In 2006, Hallmark produced a Transporter Chamber ornament but just how do you reproduce the special effect of Kirk, Spock and Scotty dissolving into nothingness? Lights and sounds, powered from the ornament’s three AAA batteries, provided a psychobilly dance floor LED strobe effect and loud, cicada-like screeching.
The flickering of the lights gives a pretty decent recreation of the dematerializing effect and after going dark the sound and light show repeats as the trio transports back onto the pad. Seeing the ornament in action in a dark room is a delight and the reason the Transporter Chamber is #8 on our Top 10 list.
Sure, Kirk’s expression appears as an empty void that had been possessed by a soul-sucking specter and Spock resembles Mila Kunis fresh out of the makeup chair but the blinding strobes mask those issues. Whether hanging from a tree or sitting on a desk, the Transporter Chamber was a solid effort from Hallmark.
In 2019, Hallmark had a second try at the Transporter Chamber. It was way bigger. It was better done. It was more accurate. It was Kunis-free. It had dialogue from the show. But, at $99.95, it was missing the bang-for-your-buck charm that came with the 2006 Transporter Chamber.
Retail: $40.00 2021 Secondary Market: $149.95 Size: 1.38″ W x 4.32″ H x 1.23″ D Code: QMP4046 Quantity: 2,800
#9 on our Top 10 list has defeated all of the odds. The journey? A struggling sci-fi series of the sixties that only lasted three years spawning a two year animated series of the seventies which begat two of the least known character Keepsake ornaments nearly a half century later. These ornaments were made for the deepest of Star Trek fans and finally gave Star Trek: The Animated Series the recognition it deserves.
Not only did we get our first representation of Star Trek: The Animated Series in the Hallmark Keepsake line but we were treated to two ornaments in the same box! 2018’s two ornament package was an exclusive run of 2,800 pieces, and in a rare decision by Hallmark, the year’s event exclusive ornament was not a repainted mold of a past ornament. Repainting an older ornament has been the norm for limited ornaments since it is less expensive to produce. Hallmark’s all new sculpts of Lt. Arex and Lt. M’Ress were fantastic three dimensional likenesses of their two dimensional cartoon counterparts.
Lt. Arex, voiced by James Doohan, was a three armed, three legged Endosian Starfleet navigator. His third leg was thoughtfully placed behind him but his third arm was horrifying. Arex’s extra upper appendage originated in the center of his chest in the most unnatural and disturbing way.
“He appeared in fourteen episodes, “One of Our Planets Is Missing”, “The Lorelei Signal”, “The Infinite Vulcan”, “Once Upon a Planet”, “Mudd’s Passion”, “The Terratin Incident”, “The Ambergris Element”, “The Eye of the Beholder”, “The Pirates of Orion”, “Bem”, “The Practical Joker”, “Albatross”, “How Sharper Than a Serpent’s Tooth” and “The Counter-Clock Incident”. Although he appeared in fourteen episodes, no background information about Arex was revealed in the animated series, and he was never given a first name.”
Lt. M’Ress, voiced by Majel Barrett, was a lion-like Caitian Starfleet communications officer. Her appearance wasn’t quite as disconcerting as Arex’s. In fact, her purring accent was the audial antidote to the visually jarring Arex.
“M’Ress’s first appearance was in “The Survivor.” She only appeared in six episodes: “The Survivor”, “Once Upon a Planet”, “Mudd’s Passion”, “The Eye of the Beholder”, “Bem” and “Practical Joker.” (Her name is pronounced: Mmm-ress, not Em-ress). No background information about M’Ress was revealed in the animated series particularly since she only appeared in six shows, and she was never given a first name.”
Kudos to Hallmark for giving fans these lesser known peripheral Star Trek characters the ornament treatment. Star Trek: The Animated Series will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2023 and it is doubtful we will see another ST: TAS ornament. But if Hallmark needs an idea, an old television console with the animated series playing on it would be welcomed. We wouldn’t even need a new sculpt, they could do a repaint of the 2009 Twilight Zone ornament or maybe even the 2020 Kanine Krunchies Keepsake…dogs like Trek too.
