Master Replicas is expanding its collection of Star Trek memorabilia with the announcement of a new, full-sized replica of the USS Defiant dedication plaque. This new collectible is based on the prop featured in the television series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and is now available for preorder.
The plaque joins a growing line of detailed reproductions from the company, which previously released similar items for the USS Enterprise and USS Voyager. This latest offering gives fans an opportunity to own a piece inspired by Captain Sisko's notable starship.
Key Takeaways
- Master Replicas has announced a full-sized replica of the USS Defiant's dedication plaque from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
- The replica measures 14 inches by 10.5 inches and is constructed from polyresin, matching the dimensions of the original prop.
- Its design is based on original instructions from legendary Star Trek scenic artist Mike Okuda.
- The item is available for preorder at a price of £34.99 (approximately $48 USD) and is expected to ship before the end of the year.
Product Details and Authenticity
The newly announced replica is a faithful reproduction of the dedication plaque seen on the bridge of the USS Defiant. Master Replicas has stated that the product is true to the size of the prop used during the filming of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. It is designed to be hung on a wall, allowing collectors to display it prominently.
To ensure accuracy, the company collaborated with Mike Okuda, the original scenic artist responsible for many of Star Trek's iconic designs. According to Master Replicas, they used the instructions Okuda provided to the original prop shop to create this new version. This attention to detail is intended to make the replica as close to the on-screen version as possible.
Replica Specifications
- Product: U.S.S. Defiant Dedication Plaque Replica
- Dimensions: 14 inches (width) x 10.5 inches (height)
- Material: Polyresin
- Source: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
- Design Basis: Original art instructions from Mike Okuda
This release marks what is believed to be the first time a full-size version of the Defiant plaque has been made commercially available. While a smaller version was previously produced by Eaglemoss, this new item from Master Replicas caters to collectors seeking a 1:1 scale reproduction.
Design and In-Universe Lore
The plaque itself contains details that are significant within the Star Trek universe. It officially identifies the USS Defiant (NX-74205) as the prototype and first vessel of its class. The text also notes that the starship was launched from the Antares Ship Yards on stardate 47538.5.
On the set of Deep Space Nine, the physical prop was located on the bridge, positioned just to the right of the turbolift doors. It served as a constant background element, grounding the advanced starship with a sense of official Starfleet history and tradition.
A Nod to the Production Crew
A notable feature of the plaque is its list of names, which served as an inside joke for the show's creators. Rather than featuring fictional characters, the plaque lists the names of key members of the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine production team. This tradition of including crew members' names on dedication plaques is a common easter egg across various Star Trek series.
The Legacy of the USS Defiant
Introduced in the third season of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, the USS Defiant was a departure from previous Starfleet vessels. Described by Captain Sisko as a "tough little ship," it was one of the first Federation warships built specifically for combat, created in response to the Borg threat. Its compact, powerful design made it a crucial asset during the Dominion War, and it remains a fan-favorite ship for its unique role in the franchise.
Availability and Market Context
The USS Defiant plaque is the third major dedication plaque released by Master Replicas this year. It follows the successful launches of replicas for Captain Kirk's USS Enterprise from the original series and Captain Janeway's USS Voyager from Star Trek: Voyager. This continuation suggests a strong market for high-quality, full-sized Star Trek collectibles.
"To our knowledge this is the first time a full-size version has ever been available," Master Replicas stated, highlighting the unique position of their product in the collectibles market.
The replica is currently available for preorder directly from the Master Replicas website. The listed price is £34.99, which converts to approximately $48 USD, though the final dollar amount may vary with exchange rates. The company has indicated that it expects to begin shipping the plaques before the end of 2025, making it a potential holiday item for fans and collectors.
As the market for licensed pop culture merchandise continues to grow, companies like Master Replicas are focusing on creating authentic, screen-accurate items for dedicated fanbases. This new plaque is another example of a product designed to appeal to long-time followers of the Star Trek franchise who value detail and accuracy in their collections.