Icons Terminator 2 Endo Skull Prototype - Rare "Pipe-Neck Version"

Here is the original (and unseen for 25 years) Icons Endo Skull Prototype known as the "Pipe-Neck Version". 

Back in 1996, Icons was the first collectibles company to approach the licensing agent for "Terminator 2 : Judgment Day" with a proposal for a line of 1:1 scale, authentic replicas of props based on the blockbuster film.

This is the actual prototype sample that was submitted to the licensing agent of "Terminator 2" at the time - Danny Simon of "The Licensing Group", who represented "Canal Plus", the company that purchased the rights to "Terminator 2" as part of the "Carolco Pictures" bankruptcy.

This prototype can also be seen in the first "Terminator 2" Endo Skull replica 1 page advertisement that Icons ran in numerous magazines in 1996/1997 (please see the different advertisement comps shown below).

As you can see, it is very similar to the actual finished Icons Endo Skull replica, except for the unusual "Pipe-Neck", which was fabricated using a machined piece of aluminum piping. At the time Icons only had access to an original, screen-used Endo Skull for molding & casting that did not have the neck portion. So the pipe-neck was created.

This was quickly deemed impractical for both manufacturing purposes and for retailers/consumers & collectors to display without risk of the item being damaged, as the Endo Skull would have been top-heavy with it's resin material composition and nickel, copper and chrome plating (which was $500 for each skull at that time...).

The plexi-case is the original, as is the prototype plaque. On the left side of the base, you can see another prototype plaque bearing "Stan Winston Studio" logo (with matching prototype COA, not shown).

From what I could gathered, no complaints came in about Icons Endo Skulls scale. Icons re-cast the skull when they were in R&D on the Endo Skeleton, which was larger. No one ever complained, just false rumours. Both sizes were used in T2.

This piece took me years to track down and obtain and I am very pleased to finally be able to share it with visitors to the Icons Museum.

My standard edition Icons Endo-skull above....

Larry Taylor told me that he's pretty sure he assembled over a hundred of those skulls !!!

Those are the "Master" for the Icons T2 Endoskull eyes.

Here is what Al Z. can say about them :

"I molded the original eyes and made these Masters for our endoskull. If you look at the back you can see that it has little half rounds which will go into the eye sockets so that it matches perfectly. To everyone I also put a L and an R so that we would know which socket it went into".

And just under, some different prototype ads for the Endo-skull.

Icons Lost In Space Jonathan Harris Signature Edition Laser Pistol

Here is an extremely rare replica from one of Icons best selling 1:1 scale Studio licensed, authorized and authenticated prop replica product lines, a functioning replica 1st season laser pistol from the beloved and classic television series Lost in Space. 

Behind Star Wars and Terminator, Lost in Space was Icons best-selling product line. These stunning prop replicas were sold through quality retailers such as FAO Schwarz and The Sharper Image. Several hundred were sold & shipped to collectors all over the world. 

The original prop pistols used in the 1st season (and often 2nd season) seen on the popular T.V. series, Lost in Space, were originally created by 20th Century Fox Studios prop fabricators, who created them by molding a readily available Remco brand toy pistol, found at department stores in the early 1960's. These talented prop makers took the original toy and modified it by adding changes, such as a large simulated battery compartment, the simulated brass-colored target aims, a simulated battery-energy regulator light, the brass-colored cylindrical feature near the barrel and the red cone at the end of the pistol barrel (both solid and red translucent-clear for the illuminated "Hero" prop version). 

The cast and modified body of the Lost in Space prop pistol was painted solid black, which appeared visually stimulating on-screen combined with it's brass and deep red colored accents. 

Both "Hero" electronic, functioning illuminated prop pistols, as well as "Stunt" non-functioning versions, were constructed for production use on the Lost in Space television series. The illuminated versions interestingly assisted 20th Century Fox sound engineers with sound effect cues. And the illuminated "Hero" versions of the prop laser pistol also helped the actors during filming on set, feel like they were actually firing a futuristic laser weapon at some strange alien creature or huge space monster, like the dreaded Giant Cyclops.... 

