Trekkies Bid For Captain's Chair

NEW YORK – Star Trek fans may soon be selling all their furniture in order to afford a sweeter seat — "the most recognizable chair in the world" is up for bids.

Captain James T. Kirk's command chair and platform from the U.S.S. Enterprise is up for auction on Ebay June 27, and the bidding has started at $80,000.

"This is one of the holy grails of entertainment memorabilia, and it certainly is one of the top TV collectibles that one can own," said Bob Schagrin, president of Gotta Have It! Auctions Inc.

Vintage Hollywood prop dealer Profiles in History is conducting the auction, which will be held at the L.A. Airport Marriott and feature other Trek treasures as well. Bids can be placed online, via phone, on the floor or by absentee form.

Why play with a remote control when you can sit in this seat of command, complete with arm control panel and switches. “The command chair is visible in literally every single episode and is, without question, one of the most important discoveries in the history of television memorabilia,” the description on Ebay boasts.

According to the site, the outer frame of the chair is made of plywood and the base of the chair is covered in the original "Ozite®" carpet used on the bridge. While the asking price may seem a bit steep for flimsy wood and carpeting, rest assured it is authentic.

And trekkies are the perfect demographic for a big ticket auction, Schagrin said. "They are in their 40s and 50s, male, and the bread winners — that's where the money is going to be. I think (the chair) could go for $150,000 to $250,000."

And unlike most entertainment memorabilia, Schagrin points out that this is something that can actually be used, not put in a case or hung on a wall.

Star Trek was "one of the most popular TV shows of all time with a cult status to it that has never been duplicated," he said.

Want to check out the command post before plunking down thousands? Previews are available by appointment at Profiles in History’s Beverly Hills offices, weekdays from Monday, June 17 through Tuesday, June 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Call (310) 859-7701 to schedule an appointment.