Updated: September 10, 2023

Wah Chang-Built Hero Starfleet Tricorder from Star Trek: The Original Series ( Paramount TV, 1966-1969 ). Vintage original hero Tricorder ( portable sensing-recording-computing device ) prop constructed of vacuum-formed plastic shell, aluminum, resin and faux leather components, designed and built by the legendary artist, sculptor, model and miniature master Wah Chang, who created many of the props and alien creatures for Star Trek: TOS. This hero Tricorder is one of two built by Chang and was intended to be used for close up photography with enhanced design details as well as vastly superior fit and finish compared with later examples built on the Desilu / Paramount studio lot ( Wah Chang provided an image of a Desilu Productions, Inc. invoice, dated June 21, 1966, paying him to build "Two tricorders @ $275.00 ea." for the 1991 book Inside Star Trek: The Real Story, by Herbert F. Solow and Robert H. Justman ). This hand prop features a flip-top panel containing an aluminum-framed 2" x 1.5" plastic view screen, a tiny brass speaker screen, 3-dials, and 3-blue jewels mounted on wristwatch crowns. A design characteristic unique to this hero Tricorder is the installation of a small black slide switch on top of the aluminum crossbar. This unique switch is visible in episodes "Shore Leave" and "The Galileo Seven". Two hinged front panels open ( the top panel lid opens partially ) and both compartments are empty. Includes the original integral faux leather carrying strap ( Note: An unfinished leather strap with brown suede exposed on one side was installed on this Tricorder for both "Shore Leave" and "The Galileo Seven". Production later switched to the present faux leather strap design that is finished on both sides ). The prop measures 5.5" x 7" x 1.75" and exhibits age, production wear and some soiling.

Value: $60,000.