Retail: $24.00 2021 Secondary Market: $124.95 Size: 5.25” L x 2.5” W x 1.75” H Code: QLX7199
The 1991 U.S.S. Enterprise was not only the first in the Star Trek line of ornaments but helped blaze the way for Hallmark’s entry into pop culture ornaments, so it is fitting that we begin our countdown of the Top 10 Star Trek Keepsakes with this ornament.
Released to celebrate Star Trek’s 25th anniversary, the ornament is a fairly detailed reproduction of the Enterprise. The ornament had a pigtail that plugged into a light strand that provided power for its light features. In the early days Hallmark was hesitant to stray too far from the holiday theme so simple red and green blinking lights were added to the hull’s edge to give it a Christmas feel. In addition to the holiday lights, the bridge dome and primary phaser array dome on the underside would light up white. Unfortunately, the Enterprise’s nacelles did not light up and there was no audio function for the ornament.
The Enterprise was sculpted by long-time Hallmark artist, Lynn Norton, who explained the early design days of the Enterprise,
“We really had to convince our art directors we could go beyond cute and traditional and make really believable small models to be used as ornaments. Our commitment to high quality fit right into the Hallmark ideals for product. Now, I also had to fight the initial idea of having a string of garland hanging along the edge of the primary hull, and Santa Claus popping out of the bridge — true story! I wanted to make it as accurate as possible. I’m very aware of the changes to that first ornament. Because it had big, thick circuitry inside for lights, the ornament had heat dissipation problems. We had to build a big cavity into it so the circuit board would not melt the plastic. Also, the ornament had to fit into a ‘printer’s box’ store display with a limited space, and I had to shorten the nacelles for it to fit.”
The Enterprise ornament proved to be hugely popular upon release. Kevin Stevens reported on it’s popularity:
“The Starship Enterprise ornament was unveiled in July 1991. By August, Hallmark found that demand for this particular ornament was overwhelming; it appealed to collectors of Keepsake Ornaments as well as Star Trek fans and collectors. The Enterprise proved to be the most popular ornament made by Hallmark since the Keepsake line was introduced in 1973. By October 1991, Hallmark made the unprecedented decision to go back into production with the Enterprise ornament. Still, by December these supplies of ornaments were also depleted. It immediately began climbing in value on the secondary market.”
The 1991 Starship Enterprise has held its own after thirty years and, no question, deserves a spot in our Top 10 list of Hallmark Star Trek Hallmark ornaments.
Check out the Top 10 and stay TOONED for #9 next week!
A tree topper that boldly goes where no tree topper has gone before! Congratulations on your purchase of Hallmark Keepsake’s Star Trek Tree Topper.
Your box includes your tree topper, power adapter, support rod, three hook and loop fasteners, remote, and remote batteries.
Your Star Trek Tree Topper plugs into a power adapter for constant illumination. You may also press the button on either on the Starfleet insignia remote control or on the top of the tree topper to start a sound and light show, featuring the music of “Theme from Star Trek.”
Connect one or more Star Trek Storytellers ornaments: Captain James T. Kirk, Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu, and Lieutenant Nyota Uhura (each sold separately).
Assembling the tree topper 1. Position the support rod with the pin facing up, parallel to your tree’s central branch 2. Evenly space the three hook and loop fasteners around the central branch to fasten the rod to the tree 3. Connect the power cord to the underside of the base 4. Gently and securely place the base atop your tree and plug the cord into your wall outlet
The tree topper’s default light performance will begin when the power is connected.
Remote Insert the two batteries (included) into the battery compartment of the remote control.
