A CAPTAIN'S chair used by Patrick Stewart in Star Trek smashed its estimate at an auction in celebration of the cult show's 40th anniversary.
It is covered with burgundy-dyed imitation leather and features simulated control panels in the armrests.
But buyers didn't want the chair for its looks. They wanted it because the Mirfield- born actor sat in it when he played Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
And the bidding went up and up - to an astonishing £27,600, far beyond the pre-sale estimate of £4,750.
Uniforms, props and special effects models were among more than 1,000 Star Trek which have been going under the hammer at a three-day auction by Christie's in New York.
More than 1,000 lots have been released from the archives of CBS Paramount Television for the sale, which is expected to raise over £1m.
Cathy Elkies, director of special collections at Christie's said: "Star Trek has been a cornerstone of American popular culture for 40 years and continues to impact on generations of fans around the globe."
Star Trek - conceived by Gene Roddenberry in the mid-1960s - has led to six television series, including a cartoon series.
The adventures of the starship Enterprise - powered by warp and impulse drive - have thrilled fans across five decades.
There have also been 10 films, as well as novels, computer games, international conventions and a loyal following among millions of fans.
Patrick Stewart, now 66, was in Star Trek: The Next Generation on TV from 1987 to 1994 and also played Jean-Luc Picard in four move spin-offs.
He has been quoted as saying: "It was almost entirely a blessing.
"It introduced me to a world I never expected to be a part of - celebrity, fame, financial success.
"It also gave me the chance to work with the finest group of people I've ever known."