I've been making custom pieces of comparable style that are one-of-a-kinds for far less. I even posted one of them for sale in the junkyard but got no bites.
The thing is, there's a FAR larger market for "name" pieces (lightsabers, phasers) than there is for something without a "pedigree". Generally among we prop collectors, it isn't good enough that the design is cool (though we all appreciate that). It needs the additional cache' of being associated with a motion picture, tv show or story that gives it mystique.
I made a steam punk sonic screwdriver (two in fact) and had no trouble getting decent money for them. I made two steam punk lightsabers and could continue making them for weeks and never have enough to supply the demands. Folks really like that Star Wars stuff, you know?
But when I made the groovy Vulcan's Hammer Electric Pistol (my own design) , I got a lot of "good job"s and "cool design"s but nobody wanted to add it to their collection for what it was worth. It didn't have a "pedigree".
Now, don't take that as a complaint against anything or anybody. Its just observation. Its the nature of our desires as prop collectors. It also has to do with the fact that "Steam Punk" aesthetic hasn't yet established itself as sturdily as the aesthetic of the serials from the 30's 40's and 50's. And even the "look" that was brought about by Star Wars in the 1970's. Folks are going to have to see more Steam Punk to really appreciate it. We also haven't had a truly defining example of Steam Punk for people to glom on to. We keep having to define it by referencing the Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues and such.
I have no doubt that the whole Steam Punk "thing" is about to break heavily into the consciousness of the world. Its just having birthing pains right now.
-Gordon
