The Lassiter was a valuable, antique laser pistol which was the the Priceless Lassiter Pistol in the hands of Malcolm Reynoldsforerunner of modern laser technology. It was in the collection of Durran Haymer when Saffron joined Malcolm Reynolds to carry out her plan to steal it. According to her, it was one of only two known to exist. The theft was successful, ultimately leaving the Lassiter in the hands of Mal, despite Saffron's attempts to take it for herself, although he later mentioned that he was having trouble fencing it due to its great value.[1]Inara comments that though it's no longer functional, the Lassiter is still worth a fortune.[2]
As described and shown in Still Flying, the prop used for the Lassiter had a storied history in Hollywood productions, going back as far as 1992. It was chosen by the Firefly propmaster from a rental house. The main body of the prop was constructed from an old flashlight, and the handle was apparently a solid aluminum foundry casting of a '60s plastic toy ray-gun. It was treated with effects to make it appear like an artifact for filming.
The prop also appeared in the seaQuest DSV episode "Abalon".
It was named after John Lasseter, a talented friend and collaborator of Joss Whedon.
