Authenticity is Everything
STAR TREK AUTOGRAPHS
The 1950s and 60s were decades when Americans were fascinated with all things involving space travel. With the advent of sending men into orbit this increased the interest. In 1966 Gene Roddenberry created the television Sci-Fi adventure Star Trek. It was not an overnight success by any means. Syndication actually put it on the map since it attracted younger non-prime time viewers. Early Star Trek "conventions" were underway almost from the beginning with dedicated fans (mostly younger) showing their support. After the series was cancelled a cartoon series Star Trek: The Animated Series was created with all the major cast except for Walter Koenig providing voices. The lack of Koenig was apparently apparently a cost saving measure. Star Trek became my favorite Sci-Fi show surpassing my previous favorite of Lost in Space. The series expanded to several movies with many of the original stars in the same roles.
Many Star Trek collectors concentrate on the seven or eight major actors/actresses that had recurring roles on the show. For my own collection I tend to expand that (as I tend to do with all my collections) to include some somewhat minor characters and also favorite guest stars. The ones included below are my idea of a good collection.
Unlike most on AML I tend to dislike multi-signed pieces this is due in part to the fact that I do not frame ans display. I prefer the notebook method. That is simply a matter of personal preference many friends have great framed "walls" of autographs. My list for "major" autographs are the first seven the remainder I like to have since they had identifiable roles on the show. The number after the name is the number of episodes according to imdb.
William Shatner (79) Capt. Kirk
Leonard Nimoy (80) Lcdr. Spock
DeForrest Kelley (76) Lcdr. Dr. McCoy
James Doohan (66) Lcdr. Scott (One is credit only)
Nichelle Nichols (70) Lt. Uhura
George Takei (52) Lt. Sulu
Walter Koenig (36) Lt. Chekov
Majal Barrett (36) Nurse Chapel/computer voice
Grace Lee Whitney (8) Yoeman Janice Rand
John Winston (11) Lt. Kyle
Eddie Paskey (60) Lt. Leslie/others
David L. Ross (9) Lt. Galloway/others
Sean Morgan (7) Lt. O'Neill/others
Paul Baxley (10) Security/others
As for guests I merely add ones that were personal favorites of mine. Spock's parents played by Mark Lenard and Jane Wyatt are examples. John Fiedler, Elisha Cook, Jr.,William Schallert, Lee Bergere, William Campbell, Bruce Hyde, Stanley Adams, Roger Carmel, Ian Wolfe, Ken Lynch, Byron Morrow, James Gregory and many others are on my list.
As a collector I am more interested in the signature than the photograph it is on. While I like to have them on Star Trek items is not a necessity for me.
Tags: DeForrest, Doohan, George, James, Kelley, Koenig, Leonard, Nichelle, Nichols, Nimoy, More…
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Scott Paul on
-
Yes, I have some from all of those. Ed Gelman was another one that Verzi knew. The description sounds like Dr. Brucato wrote it. I love inscriptions and prefer them to just the name though have tons like that. Your joke about the Lincoln letters is funny, but also true many of the old clipped signatures come from autographed letters that are now lost to history. Smith I have maybe two or three autographs from his collection. Much more from Buddy Marshall. Joe and Joyce Forrest were great collectors. Bud Perkins I knew through correspondence getting close to 50 years ago. I bought his book on western autographs from him. I ended up with a couple of the autographed photos in the book. I wrote the following about him:
BUD PERKINS LARGE COLLECTION OF CLASSIC ENTERTAINMENT AUTOGRAPHS - ...
-
Permalink Reply by DWSMcGraph on
-
I believe you helped me in learning more about the collector legends. I think the word "Inveterate" was one I see Dr. Brucato use. Possibly your intuition ? Glad I am not alone on inscriptions. Some of my inscribed are my favorites. My other quips..."I looked all over for one signed "To Don" but they were fresh out". Or "Jack is my stage name !" "Two words on the item are all I am concerned with...First and Last name" I will have to see if I have any "To Ed" ones. Super rare deceased people, inscription does not even move the needle of concern or care.
-
Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on
-
+1 inscriptions are - well, more is more. Inscriptions are preferred here :-)
Below, Garland SP, 1956, to David Bines who was the lighting director at The Palace and the second is a Bankead SP seen in the film Sunset Blvd. - and that is just what she wrote. I have seen just one of the Garlands and one of the Bankhead's but not with this inscription. The Bines is likely unique apart from a 1954 example to Bines that I have not seen.
-
-
Lovely items. Thanks for the sympatico !
-
-
-
I wonder if this could be an Ed Gelman ?
-
-
Pardon. You mean source.
-
-
Scott mentioned Ed Gelman. A name I will add to my notables and yes, wondered if I might have an EG.
-
-
-
The blue album page was Ed Gelman's, Your Guy Raymond is also one Gelman obtained in-person. I will link that below the following link.
Here is a link to an article I did on Verzi and Gelman's connection.
JOHN VERZI & EDWARD GELMAN PROOF OF CONNECTION. - Autograph Live
-
-
Oh I looked that is your Guy Raymond lol.
-
-
-
I remember the Guy Raymond help post. The Verzi post is fascinating. I know I have quite a few from his collection. I always like his bottom edge notes. So distinguishable ! I will read this in full this evening. Thanks for the knowledge infusion once again !
-
-
-
Another of My favorite Kuster cards.....
-
-
-
And.....
-
© 2025 Created by Steve Cyrkin, Admin.
Powered by
Badges | Report an Issue | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
