TOS “Catspaw” transmuter wand

[alensatemybuick]

…on other forums, maybe…not on the RPF

 

[alensatemybuick]

It’s all approximation.

 

[Jintosh]

It’s all approximation.

Approximating the concept is not the same as approximating the object.

Concept : A wand with a crystal on the end.

Actual object : A large faceted crystal inside a shell with tiny facets.

They are not the same thing.

 

[alensatemybuick]

Except I’m not sure there’s agreement as to what you describe, or any definitive photographic evidence to inform us.

I have the same replica as Mr. Wax posted. I think (but I’m not 100% sure, as I forget how I came by mine) it was made by Steve Pielock. Regardless, at one point I’d thought about using some kind of glitter paint on it to better approximate (there’s that word again) what I think the screenshots show, but I never felt certain enough about what to use / how to proceed. Besides, as stated by someone else already, I also don’t think the facets match the ones from the best available screenshots (in terms of the hexagons around the “equator”), so why bother if it still won’t be quite correct. It’s a beautiful piece regardless, and I’d only consider replacing the bulb if I knew for sure what the production actually used. I’d also heard it was a Christmas ornament.

Star Trek: The Original Series Ornithoid Transmuter replica TV series prop

From second season episode Catspaw, this 'magic wand', in actuality a sophisticated telepathically-controlled matter-energy converter, was carried by the alien wizard Korob, lusted after by his power- ...

www.yourprops.com

 

[Jintosh]

All the screenshots that I've seen are ROUND-ish and all replicas I've seen are NOT round. I rate those replicas as non-accurate.
Even the picture of Kirk holding the wand in the link you just posted is round. A single crystal on the end of a rod is not round, therefore not accurate.

You can also see the seam running horizontally along the equator of the "shell" in this screen shot. A round shell around a non round crystal. So, when light shines through, you can see the larger crystal facets.

 

[alensatemybuick]

A better screenshot or photo of the original prop might end the debate, but I don’t see a seam, any more than I see one on my replica; on mine, there is a character line, created by the facet cuts, separating the upper and lower hemispheres, and I think that’s what we’re seeing on the original, though somewhat different knob (or whatever it was).

 

[Lightning]

I definitely see facets on the actual exterior. it never looks smooth regardless of lighting.

 

[Jintosh]

If they are the same facets (or close) your wand is still incomplete, because you haven't reproduced the color of the original. Yours is like an unpainted replica. WIP.

 

[Jintosh]

Well, Funky, I think it is clear that there are facets the size of alensatemybuick's crystal **AND** smaller facets that could NOT be from his crystal. I say it is clear, and he thinks not. I see many, many tiny facets that are completely inconsistent with his wand, but without more people chiming in to agree with me, it may be a losing battle. Clearer pictures would help.

 

[Lightning]

do we know if the wand was internally lighted, or did they fake it by shining a focused beam on it from off camera?


edit: hey maybe its a gear shift knob, that would already be threaded.

 

[TheBeast]

All I know is, I looked at the animated gif, my imposter syndrome kicked into high.

 

[Lost in Trek]

My guess is a Christmas ornament was used for the top of the wand.

The one in Ticonderoga was made by Pielock. I have one in my collection. I’ve thought about frosting the topper to be more accurate.

 

[Funky]

I’m “mostly” concentrating on the piece from the headpiece to the wand. Can someone machine these?

 

[Ronldheld]

Was in Ticonderoga. The transmuter was in a case under low lights. Could not get any better photos.

 

[mtpalin]

FWIW, there was some discussion on TPZ that the topper was crystal, but wrapped in some sort of material to prevent glare during filming...