Troubleshooting Steps To Pair With Storyteller Ornaments 1. Ensure the batteries of the remote are installed correctly (flat side up) 2. Plug the power adapter from the box into the base of the Enterprise 3. Plug the power adapter into a working wall outlet 4. Plug the end of the Keepsake power cord into each of the Storyteller ornaments, ensuring a tight fit 5. Plug the Keepsake power cord into a working wall outlet 6. Activate the show with the remote or pressing one of the buttons on a Storyteller ornament or on the top of the ship 7. Ensure all pieces are plugged in tightly
Creating a safe, diverse, an accepting space for our community with an unforgettable experience for everyone has always been at the center of everything we do. We have approached our Health and Safety guidelines for our shows with the very same mindset. It’s with much optimism and enthusiasm that we look forward to welcoming you back to convention centers around the country, to celebrate the things we all love together.
We will be running all our shows with reduced capacity. With our new safety precautions in place, attendance and badges will be very limited so that we can ensure physical distancing. We’re working closely with each convention center to determine how many people are permitted in the building every day and at a given time.
We are requiring approved face coverings for all individuals attending our events, including our exhibitors and staff. They must be worn at all times within our venues. For more information, you can visit the FAQ pages on each of our show websites.
Temperature screening upon entry will be required to enter our events. Anyone with an elevated temperature will not be permitted to enter the event.
We will have increased sanitization and cleaning with enforced physical distancing throughout the event.
We have also adopted a firm no handshakes, no high-fives, no hugs policy. We’re all going to have to get very smooth and cool-looking at either the elbow bump or air high-fives. Please start practicing now.
The convention is scheduled for October 7-10, 2021 at the Javits Center.
Article text: Twenty-five years after embarking on its mission to “boldly go where no man has gone before” the USS Enterprise has crossed another frontier – onto Christmas trees across the country. And even the stoical Mr. Spock would no doubt be tickled at its success. Hallmark Cards has turned the famous starship into its newest Christmas ornament. The tiny model – about 5 inches long – features blinking red and green lights! Authentic markings and sells for $20. The ornament immediately caught the fancy of Trekkies when it arrived in stores in July. Retailers now can’t get enough of the item to satisfy demand. Fans who want the Federation starship on their tree the Christmas are advised to get their names on a waiting list right away. Dallasan Hallmark in Casa Linda Plaza has sold out of its stock three times, plus the display ornament, and is waiting for more. That is, except for one ornament, whispch is tucked away out of sight of customers. “I’m a Trekkie,” says cashier Josef Caldwell. “It’s for me.” “It’s the biggest demand we’ve ever had for a single ornament,” said Betsy Helgager, spokeswoman for Hallmark in Kansas City, Mo. “We’ve heard about the waiting lists and all that. We expected it to do well, but… (Mitchell Diggs, Scripps Howard News Service)
Display a galaxy of ornaments with this white pre-lit wreath. Bright white LED lights are perfect for highlighting your collection of sci-fi Keepsake Ornaments—or any of your favorite decorations! Simply plug into a standard 120-volt wall outlet to see the continuous light effect. For indoor use only.
Magic Light artificial Christmas wreath. Plugs into a standard 120-volt wall outlet. No batteries necessary.
TO READ THE LATEST NEWS AND AVAILABILITY ON LEGACY CORDS CLICK HERE
According to Hallmark’s website the Legacy cord is no longer being offered. The Legacy cord was used to provide sound, light, and motion when connected by the “pigtail” of up to four Magic ornaments produced prior to 2010 (1983-2009). Magic ornaments were originally powered by plugging the ornament into an incandescent light string but the newer LED light strings were not compatible with the older ornaments. The 64″ Legacy cord resembles an extension cord with four connectors spaced 18” apart and was a great solution to the light string issue.
Unfortunately, fifteen Star Trek Magic ornaments and more than 200 other Keepsake ornaments will remain quiet, dark and motionless unless you have access to the older light strings or were savvy enough to pick up the Legacy cords when they were available. Secondary ornament sites were offering Legacy cords for more than $70.00 but are listed as out of stock. There is currently only one Legacy cord listed on eBay, it is being offered at $139.99.
