Doctor Who

An original prop used in the long running science fiction television series Doctor Who.

Nitro-9 is the explosive weapon of choice used by Sophie Aldred as Ace and is seen used by her on various occasions despite being warned by The Doctor (Sylvester McCoy) not to carry it. This particular Nitro-9 is the hero version created by BBC Visual Effects Department assistant Mike Tucker for use in the 1989 serial The Curse of Fenric, constructed from fibreglass with a silver paint finish the prop features a clockwork timer to the top which could be wound up in order to rotate following the removal of the pin, this of red and yellow plastic with a peace symbol added in black tape.

Although this hero version of Nitro was created for use in The Curse of Fenric the mechanism was broken by Aldred during the production and so following a repair it was ultimately used on screen in Battlefield which although broadcast prior to Fenric was actually filmed later due to the availability of Nicholas Courtney who portrayed The Brigadier. The creation of this hero Nitro canister and its use are described in the 1996 book Ace!: The Inside Story of the End of and Era written by Sophie Aldred and Mike Tucker.

The canister stands approximately 8" high with the pin inserted and remains in good screen used condition with some surface wear, overall fine. This represents the only example of a hero Nitro-9 canister with working mechanism created for the series.

A recognisable and highly displayable principal character artefact from this classic science fiction series.