This scarce, 26 year old, rarely seen, 1:1 scale, Studio licensed, authorized and authenticated Lost in Space 1st Season prop pistol replica is extremely well-made and gorgeous ! As you can see by the pictures above. 

The 3 display plaques that are featured in the display case are very unique. They are the 1st (all metal cast & etched) Lost in Space celebrity signature plaques that were ever produced for this product line.

Icons Star Trek Deluxe Klingon Prop Pistol Set (1998)

This is a stunning and very rare display piece celebrating the legacy of the Star Trek universe.

This is a deluxe Klingon prop display set consisting of gorgeous 1:1 scale, precise and authentic replicas of 3 recognizable variations of Klingon Disruptor prop pistols, from 3 incarnations of the legendary and beloved Star Trek franchise. Each of these beautiful prop replicas was fabricated under the direct supervision of the brilliant and talented prop makers, who created most of the amazing props used in Star Trek : The next Generation, Star Trek : Deep Space Nine, Star trek : Voyager.

The set includes the following :

1)  Classic Star Trek (the original series) : a Klingon Disruptor prop pistol. This stunning replica was created through reverse engineering by carefully molding a screen-used original Klingon prop pistol used in the 1960’s. The photo here do not do this piece justice. The metal components on the upper portion of the pistol and its barrel were machined in aviation-grade aluminum. The machining is a wonder to behold in person. This is the 1st ever produced, Paramount Studio’s licensed Klingon Disruptor prop pistol. As most collectors know, only a few dozen of these were ever produced by Icons, before the company closed its doors forever. If you’ve seen Master Replicas recently produced Classic Star Trek Klingon Disruptor pistol, they are being produced from the same reference materials utilized to produce this pistol. (This prop pistol was also available with its own display case and numbered plaque, limited to 1966, the year Star Trek was first broadcasted on T.V. You can see one later in that blog).

Star Trek : The Next Generation (Star Trek 3) : Tri-barrel Klingon Disruptor prop pistol. This replica was cast directly from the master Paramount Studio’s molds utilized to create the originals utilized in the popular Star Trek : The Next Generation television series and Star trek 3 feature film. This is also one of the most popular versions of the Klingon Disruptor prop pistol with Star Trek fans. The detail on this piece is amazing. The paint finish and weathering alone is something to just marvel at. With gold and silver color paint highlights, and a multicolored cloisonné Klingon emblem is affixed to the side of the pistol as an accent. The grip on this piece makes it feel like it is an actual lethal weapon. This is the first Paramount Studio’s licensed 1:1 scale version of this Klingon Disruptor prop pistol. Less than 28 of these were ever produced by Icons. (This prop pistol was also supposed to be available with its own display case and display plaque. Here is a picture of a prototype display plaque).

                                 

Star Trek : The Motion Picture : Long-barrel Klingon Disruptor prop pistol. This exceptional replica features a long, almost rifle-like, simulated barrel that tops off the whole Klingon Disruptor weapon display piece. This 1:1 scale prop pistol was also taken from original molds and made under the supervision of the actual prop makers for many versions of the Star Trek television series and feature films. It also features custom studio-style paint finish and exceptional accents. With gold and silver color paint highlights and Klingon calligraphy. The barrel nozzle is airbrushed with black accents to look like blast patina. It is also the first Paramount Studio’s licensed 1:1 scale version of this Klingon Disruptor prop pistol ever made. (Like the two others above, this prop replica was also supposed to be sold alone with its own display case and plaque. I have seen one of those display cases for sale on ebay years ago but sadly, didn’t kept a pic of it !!!)

All of these quality made and authentically reproduced replicas of the screen-used originals are displayed in a museum quality, wall mount or standing Plexiglas display case (easily displayed on an entertainment center, fireplace mantle or shelf). This display case is also designed for a collector  to easily slide the front cover up on tracks to remove the prop weapons from their display mounts. Each display mount is meticulously lined on its holding area with black velvet to avoid any scratches to the prop pistols. 

