seemed to recall John Stears saying that this Blaster belonged to the Officer who said "TK421, why aren't you at your post?", but for me, it's impossible to tell. It matches his from the screen shots, but who knows.

Here is a comparison of the purported "original" with one of the replicas that have been around for quite some time:

Another photo shown in an Elstree Props case (with plaque "Original 1977 Prop"):

Jason

 

[bigbaddaddyvader]

Thanks for the further info Jason.Like I say I would be hard-pressed to disagree and this information was not available to me or i would not have offered this piece with this description.It will not be offered in future.

 

[jdebord]

I'm quite sure you didn't know, Niall. I think it would be productive, though, to trace the story and piece back through the history of ownership to see how a replica got paired with a story and provenance that don't seem to match up.

Did Ashley sell you the casting or the prop itself? If the former, who now has the latter?

Thanks,

Jason

 

[lonepigeon]

I had asked Ashley about the "original" back in 2005.

This is the provenance that was relayed to me:

This is a big reason why I don't trust ANYTHING coming from Elstree these days. All of that is blatant LIES. I wonder who fabricated that whole story.
Elstree? They did make the display case with plaque that calls it "original".
Stupid move since every piece on there can be traced back to the fans that made them.

The owner knows it's fake. I told them at least a year ago.

 

[kurtyboy]

Pretty funny actually :lol :lol :wacko

 

[bigbaddaddyvader]

Hi Jason.The casting came from Ashley and he still has the blaster.Beyond that I only know as much as you.I was told the piece came from the collection of John Stears.

 

[jdebord]

Maybe Ashley can chime in here?

Again, per Ashley (circa 2005):

I acquired it directly from Norman Harrison, so it's history is traceable direct from source.

Per the Elstree Props webpage:

Norman Harrison founded the company, and still oversees everything. This page details our history and establishes our credentials for making, preserving and selling film props. If you are buying movie props, provenance is key, and our reputation is what makes us unique.

Thanks,

Jason

 

[bigbaddaddyvader]

I dont think Ashley is registered here jason but I have forwarded the information here to him.

 

[JoeR]

The owner knows it's fake. I told them at least a year ago.

I highly doubt this ill informed statement. :confused

Ashley is a stand up guy and very well respected collector of original props. He would never pass on a cast like this knowing there was any doubt over its authenticity.

Joe

 

[bigbaddaddyvader]

I agree Joe.Ashley is positive about it's authenticity but you have to admit some of the information presented here gives pause for thought about the piece itself.I have not,nor would I,ever question Ash's motives.He is one of my best friends and would never consciously or willingly pass on a fake item.

 

[JoeR]

I agree Joe.Ashley is positive about it's authenticity but you have to admit some of the information presented here gives pause for thought about the piece itself.I have not,nor would I,ever question Ash's motives.He is one of my best friends and would never consciously or willingly pass on a fake item.

I agree, it is as Chris points out another reason to steer well clear of that replica prop shop that happens to be located at Elstree.