A Piece Of History ...
... and it can be yours if you have a deep pockets
The original captain's chair from "Star Trek" could be yours -- if you have the right amount of cash.
The actual set prop goes on auction on June 27 through eBay. The seller is listed as Profiles In History, a group founded in 1986 that bills itself as the nation's leading dealer in guaranteed-authentic original historical autographs, letters, documents, vintage signed photographs and manuscripts.
The sale is part of the Bob Justman auction that began May 1. Justman was a producer with the original series, and did some work in the early days of "Star Trek: The Next Generation."
According to the eBay listing, the chair -- which will be available as part of the live auction in Beverly Hills, Calif. -- was constructed at the Desilu Culver Studios in November 1964. It was first used by Jeffrey Hunter as Capt. Christopher Pike in the series first pilot, "The Cage," and remained throughout the entire run of the original series with William Shatner as Capt. James T. Kirk.
The original design for the bridge was done through art director Pato Guzman and set designer Matt Jefferies. Jeffries -- who later became art director for the series -- joined special effects supervisor Jim Rugg as the two primary men responsible for the chair's construction.
The starting price of the chair is at $80,000, but the value has been estimated at somewhere between $100,000 and $150,000. In case you're worried about whether or not it's the real thing, the chair comes with letters of authenticity from Jefferies, Justman, former executive in charge of production Herb Solow and Marc Hurd, director of technical operations at CBS Television City.
The chair is completely original, except for a minor alteration made to an arm panel, Profiles In History said.
To view pictures of the chair, and to get more information on the auction, visit its eBay auction page.
A full listing of items available through the auction -- both online and live -- is available by visiting the Profiles In History eBay area.
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