Adjacent to each Klingon Disruptor pistol barrel is a plaque, paying homage to the television series or feature film the original weapon was seen on screen in. The main metal embossed plaque at the bottom center of the display features actual Klingon calligraphy along with the official Paramount Studio’s and Icons Authentic Replicas logos. And, has the distinct marking of an engraved #....of 1701, like the U.S.S. Enterprise starship. 

Here is another metal embossed plaque with Klingon calligraphy, Paramount and Icons logos but as you can notice, there is no licensing line at the bottom, just under the edition number !!! I asked the question to Mike Moore who answered : "when we made plaques back then, we made 2 or 3 designs to see which one the Studio would pick. So it is maybe a proto plaque".

Less than 28 of these deluxe Star Trek Klingon Disruptor prop pistol sets were ever made. This collectible’s investment worthiness is one thing, its impressive presentation captivating, but this incredible art piece is also just fun !! Opening up its sliding display case and holding and examining these museum quality and historical replicas inside is a real pleasure.

Icons Halloween X-wing

This is the iconic Icons « Halloween » X-wing. A special project made by Mireya Romo Bowen and Robert Bowen.

Here is what Rob says about the story of the ship :

“The first memories that come to mind are Jim Latta asking Mireya & I to design a special holiday themed X-wing for the lobby. Ideally we would do several, a ship for the different holidays that would be switched out (monthly ? whenever ?).

Halloween was the upcoming holiday, so it was the first ship created. Sadly another ship was never built as Icons started having a lot of financial problems. I'm sure we told Jim - Halloween would be perfect since we would not need perfect parts, twisted ones, imperfect would create the eerie look. This was the first art project Mireya and I worked on. We had worked on other projects before, but not as artistically free. At this point I was head of airbrush dept. She of detail paint dept. We did not have much time, just a day or two to complete the piece.

No concept art was made, just ideas. We were under just a tight schedule with the design and Jim just said to go for it.  Luckily orange & black lent itself well to the design. I love Mireya's flaming skull design she painted on the sides. Again this was all no prep time, whatever idea comes to mind, just toss it in and see.

She & I did discuss a lot of interesting ideas for creating a Christmas X-wing. That would have been a fun project as well.

We got to talk about what would look good - snow on the base, what colors would work, etc.  We at least got to discuss some ideas, but nothing was ever written down.”

That piece is coming back from Mireya and Rob where it was restored after it’s trip from Japan to France during which it suffered a little bit !!

A great thank you to them to have restored the X-wing to what it was and for all their efforts and kindness in that task.

Mireya and Rob…you’re great people, thank you very much.

Icons Indiana Jones IDOL Prototype

Don't know much about that one. I can see it on some pictures of the Icons Conference Room so I would say it is perhaps a concept or production prototype !!! Nice gold plating and a heavy weight. Beautiful piece in person. The base was made in carved foam by Mike Moore it seems.

I have heard three Idol were made. 2 spray painted gold (one can be seen later in that blog). But only 1 gold plated at Artcraft. But I can be mistaken.

Icons Independence Day (ID-4) Alien Attacker Miniature Prototype

This was the 1st generation casting taken from the actual production molds, which was submitted to 20th Century Fox for licensing approval, then taken apart and re-molded. And those molds were used to produce the Icons replicas.

Prior to ID-4's release, an incredible mount of hoopla was generated surrounding the motion-picture. It was very highly anticipated by movie-goers around the world. In fact, ID-4 was chosen to be the first non "classic" or "cult classic" Studio licensed Film property, Icons chose to license and base replicas on (Men in Black and Starship Troopers being the 2nd and 3rd).

In the initial 20th Century Fox licensing presentation made by Icons, the visionary company was given a standing ovation and subsequently awarded the master licenses for the Predator and Aliens franchises, Planet of the Apes, The Day the Earth Stood Still and...ID-4, all for no licensing advance or royalties guarantee. In other words, all for free with no guarantee of edition numbers sold. This is another remarkable achievement by Icons. Today, with the boom in the popularity of Film & Television replicas, this would be impossible.

