Updated: September 10, 2023

Hero Universal Translator Device from Episodes, "Arena" and "Metamorphosis" of Star Trek: The Original Series ( Paramount TV, 1966-1969 ). Vintage original hero Universal Translator prop constructed of a tooled aluminum hollow rod that unscrews into 2 sections, the bottom portion housing wiring and a lighting element and the top section being a groove-lathed shaft embellished by 1" square green and red acrylic panels on a flat portion of the device with a foil patch below. The rod is crowned by a wedge top crafted from a steel file that was prominently used by Captain Kirk ( William Shatner ) in the episode "Arena" to strike a rock causing a spark to ignite the gunpowder charge on the primitive cannon used to defeat the "Gorn". The Universal Translator was also used in the episode "Metamorphosis" to communicate with "the Companion". The device is operated by a discreet on / off switch in the center side of the rod to illuminate the red and green panels. Measures 11" x 1.5" and exhibits age and production wear, including chipped edges to the foil section beneath red and green panels. Electronics untested. Exhibited at the legendary Star Trek: The Exhibit at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C., February 1992 through January 1993. This unique prop was also featured in the revered 1968 reference book The Making of Star Trek by Stephen E. Whitfield and Gene Roddenberry.

Value: $12,000.