Hallmark Star Trek Magic Ornaments: 1991 Enterprise 1992 Galileo 1993 Enterprise D 1994 Klingon Bird of Prey 1995 Romulan Warbird 1996 Voyager 1997 Defiant 1998 Enterprise E 1999 Rio Grande 2000 Borg Cube 2002 Delta Flyer 2003 Scorpion 2004 Vulcan Command 2004 “The City on the Edge of Forever” 2005 Locutus of Borg
Warp to the year 2399 with this Christmas tree ornament featuring La Sirena, the non-Federation cargo freighter hired by Jean-Luc Picard and owned by former Starfleet Commander Cristóbal Ríos. The highly detailed decoration plays audio of some of Picard’s quotes from “Star Trek: Picard” (battery-operated). Engage!
Magic Sound Christmas tree ornament. Press the button on the ornament to hear scenes from the show. Requires three (3) LR41 batteries, included.
Says three phrases: “That’s why we’re here…to save each other.”, “I have something I want to give you and your people…my life. Picard out.”, “I don’t want the game to end.”
This artist crafted Keepsake Ornament comes pre-packaged in a box for easy gift giving, preservation and storage. Dated 2021 in copyright.
Plastic Christmas tree ornament measures 2.25″ W x 0.937″ H x 4.1875″ D.
Keepsake Power Cord is required. One cord powers up to 7 Storyteller Ornaments. Regular price $34.99. Available October 2, 2021
Product Details
Although tasked with navigational duties on the bridge of the I.S.S. Enterprise, Ensign Chekov of the Terran Empire spent much of his time focused on mutinous thoughts of seizing the captain’s chair for himself. Plug the ornament into Hallmark’s Keepsake Power Cord (sold separately) for constant illumination, then press the button to start a sound and light show based on the classic original Star Trek series episode “Mirror, Mirror.” Connect all of the Star Trek Storytellers ornaments—Captain James T. Kirk, Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu, Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, First Officer Spock and Ensign Pavel Chekov—and the U.S.S. Enterprise Tree Topper (each sold separately) to unlock additional interactive performances.
Storytellers Interactive Light and Sound Christmas tree ornament. Connect this ornament to Hallmark’s Keepsake Power Cord (sold separately) to see the continuous light effect. Press the button to watch it perform an exciting scene from the classic original Star Trek series episode “Mirror, Mirror.” No batteries necessary.
This artist crafted Keepsake Ornament comes pre-packaged in a box for easy gift giving, preservation and storage. Dated 2021 in copyright.
Add other Star Trek Mirror, Mirror Collection Storytellers ornaments (each sold separately) to unlock larger, amazingly interactive performances.
Plastic Christmas tree ornament measures 2.29″ W x 5.25″ H x 2.2″ D.
Keepsake Power Cord is required. One cord powers up to 7 Storyteller Ornaments. Regular price $34.99. Available July 10, 2021
Product Details
A striking departure from his prime-universe self, Spock’s discipline toward logic and science not only made him an inscrutable presence aboard the I.S.S. Enterprise but also led him to discern Captain Kirk’s most dangerous secret. Plug the ornament into Hallmark’s Keepsake Power Cord (sold separately) for constant illumination, then press the button to start a sound and light show based on the classic original Star Trek series episode “Mirror, Mirror.” Connect all of the Star Trek Storytellers ornaments—Captain James T. Kirk, Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu, Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, First Officer Spock and Ensign Pavel Chekov—and the U.S.S. Enterprise Tree Topper (each sold separately) to unlock additional interactive performances.
Storytellers Interactive Light and Sound Christmas tree ornament. Connect this ornament to Hallmark’s Keepsake Power Cord (sold separately) to see the continuous light effect. Press the button to watch it perform an exciting scene from the classic original Star Trek series episode “Mirror, Mirror.” No batteries necessary.
Artist crafted by Jake Angell, this Keepsake Ornament comes pre-packaged in a box for easy gift giving, preservation and storage. Dated 2021 in copyright.
