Prototype First Contact Cricket Phaser (Rear)

(Photo #2: Rear/Bottom View)

I also bought a static, solid resin casting of a fan-produced prototype Cricket (Type-1) Phaser design that had originally been submitted to the Paramount prop department for potential use in "Star Trek: First Contact" as a smaller, concealable counterpart to the redesigned Type-2 that we now generally refer to as the "boomerang Phaser" or the "Phaserang." But the prop was ultimately rejected for the same reason that the original TNG Type-1 fell out of use: while the idea worked as an in-canon weapon, from a filmmaking standpoint, the thing was so tiny that the audience just couldn't see it in the actor's hand.

However, I still think it's an intriguing design, and I consider it a logical evolution of the original TNG Cricket (which looked nothing like its bigger "Dustbuster" or "Cobrahead" brothers) because it looks almost exactly like a miniature Type 2. I have also had difficulty carrying my painted Playmates "First Contact" Type 2 or TNG Type 1 Phasers around when I wear my TNG, DS9 or Dominion War uniforms simply because the Playmates toys are so large - and their belt clips so tight - that I have to use a specially made utility belt to effectively carry them. On the other hand, this little thing is nearly indestructible (except for the paint job, of course), very light, and can fit right in my pants pocket.

I used a can of silver spray paint and a set of silver, black, and green paint markers to color the prop, which was originally cast in all-white resin. I am, sadly, not even an amateur level painter, so I'm afraid this prop is not going to be worthy of any "hero" shots - it is also molded imperfectly, has no room for electronics, and has issues with its shape, so I figured that it was never meant to be a "Hero" prop anyway and with that in mind, the paint job I gave it is decent enough to make it one of the disposable stunt props that you use for background shots or give to an extra. And it'll definitely hold up for Halloween parties or convention use - where I'll need it for the convenience.