Original film gun in display case

[andy]

I am still not 100% convinced that the serial 5223 numbers match, but they do certainly look like they do. If so, It can not be made from another Steyr, at least not without some complete resurfacing. The lines on it are however very clean and straight and machined looking, and are unlikely a pewter casting (Rich or Sid's). And even though it shares some similarities to Rich's, it shares many more differences that are subtle and can not be explained by chance placement. It is possible that they used existing sculpts as a basis though, and then resculpted and completely reworked them.

The teeth on the binding post is on all of the binding posts I have found. That was the thing that convinced me that is what that was what it was originally. They are there to make sure it makes an electrical contact even with an amount of oxidation on the parts.

The curve on the grip is an optical illusion because the inside part of the grip frame is at a different angle that the top of the grips themselves. As it comes out from side the grips it creates a kind of "horned flair", and your eye connects the two lines to make a curve.

Andy

[KarlBud420]

Does the second "A" in AUSTRIA on the mystery blaster look different to anyone else? The WorldCon photo seems to have a slight curve to the righthand vertical of the A and a slight upward direction to the line that goes across.

Bruce

[Gaff87]

I think that may just be that pictures of it.
I've just looked at Karl's other WC photos and it doesn't look to be curved.

[clutch]

I love how one guy can come in, make one post, and cause all this debate.

[joberg]

Do be carefull with the stamps of a firearm or serial numbers...there are slight differences on each weapon; sometimes a letter will appear ``crooked`` or with deeper depressions then another one numbered the same way on the same day (think coin collectors collecting double stamped coins, making these more valuable then regular coins)...it`s not a precise science. On another topic, the binding post on the mystery weapon seems longer than the one on the bottom pic.

[Bwood]

Here's a couple of hero shots and the "A" appears to be straight. Also notice that although it is the same blaster, in one shot the binding post appears to be longer than the post in the other shot. Go figure.
http://propsummit.com/upload/696/dsc05711.jpg
http://propsummit.com/upload/696/dsc05710.jpg

[andy]

Lens distortion can change a lot of the lines when photographing close up. By the way the binding posts can easily be lengthened or shortened just by turning them. They are basically a screw clamp.

Andy

[racprops]

One trick I learned long ago which was not useable until I got a digital SLR with a telephoto lens is to use a telephoto lens. (I used to do this with a 35mm Film SLR)

You step back and zoom in the the long lens, this places the image in the smaller section of the les and helps remove lens distoration.

With a close up shot the ends are tuned away from you...with a telephoto shot the image stays more flat, less or no turning away.

This is great for prop shots and head shots of people.

Rich
_________________
I never have enough time to do all I want to do!

[Bwood]

"By the way the binding posts can easily be lengthened or shortened just by turning them. They are basically a screw clamp."
That's true Andy, but as you unscrew the top, you would expose the hole where the wires fit through, an undesirable side effect in the case of the blaster.

[racprops]

Another thing missing is the notch on the head of the binding post, the real one has them the copy does not.

It is the short copper strip/cut just below/behind the knerlling...

Rich
_________________
I never have enough time to do all I want to do!

[rocket boy]

Hello everyone.

Firstly sorry for the late reply. I am so glad there was so much interest in the photos!

I have finally spoken to the friend who took them. What he did say was that he took these photos WITHOUT the permission of the owner. Although he thinks he probably wouldn't mind he can't be sure of being able to take anymore if/when he visits him again.

He thinks there may be 2 more photos still on his phone that he didn't successfully get off, so there may be more to see. Also he said in his opinion it was definitely made from a real gun, it was not fake.

He thinks he will visit LA again as they are possible working on a film project together but he can't be sure as so many movies are going into what he calls "turnaround" , where the film does not get made.

[andy]

Thanks again for sharing those with us RB. I have to admit it is a mystery gun for sure. I would love to hear and see anything more about it. Can your friend ask some straight forward questions about it? Like what is its provenance and how long has he had it? Not sure if he is currently in contact with the owner or not, or is in any position to ask anything about it. Any little bit of information would be helpful.

Thank you again.
Andy

[rocket boy]

Hi everyone.

OK well here are the other photos he took which he has finally sent to me. Sorry, nothing really new - the same shots but a couple look a little clearer.






I will encourage him to ask the questions about it if and when he does meet up again although he's not really that interested!

I will do my best![/img]

[andy]

The more I look at this, the more I am convinced this is a Tomenosuke, that someone built to a more screen seen spec (vrs worldcon spec). A few small details match like the finish on the Steyr receiver, and the screw holding the steyr safety switch. As well as some very minute dimensions of cuts and placements compared to all the versions out there. It looks like a real binding post was added as well. It may have even originally been a kit version, and that would explain the paint job on the black parts perhaps. Thanks again for sharing these photos.

Andy

[DeckB26354]

I understand where you are coming from Andy, but I have to disagree.


[img]


There are too many details that don't have any of the clean, stirile look of the Tomenosuke.

Look at that on off switch definitely custom made.
The cut out groove for the LED holders are not featured on the Tomenosuke at all. I can tell by the photo that it is the original Steyr plastic ammo housing; it's not a shinny and black as the Tomenosuke either.

Also the depth of the serial number and the other marks after it are far too deep and uneven in the puched numbers to be a Tomenosuke. Just look at Karls gorgeous pictures of the serial number; very clean and entirely different in appearance. No, I think its an original receiver with the serial changed to match or it's maybe a foundry casting of the original.

Also note not only some sort of gunk on the grip pattern but also what appears to be some in the end screw at the back of the receiver.

Check out that front cap. Perfect. If this is a custom build I am very impressed!

The thing I can't fathom out is the damage to the side plate. That has thrown me when I consider this as a excellent reproduction of the Worldcom. Why have damage?

[racprops]

Am I see 6226 or 5226??

At lease the last number seems to be a 6, not a 3.

Someone seems to have found a good 4 numbered Steyr receiver.

And ammo housing..

Rich
_________________
I never have enough time to do all I want to do!

[steevy]

Looks like a 6 to me as well.

[andy]

[joberg]

5226 is the # on that Steyr (it's nice to be near-sighted...to see the details more closely ) Like others on this subject (and I'm far from being a specialist; I'm learning here) it never looked like a Tomo (not perfect enough)...I lean toward the customized build, well done, trying to reproduce some of the wear and tear of the original; a very good piece all in all

[hirohawa]

Why go through all that trouble and make the last digit incorrect?