A 3-foot model of the USS Enterprise, used in the original Star Trek series, has resurfaced after going missing for decades.
The model was discovered on eBay by a group of Star Trek enthusiasts who determined it was the long-lost model based on its unique details and markings.
The model was made by prop-maker Richard Datin Jr. under the direction of Gene Roddenberry in the preproduction phase of the series. It was used for the opening credits sequence and all but one of the shots of the Enterprise in the series’ pilot. The model was also used sporadically in other shots in later episodes.
Gene Roddenberry’s son, Rod Roddenberry, has expressed interest in acquiring the model and hopes to connect with the seller. The seller has not yet identified themselves or explained how they came to acquire the model.
Members of the private Facebook group “Star Trek Prop Makers & Collectors” reached out to the seller, advocating for the model’s return to its presumed rightful owners—the estate of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry.
The sources for this piece include an article in ArsTechnica.