The original helm and navigation console from the USS Enterprise used during the production of the television series Star Trek: The Original Series (Desilu Productions, 1966 - 1969).
The console is composed of a wood frame structure, with acrylic, resin, electrical wiring, and aluminum components.
This is the primary helm and navigation console seen throughout the series, first appearing in the pilot episode "The Cage" that aired in 1965. The console was created by Desilu Culver Studios in November 1964.The initial design of the USS Enterprise bridge was crafted by Art Director Pato Guzman alongside Set Designer Walter “Matt” Jefferies. Following the first pilot episode, Jefferies assumed the role of Art Director for the rest of the series. Although the creation of the Enterprise sets involved many contributors, it was Jim Rugg, the Special Effects Supervisor, and Matt Jefferies who played pivotal roles in shaping and constructing the iconic set.
This console is where the helm officer, typically Lieutenant Sulu, operates the ship's navigational and propulsion systems. The console features a number of switches, light-up elements, and original helm targeting scope. High quality replica components include an Astrogator prop, the "Red Alert" beacon, the ship's Chronometer, switch arrays, and other screen-accurate components.
The console has received restorative work, done by Will Smith, a Star Trek fan and creator of TOSGraphics.com. In regards to replica elements, Smith noted, "We made the replacement modules to slip right into the openings where the originals had been, without physically attaching them to the console," Smith says. "We used all LED lighting sources so that the console could be displayed without generating excessive heat that the original incandescent lighting produced, although those ceramic fixtures are still in place inside the console. We even replicated the exact lighting patterns as seen later in the third season of TOS, in an effort to make the restoration as accurate as possible.” Smith continued, "In our investigation we literally were able to examine and measure nearly every area of the console, both inside and out," Smith says. "We could even see multiple layers of paint dating back to the first pilot. Inspecting the rising ‘Sulu scope’ scanner was amazing. The way that it was mechanically linked in order to fold into the console in incredible because it all has to disappear when not in use. Overall, being able to accurately restore the Nav/Helm console was very satisfying and I believe it is something that was long overdue."
This console has been previously exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution's Star Trek exhibition in 1992, was sold to Planet Hollywood in 1993, and has been featured in numerous Star Trek exhibitions in recent years.
This original console is accompanied by two Letters of Authenticity, one from Production Designer Walter M. Jefferies, and one from George Takei.
The letter from Walter M. Jefferies reads "This is to certify that the Command Module from the set of STAR TREK (NBC-TV, 1966-69), being offered at auction by Profiles in History, is the original U.S.S. ENTERPRISE NCC-1701 COMMAND MODULE that was constructed at the Desilu Culver Studios in November of 1964 for the first pilot The Cage, by my production crew. I was then the Set Designer. (After the first pilot, I became the Production Designer for the entire series). Although many people were involved in the actual building of this piece, Special Effects Supervisor Jim Rugg and I were the two main people involved in its design and construction. This set piece, also called "the helm and navigation console' (and sometimes just "the helm") is the one used throughout the entire series by George Takei as Lieutenant Sulu and Walter Koenig as Ensign Chekov and is the only one of its kind in existence." The letter is dated March 10, 2003.
The letter from George Takei reads "This is to certify that the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Command Module (Star Trek - NBC-TV, 1966-69), now being offered at auction by Profiles in History, is the original command module, (which we, the actors, called the HELM AND NAVIGATION CONSOLE) from the set of the original Star Trek television series that I commanded as Lieutenant Sulu for the duration of that series. I have inspected it thoroughly and am able to certify that is the very same piece that Walter Koenig and I used daily on the bridge set at Desilu." The letter is dated March 11, 2003.
Includes a DVD of the first season of the series.
33.5 x 78 x 51 inches
PROVENANCE Lot 43, Christies East, June 19, 1993