Add other Star Trek Mirror, Mirror Collection Storytellers ornaments (each sold separately) to unlock larger, amazingly interactive performances.
Plastic Christmas tree ornament measures 2.49″ W x 5.68″ H x 2.37″ D.
Did your Star Trek Collection U.S.S. Enterprise Tree Topper remote dematerialize? Now you can easily replace it—or buy a second remote just in case. Design features the Starfleet insignia; batteries included.
Replacement remote control for Star Trek Collection U.S.S. Enterprise Musical Tree Topper With Light (sold separately) is artist crafted by Jake Angell.
Requires two (2) replaceable LR44 batteries, included.
Plastic remote control measures 2.31″ W x 3.64″ H x 0.79″ D.
As part of the First Contact Day (April 5) festivities it was announced that in 2022 there will be a Star Trek: Mission Chicago event. This convention is the only officially licensed Star Trek event in the U.S. by CBS now that Star Trek Las Vegas has been replaced with The 55-Year Mission Tour in Las Vegas. ReedPop, who is putting on Mission Chicago, was behind events like New York Comic Con, MCM Comic Con London, Star Wars Celebration and Star Trek: Mission New York. It is expected that annual Missions in rotating cities will follow.
Newsfeed: We invite you to Star Trek: Mission Chicago– the ultimate Star Trek fan experience for all ages! Boldly explore the past, present and future of the celebrated franchise while embracing the ideals of a diverse and inclusive future that remains at the center of one of the most iconic brands of all time. Enjoy three full days of interactive exhibits, major announcements, exclusive merchandise, celebrity guests, and more from the ever-evolving Star Trek universe.
Star Trek: Mission Chicago is coming to McCormick Place in Chicago IL, April 8th to April 10th 2022.
In light of this announcement it seems only fitting to revisit 2016’s Star Trek: Mission New York which took place during Star Trek’s 50th Anniversary. To celebrate the anniversary, Hallmark displayed all 81 Star Trek ornaments that had been released up to that time (actually 80, “To Boldly Go” was still just a cardboard image).
Unfortunately, most of the photos of the Star Trek display were taken from a distance.
The gallery, in the form of a transporter chamber, stood beside Hallmark’s event booth. It was comprised of seven tall, vertical windows each holding a dozen or so ornaments.
Happily, one Star Trek fan posted a YouTube video of the ornaments which you can view at the bottom of this page. Below are the best screen caps I could get from IoMGeek’s September 3, 2016 video. Let me know if anyone has any photos of Hallmark’s ornament gallery they would like to share.
Window 1 Top: 1991 U.S.S. Enterprise, 1992 Shuttlecraft Galileo, 1993 U.S.S. Enterprise D, 1994 Klingon Bird-of-Prey Middle: 1995 Captain Jean-Luc Picard, 1995 Captain James T. Kirk, 1995 The Ships of Star Trek, 1995 Romulan Warbird Bottom: 1996 Enterprise & Galileo, 1996 Mr. Spock, 1996 Commander William T. Riker,1996 U.S.S. Voyager
Window 2 Top: 1997 Commander Data, 1997 Dr. Leonard H. McCoy, 1997 U.S.S. Defiant, 1998 Captain Kathryn Janeway, 1998 U.S.S. Enterprise E Middle: 1999 Worf, 1999 U.S.S. Enterprise – Glass, 1999 Runabout U.S.S. Rio Grande Bottom: 1999 U.S.S. Enterprise – Stamp, 2000 Lt. Commander Worf – Glass, 2000 Seven of Nine, 2000 Borg Cube
Window 3 Top: 2001 Q – Glass, 2001 Space Station Deep Space Nine, 2001 Startfleet Legends Middle: 2001 Captain Benjamin Sisko, 2002 Enterprise NX-01, 2002 The Doctor, 2002 Delta Flyer Bottom: 2003 Sub-Commandr T’Pol, 2003 Captain Jonathan Archer, 2003 The Scorpion
Window 4 Top: 2004 “The City on the Edge of Forever”, 2004 Insignias, 2004 Vulcan Command Ship, 2004 Commander Trip Tucker Bottom: 2005 Khan, 2005 U.S.S. Enterprise A
