Updated: September 13, 2023

"Knowledge Helmet" from Episode, "Spock's Brain" of Star Trek: The Original Series ( Paramount TV, 1968 ). Vintage original "The Great Teacher of All the Ancient Knowledge" bubble helmet constructed of clear acrylic dome with aluminum disc protrusions at ear level and tooled aluminum component spires, spikes and acrylic knobs to serve as "feeder circuits" to the brain, attached to the helmet by nuts-and-bolts hardware on the interior. In the series, the instantly recognizable helmet was created by an ancient civilization known as the Eymorgs. Highly visible worn by "Dr. McCoy" ( Deforest Kelley ) in the episode when it's used to teach the doctor the complex surgery required to restore "Spock's" ( Leonard Nimoy ) stolen brain. The helmet measures 17" x 18" x 15" and exhibits age, production use with front acrylic seams unglued and interior chipping below frontal lobe spike and minor cracks at top of crown. Exhibited at the legendary Star Trek: The Exhibit at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C., February 1992 through January 1993. Featured on page 37 of the book The Art of Star Trek by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens ( Simon & Schuster, 1995 ).

Value: $8,000.