Updated: August 18, 2023

A special effects flying saucer spaceship miniature, created by L.B. "Bill" Abbott for Robert Wise's classic Cold War-era science fiction film The Day the Earth Stood Still ( 20th Century Fox, 1951 ), in which the mysterious alien "Klaatu" ( Michael Rennie ) and his imposing robot bodyguard "Gort" ( Lock Martin ) visit Earth to caution the governments of the world against their development of atomic power for the purpose of conflict and war. Mounted on a stand for display purposes.

The large miniature is composed of fiberglass that has been painted silver with a small triangular opening cut along one side of the dome. The 1/24 scale minature was conceived by art directors Lyle Wheeler and Addison Hehr and created by L.B. Abbott, Ray Kellogg and Emil Kosa. The model was one of the first that was used with an optical matte process to simulate flight.

Award-winning miniature and visual effects master Greg Jein, rescued the model from the 20th Century Fox lot when sold by the studio, and then preserved and exhibited the model until 2003. Prior to the original sale, it was on display at Disney-MGM Studios in Orlando Florida by the American Film Institute.

The model can be seen during the iconic landing of the craft on a baseball field in Washington, D.C., one of the first times that an optical matte process was used to depict a miniature in flight on screen. The UFO appears as an oval of light initially, but its outline and shape can be seen more clearly when it glides over the Washington Monument.

Legendary cameraman / cinematographer L.B. Abbott became an expert in the creation of special effects c. 1950s. He won Academy Special Achievement Awards for his work on Doctor Dolittle ( 20th Century Fox, 1968 ), Tora! Tora! Tora! ( 20th Century Fox, 1971 ), The Poseidon Adventure ( 20th Century Fox, 1972 ), and Logan's Run ( United Artists, 1976 ). The Day the Earth Stood Still was his first film and his name does not appear in the original credits.

Value: $60,000.