Window 4 Top: 2005 Locutus of Borg, 2006 U.S.S. Enterprise, 2006 The Transporter Chamber, 2007 Future U.S.S. Enterprise D Bottom: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, 2007 Lt. Uhura – Red
Window 5 Top: 2008 Communicator, 2008 “The Trouble with Tribbles”, 2008 U.S.S. Reliant, 2009 Klingon Battle Cruiser Middle: 2009 Lt. Uhura – Gold, 2009 Starfleet Phaser, 2009 “The Menagerie” Bottom: 2009 Ilia Probe, 2010 U.S.S. Enterprise 2.0, 2010 “Amok Time”, 2010 Captain James T. Kirk
Window 6 Top: 2011 “Mirror, Mirror”, 2011 Romulan Bird-of-Prey, 2011 U.S.S. Defiant Bottom: 2011 Spock, 2012 Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy
Window 7 Top: 2014 U.S.S. Vengeance, 2014 “The Devil in the Dark” Bottom: 2014 Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu, 2014 Vina, 2015 U.S.S. Enterprise C
Window 7 Top: 2015 “The Needs of the Many”, 2015 Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, 2016 Enterprise “Pilot” Gold Bottom: 2016 “The Man Trap”, 2016 Ensign Pavel Chekov, 2016 Enterprise “Pilot” Painted
In 1992, Hallmark put on a Galileo Landing Party event at stores across the country. The Galileo was the follow up ornament to the bestselling Enterprise the year before. Hallmark decided to educate their sales associates with five key STAR TREK terms in preparation of the party. Take a look below at what they considered crucial information.
If you have access to a STAR TREK costume, wear it during your Landing Party event. It will add to the festivities!
During your Party, it might be helpful if you are familiar with STAR TREK lingo. Here are some terms to know:
Shuttlecraft Galileo – Small spaceship that transfers up to 8 passengers and 2 operators to the starship U.S.S. Enterprise. U.S.S. Enterprise – The starship that transports the STAR TREK crew on its missions. STAR TREK Mission – “To seek out new worlds and new civilizations…to boldly go where no man has gone before.” Klingons – Once-enemies, now allies of the Federation. Federation – League of planets throughout all galaxies that are allied for peace.
You Are The Key To The Success Of This Event. Live Long And Prosper!
Hallmark 1992 STAR TREK Shuttlecraft Galileo™ Keepsake Magic Ornament & REACH Landing Party Event SALES ASSOCIATE’S GUIDE
With Your Help, Your Store’s Keepsake Magic Ornament Event Will Be Out of This World! Collectors are already eager for the new Shuttlecraft Galileo™ ornament to arrive at your store! Trekkers are equally anxious. Now is the perfect time to capitalize on the excitement generated by the historical landing of the STAR TREK Shuttlecraft Galileo. The Shuttlecraft Galileo Keepsake Magic Ornament is destined to become as sought after as its predecessor, the Starship Enterprise™. It’s lighted and features the authentic voice of Mr. Spock wishing your customers a personal Christmas greeting.
TV Beams News Of Shuttlecraft To Earthlings: National television advertising will begin August 24 with a compelling message to viewers to purchase the Keepsake Shuttlecraft Galileo Magic Ornament. TV commercials, featuring Leonard Nimoy, will air on STAR TREK (the original series) reruns, on “STAR TREK: The Next Generation” (in syndication), and on NBC’s Today Show. Ask your Hallmark sales rep for details.
A color print ad will run in Sunday Parade magazine and USA Weekend magazine on August 30. Full-page color ads will also appear in “Official STAR TREK« Fan Club Newsletter” magazine (August 21 issue) and in “StarLog” on September 1. As An Honorary STAR TREK Crew Member, Here’s What You Should Do: Read this Guide completely. Attend your store meeting and brainstorm with other Sales Associates and your manager about ways to enhance your Shuttlecraft Landing Party event.
