If there was anyone out there wanting to make a Galileo-centric tree now is you chance. A current eBay listing has a lot of seventeen 1992 Galileo ornaments available for anyone wanting to form a fleet of shuttlecrafts.
hallmarkstartrekornaments.com is not affiliated with this auction.
The Galileo’s unfortunate condition in 2012 as it was going up for up auction.Top: 2013 image after restoration. The Galileo ornament was quite an accurate sculpt for 1992. The only standout differences are the rounded roof rails that were straightened and the lack of landing pads. Galileo’s unveiling at Johnson Space Center in Houston where it has resided since 2013.The restored shuttlecraft was used for an episode of Star Trek Continues, 2014’s ”Fairest of Them All”.
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.“
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.“
Stills from Hallmark’s Galileo commercial featuring Leonard Nimoy.
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”
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!
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!
Your Standard 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 are equally anxious. Now is the perfect time to capitalize on the excitement generated by this historical landing of this STAR TREK Shuttlecraft Galileo in your store.
The Shuttlecraft Galileo Keepsake Magic Ornament is destined to become as sought after as its predecessor, the Starship Enterprise.
This new ornament crosses the final frontier in ornament design. It’s lighted and features the authentic voice of Mr. Spock wishing your customers a personal Christmas greeting.
Galileo also provides full margin for you.
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.
A color print ad will run in the Sunday Parade magazine and the 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.
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.
Here’s What To Do
Read, display and distribute all the materials included in this promotion kit. They include:
INTRO & R-T-W MATERIALS
1 Bag Stuffer Slick 1 Ad Slick 1 Direct Mail Invitation Slick 200 Full-Color Direct Mail Invitations 1 20-1/2” x 30” Poster 1 8” x 10” R-T-W Entry Sign 300 R-T-W Entry Forms (6 pads of 50 each) 1 Entry Form Slick 1 Enterprise Mobile (R-T-W Prize) 1 News Release
Have your coloring contest entry forms printed with your store’s name, address, and entry deadline date.
Have your bag stuffers printed. Be sure to have your printer to add your store name and address to the lower right hand corner.
Have extra direct mail invitations printed with your store name, address and time of your costume contest imprinted.
August 9 – August 15
Contact your local newspaper advertising representative and order your newspaper ad.
While you are discussing your advertising with your newspaper representative, give him or her your Shuttlecraft Landing Party news release. Mail copies of the news release to local radio stations and to any other local newspapers that serve your trading area.
Mail your full-color invitations to your Collector’s list and your best customers. Be sure to store stamp the invitations (inside and on the return address side) prior to mailing. Fill in the time of your costume contest as well. Use the direct mail invitations you had printed yourself when you run out of full-color invitations.
Distribute your Coloring Contest Forms and arrange for a local art teacher to judge the entries.
August 16 – August 22
Display your 20-1/2” x 30” poster in your window or in the wooden floor-stand holder at the front of the store (sku 19DH 555).
Display your costume contest sign. Arrange for a local drama teacher to judge the costume contest.
Staple your Shuttlecraft Landing Party bag stuffers to the outside of customer’s bags.
Assemble your U.S.S. Enterprise Mobile and hang it from the ceiling.
Have Sales Associates wear their Shuttlecraft Landing Party button inserts.
August 22
Build your Shuttlecraft Galileo display in a prominent place. Display all other STAR TREK related products nearby. Make sure your U.S.S. Enterprise Mobile hangs where it can be seen from outside your store.
August 23 – August 27
Position your Register-to-Win box and entry forms near your hanging mobile.
Encourage Sales Associates to mention the Landing Party To customers and invite them to attend.
Display coloring contest entries as they come in.
August 29
Take photos of costume contest entrants to send to Hallmark. Judge contest and award prize. Suggested prizes include the Shuttlecraft Galileo, any item from your STAR TREK collection or a gift certificate from your store.
August 30
Judge your coloring contest and award prize according to the firms in this kit.
After August 30
Add the names and addresses from the entry forms to your customers direct mail list. After that is completed, mail the entry forms to Hallmark as instructed in your Universal Fulfillment Kit to be sure that your store is given credit for these in “The Very Best Program”.
Leonard Nimoy portrayed Lt. Spock for nearly 50 years and in 1992 he recorded a special holiday message from Spock for use within Hallmark’s Shuttlecraft Galileo ornament. That same year, Nimoy appeared as himself in a television commercial for the ornament where he gives the famous Vulcan salute.
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.”
Hallmark Employee: ”Live long and prosper, right?”
Leonard Nimoy: “No, I’ll take five.“
1993 Enterprise D Commercial
In 1993, Hallmark aired a television commercial featuring Patti Yasutakein the role of Nurse Alyssa Ogawa, who was seen questioning the shipboard computer and then replicating a USS Enterprise-D Keepsake ornament. Patti Yasutake played Nurse Alyssa Ogawa in 16 episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation and in Star Trek Generations and Star Trek: First Contact.
