You have never seen the Blade Runner blaster before - PHOTOS RESTORED

[franz bolo]

I started a new thread about screen used props here http://www.therpf.com/index.php?showtopic=116349 so we don't mess this one up.

FB

 

[eltee]

<div class='quotetop'>(tain669 @ Sep 4 2006, 06:27 PM) [snapback]1313017[/snapback]</div>

It also makes me sad to see this important piece of flim history in such a state of disrepair.I'd like to see it restored to it's former gloryIt must pain everyone who see this prop that hasbeen an object of such devotion and study on a subject that I know has given me a love of sorts if you will forwhat I think is one of the most beloved icons of motion picture props.But thats just my 2 cents Thanks
[/b]

The two opposing philosophies would be: 1. Leave it in its existing condition. Refinishing and restoration would remove some of the originality and devalue it. 2. Restore it to as-used-in-film condition.

Those two issues are debated over everything from western ghost towns, castles to works of art and historical artifacts.

IF it was decided to restore the piece, there are many expert gun restorers out there. Some do work for the Smithsonian, other museums, etc. These guys work magic, taking a gun found rotting and rusting in a muddy riverbank and restoring it to as-new condition for a museum.

If it was MY blaster (dream on) I would leave the exterior finish alone other than to remove the rust. I would restore the innards (barrel, Bulldog action, etc.). Then I would be sure it received regular PM.

 

[nick daring]

I understand the case you are making for these top tier collectors, Phil.

You can call it elitist but part of the fun of having somethign rare is the restricted ejnoyment of the object. Priviledged access makes a collector feel special in some cases. Often actual money value has little to do with it. The idea of singular ownership (in both physical form and intellectual) is point of collecting.

Some here would call such a philosophy hoarding due to the nature of our replication hobby but it's a common thing in "real" collector worlds. I own a good bit of original illustration art from the last hundred years and I have limited interest interest in throwing it under a scanner any time soon. I get a small bit of enjoyment that the people that come to my house and myself are the only ones who will get a good upclose look at the fine details of the artwork that I worked so hard to obtain.

That being said, for investment purposes letting limited access available is really the best way to go. Getting a furvor going about a props existence would increase desirability far more than the "it doesn't exist" mystique. Competition builds and a piece goes for bigger money.

It'll be interesting to see what happens with Bob Burns and Forrey's collection. These are definately two individuals whose collections have been very well documented and will one day probably be sold to the highest bidder. Will the long term open access policy increase or decrease the value of their pieces? Time will tell but it's obvious that these two collectors are definately from the other camp. Sharing the exitement of these items only increases their enjoyment.

Both ideologies are valid in my opinion.

Nick

 

[franz bolo]

I'm sure this has been posted or viewed, but I just saw it and thought it was cool.

I got this info on the gun from http://scribble.com/uwi/br/fn/fn-ch8.html

By
Paul M. Sammon
© Copyright 2000 by Paul M. Sammon


<div class='quotetop'></div>

Terry Lewis was in charge of assembling and constructing many different props for Blade Runner. But, according to Syd Mead, one object in particular caused persistent headaches for Lewis's prop department.
"That was Deckard's handgun," Mead says. "There were endless permutations of that. Ridley was adamant that it look exotic, yet believable. So I kept changing the look of that thing. One rejected Deckard handgun design, in fact, I simply laid on its side, and it became a telephone."

"Deckard's firearm was a problem," confirms Ivor Powell. "We just couldn't seem to come up with something Ridley liked. But then one day he and I were on a 'reccy,' or location hunt, near downtown Los Angeles. And we were passing a gun shop when Ridley suggested we have a look 'round inside. So we're browsing through the store when I notice this bolt-action thing, part of a disassembled weapon that was laying in a glass case. I pointed it out to Ridley. He said 'Interesting' That was the start of the final design for Deckard's gun."

The sectionalized weapon which had caught Powell and Scott's attention was part of the barrel and bolt-action mechanism (a "reciever") of a Steyr Mannlicher .222 Model SL, a firearm manufactured in Austria. Ironically, this weapon is a rifle, not a handgun (and certainly not the "German flare pistol" I erroneously reported as being the framework for Deckard's gun in my 1982 Cinefantastigue BR article). But subsequent, extensive modifications by the Blade Runner prop department transformed the Steyr Mannlicher .222 into a standard Replicant Hunter's sidearm*.

