not so in the replica).Īnd needless to say, the symbols do not light up, and there is no intricate gear motion in the meter's center. By tipping the meter back and forth you can make the needle "seek" other symbols (in the film and books, a big deal is made of the needle's fluid motion, as "an unseen hand" guides it to the correct answer. then the blue needle spins furiously and points to a symbol. It works on a spring mechanism: you open the case, set the three red needles using the crowns around the edge of the case, and then push a button (not present in the prop). The operation of the replica is a bit of a letdown. Either the replica's parts have been assembled in the wrong orientation, or else engravings have been changed (well it wouldn't do for the replica to be an EXACT copy, would it.) Symbols (there are a million of them on the device's case) do not seem to match what the actual props have. On the minus side, there are many things on the replica that differ from the props. The lid is not spring loaded, and you can easily snap it shut by accident while trying to open it. The lid opens when you push a lever on the case's edge. (the film props appeared more golden in tone). The case is a brass color, with a bit of dull coating. On the plus side, the shape and size are right, and there's no denying, it LOOKS like an Alethiometer. Noble Collection has come out with a replica of the Alethiometer, and at around $200, it's both impressive and disappointing. :lol (in the book it is just a mechanical device the sequence of symbols which it indicates have to be interpreted to be understood). in the film it is used more like a magic crystal ball, showing film clips of events. The film's depiction of the meter varies from the book's. Probably the best thing about the film "The Golden Compass", IMHO, was the realization of the Aleithomter, the "truth measure", a gadget which, when read properly by a sensitive such as the film's protagonist Lyra Bellaqua, can reveal future or past events. Thank you and good luck.OK since I don't see a thread on this, I'll start one up. If there are any questions, please contact seller through eBay. Payment delays are not acceptable nor negotiable. Please, do not bid on this item if you do not have the funds or cannot make the payment upon winning the auction. Please, ATTENTION: Immediate payment is expected on the completion of the winning bid. Furthermore, the item is listed (under the 'Shipping, Returns & Payments' section) as, 'Returns Not Accepted.' Selling as-is. Ruler is NOT included in the sale/auction. The listing's photos reveal exactly what the buyer would be getting - i.e., a alethiometer, as displayed in the provided photos (see photos).
To reiterate, the item being listed has been kept in storage, inside a plastic/rubber-made box container, since its original purchase by the original owner. From the movie (and books), " The Golden Compass," the alethiometer was a compass-like device that was used to communicate with Dust and find truthful answers to one's questions. The alethiometer features a spinning hand, as well as hands that can be dialed. The alethiometer is constructed from solid metal and other materials (it has some weight to it). The alethiometer is approximately 4" X 3.75" X 1.5," larger than a standard pocket watch. The alethiometer does NOT come with the original packaging. The item being listed has been in storage, until the taking of the provided photos. Selling The Golden Compass Alethiometer from The Noble Collection from the original owner from a smoke-free storage environment in mint condition (see photos).