Star Trek TNG Fans Can Own Captain Picard’s Chair
Propstore, the auction house specializing in Hollywood memorabilia, is selling Captain Picard’s command chair from Star Trek: The Next Generation in their upcoming Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction. While the estimated price for this prized item falls within the $50,000 to $100,000 range, industry insiders expect it to surpass this valuation during the live auction.
A Chair Fit For A Captain
The chair is made from a foam core covered in sand-colored polyester suede and matching vinyl side support bolsters. The foam rubber armrests feature several acrylic LCARS screens designed to emit light through an original power cord connected to the back beneath the tactical console. The consoles are equipped with color gels associated with the later seasons of the Star Trek show.
Customizable For Different Timelines
While larger panels were secured with screws during the production process, smaller panels on the chair were secured using tape. The seat is detachable, allowing it to be altered for scenes set in various Star Trek timelines. After the production phase, this item underwent restoration. The process included attaching a metal plate for stability and replacing lights to improve brightness.
The headrest displays indications of prior repair or replacement, and the body reveals characteristics such as cracked foam, raised adhesive around the screens, scuff marks, flaked vinyl, and age-related discoloration. The dimensions are 33″ x 36″ x 40″ (84 cm x 91.5 cm x 101.75 cm), per the information from Propstore.
Stolen From Set
Captain Picard’s chair was first introduced in the second season of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It remained a fixture on the bridge set until “All Good Things…” was filmed in 1994. During the visual refresh of the set for Star Trek: Generations, the chair was stolen from the Paramount stage. It was hastily replaced for the production of the movie.
An Inside Job
The theft forced the set decorators to construct a replacement seat at a cost of $15,000. At the time, it was believed that the original Star Trek chair could fetch a significantly higher price on the black market as Captain’s chairs hold immense value due to their central role on the starship bridge. Reports about the theft revealed that the studio suspected it was an inside job.
First Appearance In 30 Years
Captain Picard’s command chair remained elusive for more than two decades, with only sporadic mentions by online sleuths on platforms like TrekBBS and Reddit. The story of its theft is detailed in Larry Nemecek’s Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion. The upcoming Propstore auction marks the official public reappearance of the item after 30 years.
Confirmed As The Real Deal
The Propstore auction listing includes detailed images showcasing the team’s meticulous research and screen-matching process, which ensured the chair’s authenticity. The team examined the most minor details, from nicks in the outer paint to creases in the headrest. The March 12 auction also features other Star Trek items, each with its unique allure.
Other Star Trek Items Up For Auction
Highlights include Spock’s Kolinahr tabard overlay from Star Trek: The Motion Picture, James T. Kirk’s Starfleet uniform from Star Trek (2009), Worf’s R’uustai outfit from “The Bonding,” an Arcadian Ambassador’s mask from Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Worf’s promotional announcement scroll from Star Trek: Generations, and Tom Paris’ “Captain Proton” jetpack from Star Trek: Voyager.