Majel Barrett-Roddenberry provided the voice of the computer. Majel, the “First Lady of Star Trek”, famously played the Trek roles of Number One, Nurse Chapel, M’Ress, Lwaxana Troi and the voice of most onboard computer interfaces throughout the series.
Nurse Ogawa: “Computer, access the new Keepsake Magic Ornament from Hallmark.”
Ship Computer/Replicator: “Accessing U.S.S. Enterprise, a collectible ornament accurately representing the the Galaxy Class starship. Ornament carries Earth date 1-9-9-3 and illuminates in a realistic manner.”
Nurse Ogawa: “The new starship enterprise ornament please.”
Ship Computer/Replicator: “Replications are copies. Only Hallmark carries authentic Keepsake ornaments.”
Nurse Ogawa: “Suggest solution.”
Ship Computer/Replicator: “Call 1-800-HALLMARK for store nearest you.”
1994 Klingon Bird of Prey Commercial
Hallmark’s television commercial for the 1994 Klingon Bird-of-Prey ornament featured Robert O’Reilly in the role of Gowron, commanding the bridge of a Klingon ship. His raucous Klingon language pitch was subtitled in English.
Robert O’Reilly appeared in the Star Trek franchise for over ten years primarily in his recurring role on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as Chancellor Gowron, the leader of the Klingon Empire.
O’Reilly made his first appearance in the Star Trek franchise with an appearance in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “Manhunt”and his last as the character Kago-Darr in the Star Trek: Enterprise episode “Bounty”.
Marc Okrand, creator of the Klingon language, provided the language for the commercial. He is the author of three books about Klingons – The Klingon Dictionary, The Klingon Way and Klingon for the Galactic Traveler, as well as two audio-courses: Conversational Klingon and Power Klingon.
Gowron (speaking Klingonese): “Greetings! In our many battles we have fought with honor and achieved…victory! So to celebrate I have gotten you all a gift. It’s a Klingon Bird of Prey Ornament.”
Klingon #1 (speaking Klingonese): “It looks so real.”
Klingon #2 (speaking Klingonese): “It even has working lights.”
Voiceover: “Hallmark introduces the exclusive Klingon Keepsake Ornament. Call 1-800-HALLMARK for a Gold Crown Store near you.”
Klingon #1 (speaking Klingonese): ”That was really nice of him.”
Klingon #2 (speaking Klingonese): “Yeah, we should get him a thank you card.“
1995 Romulan Warbird Commercial
Martha Hackett appeared as the female Romulan officer. Martha auditioned for the role of Jadzia Dax in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, but lost out to Terry Farrell. She was cast as a member of the Terellian alien species in the finale of Star Trek: The Next Generation, “All Good Things…”. She appeared on Deep Space Nine as the Romulan Sub Commander T’Rul in the two part episode “The Search” in season three and starred as Seska in thirteen episodes of the television series Star Trek: Voyager.
Hallmark Employee: “May I help…you.”
Sub-commander: “You are aboard the the Imperial Warbird Khazara. You are here to explain this.”
Hallmark Employee: “Oh…the new Hallmark Star Trek Keepsake Magic ornament?”
Female Romulan Officer: “Pirated from the Romulan Empire!”
Male Romulan Officer: “Sub-commander, it lights up!”
Sub-commander: “Tell us what you know.”
Hallmark Employee: “Oh…well, the Romulan Warbird ornament is at Gold Crown Stores for a limited time. You should get yours soon.”
Voiceover: “Call 1-800-HALLMARK for the store nearest you.”
Hallmark Employee: “You guys in town for a Star Trek convention?”
It took Hallmark to offer a collectible ornament so authentic, so finely crafted, it even plays a message from Mr. Spock, recorded by Leonard Nimoy.
This newly released Star Trek ornament, stardated 1992, is a collector’s item you can enjoy all year long, as well as during the holidays.
It’s just $24, and supplies are limited. So lock on to the coordinates of a Hallmark store near you and pick up your Shuttlecraft Galileo from the Starship Enterprise today.
Strange New Worlds was a science fiction collectors magazine published from 1992 through 1994, providing original articles, interviews, and news for science fiction collectors. This is a reprint of an article from Strange New Worlds Issue 10 – Oct/Nov 1993.
The Star Fleet of Hallmark by Kevin Stevens
In 1991 Hallmark Cards produced the first in a series of Star Trek Keepsake Ornaments in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the television series. The Starship Enterprise ornament was unveiled in July 1991. The finely detailed ornament blinking red and green lights on the saucer section was a beautiful recreation of the classic starship.
By August, Hallmark found that demand for this particular ornament was overwhelming; it appealed both 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 Ornament 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. By June 1992 collectible dealers were advertising the $20 ornament for anywhere from $50 to as high as $125. Prices would climb higher still.
