Frankly, I haven’t seen the movie in a while, but I believe this piece is used when Kirk and Bones are first transferred to the prison. When they are initially led down from the surface, it is this key that opens the main door.
This particular replica is working. When you press the black button on the top, the red LED on top turns on, and a series of white LED’s under the emitter flicker on and off in a in a random pattern.
I acquired this piece in a very round about fashion. I recently made a large lot purchase of props and miniatures from a friend, and the pattern for this piece was in there. Because it was so clean and nice, I’m guessing it came straight out of shop molds. I turned it over to a pal of mine who cleaned it up and put the electronics in it.
The only good reference I had for the piece was a picture taken by a friend of mine at the Star Trek Experience in Las Vegas. They have one on display, along with a tiny plaque that identifies what it is.
The paint job on this replica seems to match exactly what is found on the prop in Las Vegas.
Rura Penthe Prison KeyCirca 2293
This key unlocked the main entrance to the Rura Penthe dilithium mining camp. Far more effective than any fence or force field at preventing escape were the subarctic conditions of the Rura Penthe moon.