The Christie's "40 Years of Star Trek: The Collection" auction, spanning three days last weekend (October 5-7), was momentous in many ways. But the highlight, both in price and drama, was the sale of a famous shooting model from Star Trek: The Next Generation.

This moment in Star Trek history, captured live on camera for posterity, was the auctioning of Lot 712 ... the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D. Final bid ... $500,000! Selling for 20 times the pre-sale estimate (not counting taxes and fees), this was one of the most photographed models in all of Star Trek's long history. It isn't small either (78 x 59 x 14 in.) — the buyer will need either a large house or a museum of some sort to display it. It all depends on who purchased it, of course (information we don't have). Maybe one day fans will have the opportunity to see this impressive ship.

If you were not there in person or did not watch the auction live on History.com, we have for you the next best thing: exclusive video footage! Experience the drama as the bidding unfolds, the prices spiral ever upward ... the pregnant pauses, the oohs, the aahs ... and the final cheer once bidding closes. To witness this event, click the video link to the left of the page.