In 1992, Hallmark, wishing to repeat its success with the Starship Enterprise, produced a second Keepsake Ornament: the Shuttlecraft Galileo. This lighted ornament included a voice chip featuring the voice of Mr. Spock. By pushing a button, collectors could hear Spock wishing all a happy holiday. 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. A year later, collectors can find the Shuttlecraft Galileo ornament for between $35 and $40.
However, because many more fans obtained the second ornament in the series, the demand grew to complete the set by finding the Enterprise ornament. Fans were now hungry for it. 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.
Although the Galileo ornament never achieved the collectibility status of the first ornament, a counter display promoting the ornament has become collectible. The display featured a plastic globe recreating a moon with the Galileo ornament orbiting above it. A button at the base of the display allowed shoppers to hear the greeting from Mr. Spock. This display, which included a cardboard back with advertising information about the ornament, has gone on to the secondary marketplace, with prices from $75 to $150.
For 1993, Hallmark has released the third in the series of Star Trek ornaments: the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701D from Star Trek: The Next Generation. As with the first Enterprise ornament, this keepsake piece features blinking lights. No voice chip is included.
Hallmark announced that it would scale back production for the 1993 ornament, making the newest ornament a more promising collectible than the Galileo. Early reports from Hallmark Gold Crown Stores (retailers for the ornaments) bear this out. Stores that began receiving the ornaments in August have been sent only half their anticipated orders, making demand high from collectors. Even those who pre-ordered have had to wait for back orders to be received.
It remains to be seen how production numbers for the new ornament will stack up as the holiday season approaches. During the holiday season, collectors should anticipate increased prices for the earlier ornaments. If the pattern established in 1992 holds true, prices may spike again, but should stabilize in the new year.
Regardless of the fluctuating prices and collector frenzy, these ornaments remain among the most beautiful, and highly collectible, Star Trek items produced in recent years.
Kevin Stevens is editor of Trek Collector, a bimonthly newsletter for Star Trek fans and collectors. He has been a Star Trek collector since 1972. His collection was featured recently on Los Angeles’ Fox TV news station KTTV.
Strange New Worlds was a science fiction collectors magazine published from 1992 through 1994, providing original articles, interviews, and news for science fiction collectors. This is a reprint of an article from Strange New Worlds Issue 4 – Oct/Nov 1992.
Hallmark officially kicked-off its promotion of the new Shuttlecraft Galileo Keepsake ornament on August 29 [1992], though ornaments were available for sale in select stores the first week in August. This lighted ornament is based on the shuttlecraft design from the classic Star Trek TV series. It features a holiday message from Mr. Spock (voice provided by Leonard Nimoy).
As with all Hallmark Keepsake ornaments, it is unknown how many of these ornaments will be produced. This is proprietary information that Hallmark closely guards. However, it is assumed that based upon the phenomenally successful sales of last year’s Enterprise ornament, that Hallmark will be producing enough of these to meet the demand. The Leonard Nimoy commercial for the Galileo encourages buying multiples of the ornament.
At the 50th World SF Convention, dealers were already asking $50.00 for this ornament that is still available elsewhere for the original retail price of $24.00. Stocks of the Galileo ornament were quickly depleted by eager collectors and dealers in many stores. Before paying inflated dealer prices, first check with your local Hallmark store.
You might also see in your local shop the charming Galileo counter display. It features a large three-dimensional cardboard asteroid (replete with meteor crates) with the Galileo suspended in “orbit” above it. A button clearly marked “press here” is at the base of the display and allows the customer to hear Spock’s holiday message.
As reported in Issue #2 of Strange New Worlds [“Hallmark’s Voyage of the Starship Enterprise”], Hallmark had more demand for last year’s Enterprise ornament than for any other item made by Hallmark since Keepsake Ornaments were first begun in 1973. It is still too early to judge if this latest addition to Hallmark’s Starfleet will enjoy equal attention. Hallmark collectors currently list the value of the 1991 Enterprise (original retail value of $20.00) at $175.00.
The 1992 Hallmark Galileo ornament was the only Star Trek ornament released that year. It was also lucky enough to have its very own Point-of-Sale display. A 15.5″ x 18″ x 11.5″ deep box contains a 1992 Hallmark Christmas ornament talking store display. The 4″ long “Galileo” lighted Shuttle orbits a moon-like quarter sphere on a metal rod. Push-button on the base of sphere allows one to here message from Mr.Spock.
The follow up to the 1991 Starship Enterprise ornament, the Shuttlecraft Galileo Hallmark ornament was released in 1992, and was also a huge hit with Star Trek collectors. Not only did the cockpit of the NCC-1701/7 light up, but it also features a special holiday message from the First Officer of the USS Enterprise, Mr. Spock.
To hear Spock’s message, “Shuttlecraft to Enterprise, Shuttlecraft to Enterprise. Spock here. Happy Holidays. Live long, and prosper,” press the button on the bottom of the shuttlecraft.
Hallmark Star Trek Ornaments 