Bombshells to Blasters, An Auction You Can't Refuse Pt. 2

Lot #46:

Broken Polearm from Star Trek's 1st Pilot Episode

Original polearm prop constructed of heavy, solid cast metal with embedded wooden shaft handle. This broken polearm is highly visible during the scene where "Captain Christopher Pike" (Jeffrey Hunter) battles a beast to save a damsel in distress, "Vina" (Susan Oliver). "The Cage" was originally filmed in 1965, but was ultimately rejected by NBC, and the footage later spliced into a later episode, "The Menagerie". The whole episode was finally released on VHS in 1986, and broadcast in color in 1988. This epic medieval style polearm was repurposed from a 1935 RKO picture, She, and can also be seen on promotional images for that film. One of the few surviving relics from the early Hollywood studio, this weapon was saved from the rubbish bin after the entire storehouse of props was sold to Sony, as the handle had been broken and the blade was under a desk, awaiting repair. Ironically, the prop master who retrieved the relic needed to repurpose the piece for use, so the broken handle was removed. Later, when it was discovered to have been the actual broken example seen in the historic Star Trek episode, the owner recreated the original handle. Retaining studio stamp in the casting on the metal ball portion of the blade,"RKO A10411." Measuring 44.25 x 8.5 x 3 in. Exhibiting production wear. In vintage very good to fine condition. Comes with an LOA from the FX artist who rescued and preserved the prop.