By Dean Murray via SWNS
The original USS Enterprise has completed its voyage home.
The long-lost ship recently discovered 3-foot model used in the original Star Trek TV show’s opening credits has been returned to Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry Jr., son of creator Gene Roddenberry.
The prop, also featured in the original pilot episode ‘The Cage’, was believed lost in the 1970s when Gene loaned it to the makers of “Star Trek: The Motion Picture.”
However, an individual discovered the model and brought it to Dallas-based Heritage Auctions for authentication.
Heritage then reached out to Roddenberry Jr. to coordinate the return of the iconic spaceship.
The handoff occurred at Heritage Auctions’ Beverly Hills location, where the Enterprise was stored for safekeeping.
Heritage Auctions Executive Vice President Joe Maddalena said: “Once our team of experts concluded it was the real thing, we contacted Rod because we wanted to get the model back to where it belonged. We’re thrilled the Enterprise is finally in dry dock.”
Rod Roddenberry, CEO of Roddenberry Entertainment, said: “After five decades, I’m thrilled that someone happened upon this historic model of the USS Enterprise. I remember how it used to adorn my dad’s desk.
“I am tremendously grateful to Heritage Auctions for facilitating the return of this iconic piece of Star Trek history to my family. I can’t wait to figure out how we are going to share it with my extended family, Star Trek fans around the world. We look forward to making that announcement.”
This Enterprise became the prototype for the 11-foot-long starship on display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.