Icons relationship with the ID-4 property is a fascinating one and unlike any other in its licensing history. Following the filming of ID-4, Fox Studios was so impressed with Icons emphasis on R&D and preservation of entertainment memorabilia that it asked Icons to pick up, inventory and preserve all of the original miniature molds used in the making of the ID-4 feature film, which it did, including trucking by flatbed 10-ton trucks, massive 14 ft. in diameter ID-4 Alien "Mother-Ship" masters to Icons HQ in Sun Valley, California (Note : photos of this can be seen in Icons Vault #3/4).

Icons was asked by Fox to restore the Mother-Ship masters to appear as if they were actual filming miniatures, which were then donated to the Planet Hollywood restaurant chain.

Icons casted two 2 ft. Alien Attacker miniatures for submittal to 20th Century Fox from their production molds. The company was loaned one 2 ft "Hero" miniature of an Alien Attacker for reference purposes. The 2 cast Attackers mentioned above were meticulously cast, prepped, assembled, primed and painted (by Dragon Donet) to precisely match the screen-used original loaned to Icons by Fox.

An interesting anecdote relating to this time, is that when Icons returned the loaned Attacker to Fox in a ID-4 prototype meeting, Icons R&D placed the original with Icons two replica prototypes and stated "We challenge you to pick the original...and if you guess wrong, Icons gets to keep it"...after a quick examination, the Studio executives laughed and refused the challenge stating the quality of Icons replicas were too superior.

One of the prototypes mentioned above (#0002) was left with 20th Century Fox and one (#0001) was returned to Icons as the product reference model. Note : it was standard operating procedure for Icons to keep the #1 of all of its editions in the company archive.

As Icons was about to begin to produce the ID-4 Alien Attacker miniature replica product-line, careful examination was done by Icons Chief mold-maker, the brilliant Al Zequeira, it was obvious the Studio produced molds were on the verge of "burning out", after numerous castings were made for production (many to be blown up via pyrotechnics), so the decision was made to create new molds off of the #1 Alien Attacker.

Icons was world-renown for its fantastic mold-making process, so almost no shrinking occurred. Icons was so innovative in its U.S. manufacturing process that the huge company 3-M used to throw "pizza parties" for Icons mold, mastering & casting department :-)

This is the Icons ID-4 Attacker prototype COA. It is in beautiful shape. The Icons and 20th Century Fox logo's are hand-cut and glued on it. Very unique !!

The ship rests on the original Icons ID-4 Alien Attacker display base "master" (1630 resin - above) created for the ID-4 display base, which is a casting of the ID-4 Alien Mothership. When Icons took possession of all the original production molds from the film, Fox didn't know what to do with them, they were sorted. I think the base was made from a panel mold, that was made for the interior of the Mothership.
A side wall panel that would have appeared huge on screen. So it is not to scale to the Attacker. It was thought it was in the style of the Attacker / film production design.

This is a picture of two Icons Alien Attackers : on the left, the standard Icons replica and on the right, the prototype....more greenish as you can see.

Less than 60 of these incredibly accurate miniatures were ever produced from 1997 until 2000, by Icons Authentic Replicas.

The following picture is from Al Zequeira holding the actual filming miniature, the one he used to mold the one for the Icons production run !!!

 

Icons Miniature Endoskull Necklace Charm Prototype

 

 

It is the smallest replica ever proposed / prototyped by Icons. And it would have sold in the thousands of units if it had been produced / released.

This Icons Authentic Replicas Miniature Endoskull Necklace Charm Prototype measuring 1 1/4" high by 3/4" wide, was sculpted, molded and cast in 1998 / 1999.

As you know, Icons was the first licensee for Terminator production replicas, including props and 1:1 scale full-size figures including the Endo-Skull, Endo-Arm, Endo-Rifle and Endo-Skeleton, which were also sold and displayed at the Universal Studios T2-3D attraction in Universal City, California.

This one-of-a-kind prototype casting was produced at Icons as a lower-price point novelty product, which would have been cast in white metal, polished and sold as a Terminator Endoskull necklace or bracelet charm, exclusively in the T2-3D attraction Gift Shop.

Note the red-line ink on the lower portion of the jaw hand-drawn during the engineering phase.

 

As you can see, the detail is amazing. A miracle that piece survived !!!