First, the majority of the Steyr/Mannlicher's barrel was sawn off, down to its bolt-action receiver. Then (most of) a Charter Arms .44 Special Police Bulldog revolver was attached underneath the abbreviated Steyr / Mannlicher mechanism. Next, a new, translucent, amber-colored pistol grip was added to the Bulldog's frame. Now two red LED lights, powered by a small internal battery, were inset on either side of the weapon, just forward of the Steyr/Mannlicher's distinctive twin triggers. Finally, a large, cockable hammer was attached at the rear of the bolt action assembly, the entire gun painted a flat matte black, and the end result took on the appearance of a convincingly formidable sidearm.

It's a common practice for prop departments to also manufacture molded-rubber "stunt doubles" of weapons, to use in either long shots or in situations when there is no need to display the genuine prop. Such was also the case with Deckard's handgun. "I still have Deckard's rubber stunt-gun in its holster in my home," concludes Powell. "It's a nice souvineer." Terry Lewis' assistants in the BR prop department were David Ouick, Arthur Shippee Jr. and John A. Scott III.


*Holden, the Blade Runner shot by Leon in the opening of the film, can be briefly seen clutching the same type of handgun used by Harrison Ford in BR, after Holden crashes through an office cubicle wall and Leon shoots him a second time. [/b]

 

[philippes]

That was the story of how the guns were originally found, but I believe it was actually Art Shippee and Robbie Knott who went into the shop and bought the firearms. Knott had been hired to create the pyrotechnic rounds fired out of the gun. Robbie subsequently subcontracted the gun work to an extremely talented Hispanic machinist.

Additionally, several years go, I was contacted by the guy who worked at B&B Guns in Los Angeles who sold the weapons to Art and Robbie. Since Art had a Federal Firearms License, they were purchased under his name.

I was going to eventually write a follow-up article to the one on my website sharing this information, but I simply haven't had the time. I guess now is as good a moment as ever.

Over the years, I also discovered the exact holster that was used for the Deckard blaster, as well as the off-the-shelf grips they employed. Do inquiring minds want to know?

Actually, the holster information has already been made public to a large extent, but I don't think the grip information is widely known.

Phil

 

[Noeland]

<div class='quotetop'></div>

Do inquiring minds want to know? [/b]

Yes they do. :angel

 

[proplica]

I thought I would add my two cents on this thread and reveal some more Blade Runner artifacts, one of which is hero blaster related.
Some of you may know some of my Blade Runner research has been acquired from working with a few of the film's crew members, and also assisting with the spinner restoration, recently I have been making some things available from a retired crewmember that worked on the sets and vehicles.
When the sets were stuck, props were destroyed and the offices and shops were vacated, there were a few items that escaped the dumpsters.
My contact is one of the few that managed to store these things away for years.
He actually was involved in dismantling the spinner process car as an example.

He kept things shown here, some shown for the very first time....

An original hero blaster ammo cartridge with leds still in place, this was an untrimmed unit made for back up use.
Original back-up blaster grips, the grips would break during filming, a few extras were made. These are the only known surviving pair.
Original parking meter decals, taken right off the prop on the set.
Original license plate.
The driver's side door panels from the spinner process car, Some of these were scratch-made, while others panels were aircraft parts acquired by the art department. Very familiar technique which Ridley did on Alien.
The Narcissus control console used model kit parts as well as rub on lettering.

I thought you would all like to see some these and be aware these will be offered for sale in the near future.

Bryan

 

[racprops]

I was asked why I was showing all the Classic Phasers, and other Star Trek and Sci-Fi props?

Would these not help fakes be made better??

I answered that I have been asked so many times at lease a over a hundred times, that someone has what they were told was a real Star Trek prop... only to see it or get pictures and have to tell them that they had been TOTALY taken, that they had been given or worst sold a common copyprop model, often of the cheapest kind like aold Jim Kirk model or a Marco ETC.

So if they had one that looked like these at lease their friends and fellow fans will not have to tell them the sad truth, at lease they will own something even we can not tell for sure with out cabon dating etc.


Rich

 

[PHArchivist]

:confused

<div class='quotetop'>(philippes @ Sep 5 2006, 10:07 PM) [snapback]1313587[/snapback]</div>

Over the years, I also discovered [omitted] the off-the-shelf grips they employed. Do inquiring minds want to know?

