Bidding for this lot will end on Wednesday, March 25th. The auction will begin at 9:30 AM (PDT) / 12:30 PM (EDT) / 4:30 PM (GMT) and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Thursday, March 26th or Friday, March 27th.
Johnny 5's (Tim Blaney) articulated left forearm from John Badham's Short Circuit. After NOVA Laboratory S.A.I.N.T. (Strategic Artificially Intelligent Nuclear Transport) robot Number 5 was struck by lightning, it became sentient, escaped from NOVA, befriended Stephanie Speck (Ally Sheedy), and adopted the name Johnny 5.
Designed by legendary sci-fi concept artist Syd Mead with influence from sketches by Robotics Supervisor Eric Allard, Johnny 5 was brought to life with a combination of full-size puppets, including remote-control animatronic versions with complex movements, as well as lower-function and static versions. The lively robot earned Mead and Allard a shared nomination for a Saturn Award® for Best Special Effects and remains today among the most memorable characters of 1980s pop culture.
This jointed, articulated robot arm is constructed from both machined metal, as in the joint of its "elbow," and cast resin components, as in its grooved and curled "fingers." It is attached with four cables for connecting to the main body and hand-painted in Johnny 5's distinctive silver-color and glossy blue palette to appear metallic. While the articulation pulley system designed to operate via the cables is no longer functional, the fingers remain manually adjustable from side to side.
The forearm exhibits paint flaking, exposed resin, and scuffing throughout from production use. Dimensions: 12.5" x 5.5" x 2.5" (31.75 cm x 14 cm x 6.5 cm)
Contains mechanical components; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.
Estimate: $8,000 - 16,000