Star Trek Phaser Auctioned for £151,000 The prop used by William Shatner's character, Captain Kirk, was created for the second pilot episode 1965 after the initial pilot episode, The Cage, was seen as being too cerebral, too intellectual and too slow with not enough action. In response to NBC's feedback, Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry, commissioned toy inventor Reuben Klamer to create the space age rifle. The weapon that would be used in the show to stun or vapourise enemies was sold by Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills was for almost five times its original estimate of £30,000. The lot was accompanied by a letter from Roddenberry to Klamer, dated March 16, 1966 as well as a number of black and white Polaroid photographs and sketches of the weapon. The prop made up part of a two-day Hollywood Legends auction that included a cocktail dress (sold for £16,300) and a bra (sold for £18,900) worn by Marilyn Monroe as well as a Superman costume worn by Christopher Reeve (sold for £16,700).