Kirk's Star Trek Phaser Stuns at Auction

Mr. Spock may have thought it all "highly illogical," but when it comes to fans of Star Trek, the legendary 1960s TV series, it makes perfect sense.

A Phaser Rifle, an original, one-of-a-kind prop used by William Shatner in his debut as Star Trek's Capt. James T. Kirk, sold for $615,000 at Heritage Auctions Entertainment and Music Auctions in November.

What makes the Phaser Rifle special in the eyes of fans and collectors is that it was used in the second pilot episode in 1966, entitled "Where No Man Has Gone Before," effectively launching the show as fans know it today. The episode also kickstarted Shatner's memorable career as Kirk, who replaced Capt. Christopher Pike as the swashbuckling commander of the starship USS Enterprise.

William Shatner as Capt. James T. Kirk cuts a formidable figure with his Phaser Rifle. Courtesy CBS/Viacom

This original series prop comes from the Azarian Collection, one of the largest treasure troves of 1960s TV and movie collectibles in existence. That collection has several costumes and props from both the original series, as well as subsequent Trek films.

This phaser rifle is featured in an excerpt from the book Star Trek – A Celebration, telling the story of how it was designed by legendary game designer Reuben Klamer, who kept the rifle until 2013 when he sold it at auction for $231,000. The auction price of $615,000 is one of the highest ever paid for a Star Trek lot at auction, and nearly two and a half times as much as a Type-2 Phaser Pistol sold by Heritage for $250,000 earlier this year.

A Star Trek Type-2 Phaser Pistol, shown here with Enterprise crew members Spock, Captain Kirk and Scotty, sold in July for $250,000 at Heritage Auctions. Courtesy Heritage Auctions

Other Star Trek items at the Heritage event included:

A Capt. James T. Kirk Starfleet tunic from season three of Star Trek, autographed by William Shatner. The lot also included black leather knee-high zipper boots, size 9, worn by Kirk. The lot sold for $50,000. Courtesy of Heritage Auctions

Leonard Nimoy's "Spock" tunic from the original Star Trek series sold for $45,000. As Science Officer, the half human and half Vulcan Mr. Spock could be irritatingly logical, but he was also one of the most beloved Star Trek characters. Courtesy Heritage Auctions

Leonard Nimoy earned a global following as Mr. Spock, the resolutely logical science officer on Star Trek. Spock became a folk hero as a cerebral, unflappable, pointy-eared Vulcan with a signature salute and blessing: "Live long and prosper." Courtesy Heritage Auctions

This USS Enterprise bridge chair from the original Star Trek series sold for $42,500. This type of chair was so highly visible on the bridge that it became inextricable from the production design. The chair is attributed to communications office Uhura who spent much of her time on screen swiveling in the chair to report to fellow crewmates. Courtesy Heritage Auctions

Communications officer Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) in bridge chair talking with Capt. Kirk aboard the USS Enterprise. Uhura was an important part of the multicultural crew on the original series and one of the first black characters to be portrayed in a non-menial role on an American TV series. Courtesy Heritage Auctions

A walking tribble from season two, episode 15: "The Trouble with Tribbles," one of the most popular Star Trek episodes created. This is one of only six walking tribbles created for the episode by Wah Chang. The tribble is constructed of faux, reddish-brown fur mounted over an altered battery-powered dog toy and sold for $10,625. Courtesy Heritage Auctions

Dr. Leonard McCoy discusses his trouble with the adorable but rapidly reproducing tribbles with Spock, who is all ears. Courtesy Heritage Auctions