On March 12th, as part of PropStore’s “Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction: Los Angeles 2024,” the chair that sat on the bridge of the Enterprise-D was scheduled to go up for bidding. Many parts of the Star Trek: The Next Generation set have long since been destroyed – taken down and sometimes repurposed for other shows in the series – other times simply demolished.

When the set was lovingly rebuilt by David Blass and his team for the series Star Trek: Picard – every part of the ship was rebuilt from the ground up with the exception of the dedication plaque. The plaque had been stored for years and was given it’s own tribute in the show. Returning to the Enterprise was a triumph – made possible by fans turned designers who crafted the 90’s look, along with the return of designers like the Okudas. Unlike it’s Next Generation counterpart – the rebuilt set was put into storage¹– after Blass fought to keep as much of the set as possible.

In 2002, TrekToday² reported that the Captains chair was stolen off the USS Enterprise-D’s Bridge. The TrekToday article is light on details when it comes to the theft – noting that the chair was removed between the last episode of the TNG and the scheduled filming of first feature film staring the second television series cast, Star Trek: Generations. The replacement chair was built at an estimated cost of 15,000 USD. It was noted in the same article that the original chair from the Original Series was stolen from a convention in 1996.

In 2016, photos surfaced on Imgur³ of both chairs surfaced online (An example of those images seen below). The dust covered pieces of history drew ire in the comments section.

In 2024, PropStore LA listed the chair for auction in a grouping known as “Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction: Los Angeles 2024”. Along with other pieces of history made and used by productions – Aliens (1979) wardrobe, Back to the Future (1985) props and more. In an auction featured 1000’s of items, Picard’s chair was the grail. Listed with the following description:

Captain Picard’s (Patrick Stewart) screen-matched light-up command chair from Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek: The Next Generation. The centerpiece of Enterprise-D’s bridge,
Picard often sat and issued commands from his signature Captain’s chair. Other high-ranking crew members also sat in the chair whenever they commanded the bridge. The Next
Generation was a massive hit with audiences, earning more than 30 million viewers at its peak. Since 1988, it has won more than 30 international awards, including a prestigious
Peabody Award, 19 Emmys, and, along with other Trek series and films, a Guinness World Record Award for Most Successful TV Sci-Fi Franchise. This style of chair was first
introduced in Season 2 after the bridge set was fully redesigned. The headrest of this chair was replaced for the Season 5 episode “Violations.” Creases in the headrest and paint
markings on the left arm and seat screen-match this chair to multiple episodes in Seasons 6 and 7. The chair is constructed from foam core covered in sand-colored polyester
suede with matching vinyl side support bolsters and hard foam rubber armrests. The armrests feature several acrylic LCARS screens designed to illuminate via an original power cord
from the production, which is attached to the back and appeared onscreen under the tactical console. The consoles feature color gels associated with later seasons. While larger
panels were screwed in during production, the tape around this chair was applied to secure smaller panels. The seat of the chair is also removable, allowing it to be converted for
scenes set in different timelines or universes. Following production, this lot underwent sympathetic restoration, which included fixing it to a metal plate for stability and replacing the
lights to better illuminate. The headrest exhibits signs of previous repair or replacement, while the body exhibits cracked foam, lifted adhesive around the screens, scuff and flaked
vinyl, and discoloration from age. Dimensions: 33” x 36” x 40” (84 cm x 91.5 cm x 101.75 cm)
Special shipping required; see notice in the Buyer’s Guide.
Contains electronics; see electronics notice in the Buyer’s Guide.

PropStore LA Auction PDF

However, on the 12th of March, people started to notice that the item was no longer available for bidding. It’s description on the website having been replaced with a statement about the items return to CBS Studios⁴. With a starting bid of 25,000 USD and an estimated auction close at up to 100,000 USD, this item could have been hidden away again from public view – instead the statement reads in part:

the Star Trek Archive is currently working on plans to showcase it for Star Trek fans to see firsthand in the coming year.

PropStore LA Statement regarding the removal of the auction

Further Reading

1. MSN.com: A ‘Temper Tantrum’ Saved Star Trek: Picard’s Enterprise-D Set From Destruction ↩︎
2. TrekToday Archive: Thief Swipes The Captain’s Chair ↩︎
3. Imgur Archive: Star Trek Captains’ Chairs ↩︎
4. PropStore Auction: No Lot – See Statement ↩︎