Anthony Ainley used two versions of the TC gun. This intricately-made, heavy brass and copper device was the most often-seen, second version. Used by The Master in many episodes, but in particular close-up in Castrovalva (when The Master uses it to attempt to open the Doctors tardis casket, TimeFlight (after he reveals his true identity), Mark Of The Rani in 1985 (extreme close-up in action at the gates of the iron works), and Planet Of Fire in 1984, when first The Master fires it at two space suits to show Peri what it can do, then fires it at her as she flees into his Tardis, then Peter Davison uses it to destroy the android Kamelion - which had been under the mind control of The Master.
In The Five Doctors, Ainley has this gun, or a simply-made stunt version of it, (if you know which, please let Chris know) knocked to the ground after the good old Brigadier punches him unconcious in the final episode. Today, the weapon is still fully functioning, with four leaves opening at the bulb end via a special mechanism. Wired up to a battery, the illuminated end lightbulb still shines brightly. The bulb was usually surrounded by cotton gauze shaped into a ball, to give it a more impressive look as it was fired. As one of the most famous hand-props of the series, it attracted fierce bidding, but was successfully purchased by Chris at the 2005 UK Bonhams Knightsbridge auction, where it was one of many pieces from John Nathan-Turners own collection.
Below, the weapon as seen on screen in firstly The Mark Of The Rani, then in Planet Of Fire, with the final frame of the strip (with the Brigadier) from The Five Doctors. |