Monday, October 31, 2016

Deep Space Nine: Quark

Alright people, thanks for waiting.  Here is another fantastic Ferengi costume from DS9.  This is Quarks 'Stained Glass' costume. It is a sight to behold.



This costume was seen in numerous episodes, such as 'Business As Usual' and 'Profit and Lace'



In 'Business as Usual', Quark, under pressure from Gaila, looks to make a big financial score by selling weapons to some unsavory characters. Things take an unexpected turn and Quark finds himself between a rock and a hard place.



There were two of this costume made for the show, and this one is the primary one used.  It's just amazing as it is as complete from head to toe, all with tags with the name 'Armin' on them.  It was originally sold through Screenused, and made it's way through several owners before I was allowed the opportunity to purchase it.  I wasn't fond of this particular version of Quark's costume, but after having it in person, I am in love with it.

More stuff to come...

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Deep Space Nine: Distressed Quark

This is Quark's distressed 'Cranberry Stripe' Ferengi costume.  It was seen only once on screen, but you can see it here again and in greater detail.

We see it for the first time in the season 5 episode 'The Ascent' where after their shuttlecraft crashes, Odo and Quark must overcome their personal differences and work together for their survival.


After the crash, his once beautiful outfit becomes muddied and torn.


The fact that the original costume had to be distressed so badly all is a head scratcher as the costume is hidden under a Starfleet blanket for most of the episode.


The person that purchased it from IAW sold it on Ebay shortly afterwards and lost to an unknown buyer.  Many years later, I found the buyer and purchased it from him. I couldn't have been more lucky and now it is home at New Ferenginar

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Deep Space Nine: Quark

Alright Ferengi fans, this one is doubly cool:  Here is Quark's Klingon costume from the season 5 DS9 episode "Looking For par'Mach In All The Wrong Places.





In the episode, Quark must choose between loosing his Klingon love,Grilka, or his life at the hands of a Klingon bat'leth from a Klingon challenger.  With the help of Worf, Quark's honor (and life) is retained, and Grilka becomes his mate.  All in a good days work, I say.

This was not the first use of the costume.  In it's original configuration, it goes all the way back to the season 6 TNG episode 'Rightful Heir' as the clone of 'Kahless the Unforgettable' as portrayed by Kevin Conway.

The interior tags verify this .

This was originally sold in  its Quark configuration at the Christie's Star Trek 40 Years Auction in 2006.  The winning bidder placed it for sale many years later, and I was incredibly lucky to have acquired it from him.

Monday, February 29, 2016

Deep Space Nine: Latinum Bars

Here is one of the central pieces of Ferengi commerce:  Gold Pressed Latinum.



In the Trek universe, the Latinum is a mercury-like liquid that is encased in a gold shell of 4 or 5 standardized sizes.  I own 3 of them.

Memory Alpha recognizes 4 sizes:  Brick, Bar, Strip, and Slip.  There has been numerous discussions as to the value of each in real-world Dollars, but this will always be difficult at the economics of the future are fluid, much like the actual economy in the real world.  However, there are numerous, and sometimes inconsistent,  examples in DS9 where a character will say X amount of Latinum will buy you Y amount of goods or services.



These are 6 screen used Bricks of Latinum.  There were numerous ones made for the Season 6 episode "Who Mourns For Morn?"



This is a 'bar' of Latinum.



This is a 'strip' of Latinum.


There are soooooooo many recastings out there, that it can be difficult to tell the real from the fake ones.  For this reason, I have spent perhaps more than I should for screen-used without regret.  Even more strange is that the cost of purchasing screen used Latinum has increased by almost double over the past several years to the point where it costs almost as much as real gold!

Perhaps I will just stick with the 9 pieces I already have, thank you very much.

Also, don't worry costume enthusiasts.... I have more Ferengi costumes coming.