The Shuttlecraft Landing Party: The event will be held August 29 and 30, and will feature a STAR TREK Costume Contest (where customers dress up in STAR TREK Costumes), a coloring contest (where children 12 and under color a STAR TREK scene) and a register to-win-drawing for a U.S.S. Enterprise Mobile. Your store can send out invitations to your customer mailing list and can send a news release to local media. If you know of any STAR TREK fans who would like to receive an invitation, please alert your manager now, so that an invitation can be mailed. Be ready to welcome customers with a well planned Shuttlecraft Landing Party event that will not only create goodwill and enthusiastic response from your customers, but will pave the way for future sales and continued customer loyalty.
Hallmark News Release: Join us right here on the Keepsake Facebook page on April 15 for our live Dream Book Reveal Party! The event is completely free – all you have to do is join us right here on the Keepsake Facebook page from 12pm-1pm CST on April 15.
Hear from Keepsake artists Nina Aubé, Rodney Gentry and Gregor Benedetti as they share all about their NEW first in series ornaments releasing this year, what’s on their Wish List this year, and more! The event will be hosted by Keepsake editor Lindsay Evans. Be sure to tune in live for the chance to win giveaways and more!
This clipping is from The Country Journal in May of 1994. It is an article that covers Patrick Stewart and the last days of Star Trek: The Next Generation but what catches the eye is the Hallmark ad in the lower right.
Unfortunately, the image is too blurry to make out the details but it is a Rowe-Manse Emporium and Country Store advertisement offering a buy back program of the 1991 Hallmark Enterprise ornament. As the ad shows, Rowe-Manse was offering $150 for Hallmark’s first Star Trek ornament. $150 in 1994 is equivalent to $268.50 in 2021. The ‘91 Enterprise is currently available on eBay for $75 and up. Originally sold for $20, the Enterprise was a huge success and supply did not keep up with the high demand.
Roxanne Roberts of the Washington Post wrote on the ornament’s rarity in 1991, “Demand for the Starship is the greatest that Hallmark has ever had for any ornament, says spokeswoman Betsy Helgager. The company will not release production figures but the Enterprise, which premiered this summer at about 11,000 retailers, was quickly reissued this fall when Hallmark realized it had a phenomenon on its branches. Each store got about 50. Since the ornament went on display in August, stores have been inundated with requests. Most started waiting lists; after a while, they stopped taking names. On Oct. 1, when retailers were allowed to reorder the spaceship, Hallmark received more than $1 million in orders, said one representative. Most shipments were sold out the day they arrived. People are still calling, even offering extra money.“
In 1993, Kevin Stevens wrote for Strange New Worlds, “Prices for the Starship Enterprise ornament climbed to $175, eventually topping out at about $250. One dealer at a Los Angeles area Star Trek convention had priced the ornament at $400. Prices for this piece have since stabilized at about $200.”
The Rowe-Manse Emporium was a New Jersey business that sold collectibles, toys, jewelry, food and candy and was known for its wooden escalator. Unfortunately, this specialty department store went out of business in the early 2000s.
If you have picked up any Star Trek event exclusive ornaments since 2018 you may have noticed the new black box design. It is an all black design that stands out against the white boxes Hallmark has used since 2006. With this change, on the sides of the box, is a gloss black doodle-inspired artwork on a flat black background that can go unnoticed unless the light catches it just right.
This artwork was created by Marceli Colato who also made drawings for Star Wars, Marvel, Disney, DC Comics and Harry Potter. “I was able to create cohesive branding that would be used in a variety of spaces, including visual merchandising, print/digital marketing, packaging designs, and unique gift product” says Colato.
Below is the complete piece of artwork Colato created for the Star Trek PopMinded by Hallmark line. Can you “spot” all the references?
Hallmark Star Trek Ornaments 