Star Trek had its share of high tech gizmos. (Well, as high tech as a 1966 production on a budget could predict.) So, we saw plenty of phasers, tricorders, and communicators and such on the show. But some of the biggest challenges were to make ordinary items that would still be in use in the 23rd century look "futuristic" while still being identifiable to a 20th century audience.
Of course the classic example, of course, are the salt shakers. If you make them too futuristic, they no longer are immediately obviously salt shakers. Too mundane and it looks like our crew is still in the 20th Century instead of the 23rd century. So Property Master Irving Feinberg was always looking for things that fell into that middle ground: futuristic, but not too futuristic.
With that for a set up, a typical example of this futuristic middle ground for props can be seen in the flatware that is used on the
Enterprise. We first see it in "The Corbomite Maneuver:"
And then again in "The Man Trap:"
"The Naked Time" (and note the one and only time we see "Lieutenant--Junior Grade" braid):
"Charlie X:"
"Conscience of the King:"
"Amok Time:"
"Obsession:"
"By Any Other Name:"
"And the Children Shall Lead:"
"Elaan of Troyius:"
But probably the best shot we get of all four pieces of this silverware set of the future (knife, dinner fork, tablespoon, and teaspoon) is in "Space Seed:"
So, here's my set of vintage 1960s-era stainless steel flatware as seen in
Star Trek:
These come up for auction on ebay once in a blue moon. You can keep your eyes peeled and perform searches for "Danish modern flatware." Although it's in a "Danish modern" style, this particular flatware set was actually made by a Japanese designer. Unfortunately, I don't know who made these. They simply have a small "Japan" embossed on them--with no other markings or information. They actually don't come with the futuristic red paint on the ends of the handles; those have to be added yourself.
We have shown people dining in
Star Trek New Voyages/Phase II--most notably in "To Serve All My Days." If we have occasion for additional dining scenes in future episodes, keep an eye out for this slightly futuristic-looking 1960s-era Danish modern flatware set.
Slide show is at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10901121@N06/sets/72157603838869762/show/
Does anybody have any idea what brand of silverware was used for the props in TOS? There's a shot in "The Naked Time" when they have a close-up of the knife Tormolen uses to threaten Sulu and Riley, and the brand name can BARELY be made out - someone would probably need to use some kind of photo enhancing software to make it out. Unless somebody already knows what brand it is!
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