A flying saucer spaceship miniature created by L.B. "Bill" Abbott for Robert Wise's classic Cold War-era science fiction film The Day the Earth Stood Still (20th Century Fox, 1951) in which the mysterious alien "Klaatu" (Michael Rennie) and his imposing robot bodyguard "Gort" (Lock Martin) visit Earth to caution the governments of the world against their development of atomic power for the purpose of conflict and war. Mounted on a stand for display purposes.

The large miniature is composed of fiberglass that has been painted silver with a small triangular opening cut along one side of the dome.

The 1/24 scale miniature was conceived by art directors Lyle Wheeler and Addison Hehr and created by L.B. Abbott, Ray Kellogg, and Emil Kosa.

Award-winning miniature and visual effects master, Greg Jein, rescued the model from the 20th Century Fox lot when sold by the studio and then preserved and exhibited the model until 2003.  Prior to the original sale, it was on display at Disney-MGM Studios in Orlando Florida by the American Film Institute.

The model can be seen during the iconic landing of the craft on a baseball field in Washington D.C., one of the first times that an optical matte process was used to depict a miniature in flight on screen. The UFO initially appears as an oval of light, but its outline and shape can be seen more clearly when it glides over the Washington Monument.

Legendary cameraman and cinematographer L.B. Abbott was an expert in the creation of special effects. He won Academy Awards for his visual effects work on Doctor Dolittle (20th Century Fox, 1968), Tora! Tora! Tora! (20th Century Fox, 1971), The Poseidon Adventure (20th Century Fox, 1972), and Logan's Run (United Artists, 1976).

The Day the Earth Stood Still is widely considered one of the greatest science fiction films of all time and is currently celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026.

Overall: 59.5 x 85 x 72 in; 151.13 x 215.9 x 182.88 cm

58 x 82 x 70 inches (overall on stand)

Provenance: Profiles in History, “Hollywood Auction 14," April 26, 2003, Lot #39.

For a condition report, please email [email protected] more than 48 hours before the auction.

Please note: The absence of information regarding condition in this lot description does not indicate that no condition issues are present. Please contact us for a condition report, and with any questions prior to bidding. It is the bidder's responsibility to request a condition report in order to determine their own opinions on condition, provenance, and validity before placing bids. Condition reports are rendered as an opinion by the staff of Julien's Auctions and not as statements of fact, we are not responsible for any discrepancies between this information and other opinions. Condition reports are provided as a courtesy to assist you in assessing the condition of the lot. In accordance with the terms and conditions of sale, as agreed to by bidders upon registering for an auction, all sales are final and all lots are sold "as-is."