For many years, little attention has been given to the subtle variations found in the Star Trek blueprint sets produced by Franz Joseph Designs and published by Ballantine Books in 1975.
To my knowledge, these variations have not been widely documented.
This release consists of a set of 12 “Authentic Blueprints of the Fabulous Starship Enterprise,” each measuring approximately 9″ × 30″. It represents a later issue following the original 1973 release, which was packaged differently and is often confused with this version.
The 1975 set comes housed in a distinctive protective sleeve: a combination of clear vinyl and textured brown material, secured with a metal snap closure. While the contents are consistent, the packaging itself reveals several noteworthy variations.
The Snap
A close inspection of the snap reveals two distinct styles. One features a more decorative, ornate design, while the other is plain and functional. This is a small detail, but a clear point of variation between examples.
The Cover Variations
Version 1
Front: Price listed as $5.00, printed on the right side next to catalog number 345-24471-0-500.
Back: First print.
Version 2
Front: Price listed as $5.00, now positioned on the left side inside a blue oval. Catalog number remains 345-24471-0-500.
Back: Third print.
Version 3
Front: Price increased to $5.95, displayed on the left side inside a white oval. Catalog number updated to 345-25821-5-595.
Back: Blank.
These variations suggest that the 1975 blueprint set went through multiple production changes, both subtle and obvious. Given the differences already observed, it is very possible that additional variations exist.
For collectors, this turns what appears to be a single release into a far more interesting and nuanced piece of Star Trek history.