[/b]

:confused

 

[phase pistol]

I have been asked to remove the photographs. Sorry for the inconvenience.

- Karl

 

[philippes]

Based on what's happened here, I've even been asked to remove photos of the grips.

As I previously mentioned, several stakeholders are upset, and people at the very, VERY highest levels are involved.

If Tom Southwell hasn't already gotten a phone call, he probably will soon.

Phil

 

[Talisen]

Well that kinda sucks Karl. Would you be able to explain why? Who or for what reason you might have been asked?

I'm sure many people copied them to their own computers, but it's a shame to have to pull them.

Just interested in hearing the reasons

 

[phase pistol]

The complete and entire reason, is: circumstances beyond my control have compelled me to take them down.

I will be removing the files from the server at the earliest opportunity; would those who posted links to my pics in their replies, please take them down (the photos that is). Thank you.

- k

 

[amish]

Karl,

Not to be an ass, but what is to prevent someone else from hosting them and putting them up for people to view? I am not saying I am doing this, but your actions here are quite curious.

Thanks.

Tom

 

[PHArchivist]

<div class='quotetop'>(phase pistol @ Sep 6 2006, 03:48 AM) [snapback]1313811[/snapback]</div>

The complete and entire reason, is: circumstances beyond my control have compelled me to take them down.

I will be removing the files from the server at the earliest opportunity; would those who posted links to my pics in their replies, please take them down (the photos that is). Thank you.

- k
[/b]

Honorable for you to post as such.

The mystique, enigma, and (dare I say) controversy of this prop endures...

I -- for one -- thank you, Karl...



<div class='quotetop'>(amish @ Sep 6 2006, 04:03 AM) [snapback]1313823[/snapback]</div>

Not to be an ass, but what is to prevent someone else from hosting them and putting them up for people to view? I am not saying I am doing this, but your actions here are quite curious.

Thanks.

Tom
[/b]

Tom, I KNOW you know this -- but it is a one-word answer...


INTEGRITY




<div class='quotetop'>(philippes @ Sep 6 2006, 03:28 AM) [snapback]1313802[/snapback]</div>

According to Jay Abramson, who worked at the shop that sold the guns to the Blade Runner production, Bianchi Lightening grips were employed as the basis for the custom grips later created for the weapon:

<div align="center">

Phil
[/b][/quote]
Interesting... Seems a bit of a stretch, but I suppose I can see it. Thanks for the insight, Phil.

So for those in the industry back in the early 80's, how was it for working with clear resins and plasitcs? I presume not too different from today. Model railroaders and surfers have been working with clear resins for decades, right...?

So was the creation process for the custom grips pretty much what we'd expect from today? Sculpt up a master, mold it, cast it in dyed, clear resin...?

 

[amish]

PHArchivist,

Integrity is understandable, however; if someone is bullying Karl into removing pictures taken at a public event, that is something else entirely.

P.S. Then again what do i know

edit:

P.S.S. I have told Karl in a pm I will speak no more of this in this thread and I apologize to him as I am truly in his debt for posting these pictures to begin with.

 

[PHArchivist]

<div class='quotetop'>(amish @ Sep 6 2006, 04:20 AM) [snapback]1313834[/snapback]</div>

PHArchivist,

Integrity is understandable, however; if someone is bullying Karl into removing pictures taken at a public event, that is something else entirely.

P.S. Then again what do i know
[/b]

Yes, true...

Focusing the "moral compass" on this is difficult. If the request was fair and reasonable, then those with integrity would/should honor it.

On the other hand, if it was a bullying request, or otherwise unsavory, whose to say?

For now, I respect Karl's choice of honoring the request.

 

[phase pistol]

No one is bullying me, and it isn't due to anything that was posted or messaged to me on this or any other board.

Basically I decided to take the pictures down voluntarily to avoid further complicating an already confused situation.

- k

 

[Clutch]

This place never ceases to amaze me. We always find a way to suck the fun out of everything. Money is usually at the root of it.

 

[Nexus6]

<div class='quotetop'>(clutch @ Sep 6 2006, 12:57 AM) [snapback]1313854[/snapback]</div>

This place never ceases to amaze me. We always find a way to suck the fun out of everything. Money is usually at the root of it.
[/b]

*sigh*

It does kind of seem that way at times, doesn't it? :unsure