#3: 1992 Shuttlecraft Galileo

Retail: $24.00
2021 Secondary Market: $22.94
Size: 3 1/2” L x 2 1/2” W x 1 1/4” H
Code: QLX7331

#3 on our Top 10 is Hallmark’s follow up to the inaugural Enterprise ornament with 1992’s Galileo. The Galileo was a shuttlecraft assigned to the USS Enterprise, and appeared in the series five times beginning with the episode “The Galileo Seven”.

The shuttlecraft is a simple but accurate sculpt with a pigtail cord that plugs into a light string. When activated the Galileo’s front window and aft thruster arrays light up. Once the button is pressed Leonard Nimoy’s voice can be heard from the the underside speaker…”Shuttlecraft to Enterprise, Shuttlecraft to Enterprise. Spock here. Happy Holidays. Live long and prosper.“

Hallmark recognized the strength of the Star Trek fan base from the previous year and put on Galileo Landing Party events at stores across the country. These events included costume contests, coloring contests, Enterprise mobile giveaways and motorized store displays of the Galileo orbiting a moon. Hallmark’s Galileo ornament advertising was everywhere, most notably in a commercial with Leonard Nimoy.

• Leonard Nimoy: ”Excuse me. I’m interested in the new collectors ornament from Hallmark.”
• Hallmark Employee: “Ahh…the shuttle craft Galileo from the starship Enterprise.”
• Leonard Nimoy: “Precisely.”
• Hallmark Employee: “You know? It lights up when you plug it in. And listen…”
• Spock Ornament Recording: “Shuttle craft to Enterprise. Spock here. Happy holidays. Live long and prosper.”
• Leonard Nimoy: “Fascinating.”
• Voiceover: “For a store in your sector now carrying the Star Trek ornament call 1-800-HALLMARK.”
• (Leonard Nimoy holds hand up in Vulcan salutation)
• Hallmark Employee: ”Live long and prosper, right?”
• Leonard Nimoy: “No, I’ll take five.“

Hallmark wasn’t going to be caught in short supply like they had in 1991. Kevin Stevens best explains,

“Anticipating a repeat of the response to their Enterprise ornament, Hallmark produced the Galileo in greater numbers. Retailing for $24, this ornament was so available to retailers that demand never exceeded supply. Fans and collectors bought the Galileo in quantity. Hallmark heavily advertised the ornaments in science fiction and Star Trek publications. This exposure, combined with the increased production numbers, meant that fans interested in obtaining the ornament were able to do so easily at retail prices”

Strange New Worlds

The sheer number of Christmas trees that had the Galileo on them makes this the most famous of Hallmark Star Trek ornaments and a favorite for nearly 30 years. To many the Galileo was their first and possibly only Star Trek ornament and, like a first love, holds a special place in one’s heart.

Check back next time to see what ornament SHINES through at #2 on our Top 10!