Monday, November 26, 2007

RETRO TOY FLASHBACK # 70: Mr. Spock Decanter (Grenadier, 1979)


To celebrate the release of Star Trek: The Motion Picture on December 7, 1979, the Grenadier Spirits Company unveiled this fascinating and unusual franchise collectible, a "beautifully handcrafted ceramic bust" of the half-Vulcan science officer played by Leonard Nimoy.

According to the literature on the packaging, this Grenadier Original "has captured in each handpainted figurine the uncanny likeness of our favorite Vulcan using only the finest quality porcelain."

And if that's not enough, each Mr. Spock decanter is filled with "Cielo" Liqueur(!) and, according to the back of the box "will be an eye-catching addition for every fan's showcase." The Cielo is 48 proof, in case you were interested, and there's 750 ml. What, no Romulan Ale? Or Tranya?

The back of the box, which features a nice head-onillustration of the classic NCC-1701 (after two-and-half-years in dry dock...) also includes some background on the series and film. "Since its creation, Star Trek has spawned millions of fans and hundreds of fan clubs, publications and conventions," it says in part. Then there's some info on Nimoy, noting he was nominated for three successive Emmys for his portrayal of this beloved character.

I picked up one of these Grenadier Spock decanters mint-in-box back at a huge antiques show in Maryland back in 1990, and was pleased to find it. I always enjoy some of the weirder Star Trek items (for instance, the Star Trek V: The Final Frontier marshmallow dispenser...), though I'm sure Mr. Spock would raise an eyebrow at an alcohol decanter molded in his image. That this item is from Star Trek: The Motion Picture and features the science-officer in a uniform he was only seen in once also makes it a pretty cool example of series memorabilia.

Finally, I have to wonder...will I be adding a Zachary Quinto Mr. Spock decanter to my collection come next Christmas?

3 comments:

  1. This is a great blog, Kenneth. I just recently discovered it. Thanks for bringing back some memories, and keep up the great work!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Mike!

    Thanks for the compliment, and thanks for dropping by. Hope you'll stay awhile!

    best,
    jkm

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous7:11 PM

    Hey, have you ever seen these mechanical banks made in 1950's-1970's East Detroit and shaped like spacehips? They actually commemorate the Mercury Astronauts by name and hisyoric mission! MacDaddyBanks dot com in the About Us link, or you may find the in the Smithsonian's Air & Space Nuseum's Social & Cultural Collections...

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