Icons Rocketeer Helmet Prototype

This is the production prototype for the Rocketeer helmet. In the late 1990s, Icons Authentic Replicas acquired the sought after Disney license to manufacture props and replicas based off Walt Disney's legendary films. Icons planned to segue from their mainstream "Star Wars" props to "Disney" related items, as communication about license was more effective with Disney than with LFL !!!

However, financial troubles befell Icons in late 2000 causing them to shut down their facilities in California. Icons only created three Disney replicas under the license which were the 15 inch and 31 inch Nautilus from "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" and a "The Black Hole" Sentry pistol.

In 1999, Icons began prototyping the Rocketeer helmet from the 1991 smash hit motion picture of the same name. This Rocketeer helmet was hand-poured and casted by Icons professional film industry artisans and techs from the Studio Fabrication company "Design Setters" master molds via Paul Ozzimo & Mike Possert who were part of the Rocket helmet & Backpack crew (Disney contracted "Design Setters" to produce the helmets and backpacks for the production) and loaned by Walt Disney Studios.

This helmet features unprecedented craftsmanship and detail. The helmet, which in the film was fashioned out of an old, rustic bronze space heater, features the signature 4 light bolts fastened around the eye openings to secure the bubble lenses. The helmet also features the streamline art deco raised ribbed edge that contours around the helmet and also features detailed wield lines that circumnavigate around the helmet. Also present are the upper head air vents and the front grill breathing vents.

As usual with Disney, Icons artisans casted only 6 fibreglass helmets from these molds, to make the samples required by the Studio. The original molds were then returned to the Disney production vaults. Only ONE helmet was fully dremelled, refinished and painted : mine. The helmet, which sat on a bronze bolted display stand in a plexiglas case was precisely inspected by the Icons staff and other prominent members before being shipped off to the Studio execs, along with the 5 other unfinished helmets, with art advertising proof sheets and photos.

Disney green-lit the production of the helmet upon revision of the advertising campaign.

Icons was ready to produce the full edition run of the helmets when the issues of the Lost in Space B-9 Robots and faulty production finally presented themselves. Icons filed for bankruptcy and in 2000, they closed their doors.

Once again, an awesome and never before seen piece from Icons guys.

The picture above is the concept advertisement submitted to Disney.