Following the success of our landmark Greg Jein Collection Hollywood Platinum Signature Auction, we’re excited to showcase further pieces of the late and esteemed Jein’s remarkable legacy in our upcoming Hollywood/Entertainment Auction. Jein, a visionary in visual effects, garnered widespread acclaim and multiple nominations at the Academy and Emmy Awards for his exceptional skills in model-making and creating detailed landscape miniatures. The items on offer come directly from Jein’s collection and include certain masterpieces crafted by the effects maestro himself.
For this post, I’ve carefully chosen five remarkable pieces that showcase the breadth of Jein’s illustrious career. From items that highlight his mastery of visual effects to those revealing the diverse ancillary objects he valued enough to house in his collection, each piece offers a fascinating glimpse into his sophisticated tastes. This selection promises a unique mix, each item a testament to Jein’s extraordinary legacy.
1. Star Trek: The Original Series (Paramount TV, 1966-1969), Greg Jein-Built Galileo Shuttlecraft Model for “Star Trek: The Exhibit” at the Smithsonian (1992)
I’m a huge fan of the original Star Trek. Its blend of character dynamics and groundbreaking storytelling has deeply influenced my passion for science fiction and fantasy. The interplay between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy not only set the gold standard for character relationships in the series but also helped ignite my fascination with the genre. While the transporter’s instant travel is iconic, the shuttle missions to new worlds had a unique allure, adding an extra layer of adventure beyond the decks of the Enterprise.
It’s with great excitement that we offer the Galileo Shuttlecraft Model in our auction. This model isn’t just a collector’s item; it pays homage to the spirit of exploration that Star Trek embodies. As one of the most sought-after pieces in this sale, the Galileo represents an opportunity to own a slice of television history. For those interested in bidding, be prepared—the competition might be as intense as a space battle. This is your chance to claim a piece of the final frontier.
2. Lost in Space (CBS TV, 1965-1968), Cast Signed Script of Season 1, Episode 1 “The Reluctant Stowaway”
I’m not usually one for collecting shooting scripts, yet there’s something fascinating about this Lost in Space pilot episode script that’s got me thoroughly intrigued. This isn’t just any script—it’s a passage back to the beginning of the Robinson family’s extraordinary journey aboard the Jupiter 2, destined for the planet orbiting Alpha Centauri. Also setting this piece apart are the signatures on the cover: Angela Cartwright (Penny Robinson), Mark Goddard (Major Don West), Jonathan Harris (Dr. Zachary Smith), and Bill Mumy (Will Robinson) have all left their mark, among other cast members.
The lot’s allure is magnified by its roots in the first season—the series’ era of earnest science fiction storytelling, untouched by the campiness that characterized later episodes. This script isn’t just a collector’s item; it’s a gateway to the show’s origins, offering a tangible connection to the era when Lost in Space set its sights on the cosmos. For me, and perhaps for you, owning this piece means holding a fragment of television history, a reminder of when we first ventured beyond the stars with the Robinsons.
3. The Impossible Years (Marten, 1968), Cristina Ferrare “Linda Kingsley” Original Portrait
I love discovering a film I’ve never heard of that sounds like it’s right up my alley. Before viewing the listing for this beautiful painting, I was unfamiliar with The Impossible Years, so I immediately hopped on Google, read the synopsis, checked out the cast member listing, and became extremely interested. A product of its time, the movie stars Cristina Ferrare as Linda Kingsley, a gorgeous (as you can tell by the painting offered) young woman who begins behaving “strangely”—smiling all the time, being kind to her little sister, cleaning her room every day—after a life-changing experience.
Based on the play by Bob Fisher and Arthur Marx (the son of Groucho Marx), The Impossible Years features David Niven as Linda’s father and Ozzie Nelson in his final appearance. As icing on the cake, the theme song is by The Cowsills, the band that inspired The Partridge Family. The painting plays a key role in the film, namely as a gift from Kingley’s boyfriend to her father, which I imagine didn’t go over too well.
4. Star Trek: Voyager (Paramount TV, 1995-2001), Jeri Ryan “Seven of Nine” Prosthetic Face and Hand
Introducing an extraordinary piece of Star Trek: Voyager history: the original face and hand cast of Seven of Nine (portrayed by Jeri Ryan), complete with resin prosthetic accents. These unique artifacts are meticulously crafted in foam latex and adorned with expert painting and detailing in metallic blacks and silvers, capturing the iconic look of one of the series’ most transformative characters.
The introduction of Seven of Nine in season four marked a pivotal moment in Voyager‘s journey, bringing a complex depth and a new dynamic to the crew’s adventures. A former Borg drone seeking humanity, Seven of Nine’s struggle and development (along with Ryan’s beauty) mesmerized audiences, making her one of the most beloved characters in the Star Trek universe.
These pieces are a tangible connection to the very essence of Seven of Nine’s character, embodying the painstaking detail and creativity that went into bringing her to life. For collectors and fans alike, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of television history, celebrating the impact Seven of Nine had on Voyager and the Star Trek legacy.
5. Superman (Columbia, 1948), Animation Cel from Chapter 11 “Superman’s Dilemma”
In the late 1990s, a gem from the golden age of superhero cinema graced the screen on Turner Classic Movies—the entire 15-part Columbia Pictures serial Superman, based on the comic books. I was instantly intrigued. Having grown up on The Adventures of Superman TV series and the first two Superman movies, getting the chance to watch this 1948 serial was thrilling.
My excitement took a curious turn when I noticed that Superman, portrayed by Kirk Alyn, transformed into an animated character for his flight scenes. This unexpected blend of live-action and animation might strike some as cheesy, yet to me, it was pure magic. It lent charm to the series and was a solution as ingenious as it was necessary, given the production’s budget constraints.
Just a year later, King of the Rocket Men would present surprisingly realistic flight sequences, but there’s something endearing about Superman’s animated ascents. This likability is precisely what makes the animated cel from Superman we’re offering so special. It’s a celebration of innovation, nostalgia, and the timeless appeal of one of the world’s most beloved heroes.