Archive · 19 Nov 2025
Pascal's Calculator Auction Suspended
A rare calculator made by Blaise Pascal in the 1600s was supposed to be sold at an auction.
But, a court stopped the sale because some people want to keep the calculator in France.
The auction might happen later if the court allows it.
Christie's suspended the Paris auction of Blaise Pascal's calculator, 'La Pascaline'
The auction was halted due to a Paris court's suspension of export authorization
This example is one of nine remaining and the only one in private hands
The machine was expected to fetch 2-3 million euros
Scientists and researchers appealed to keep the machine in France as a 'national treasure'
- Who
- Blaise Pascal, Christie's, French scientists and researchers
- What
- Suspended the auction of Blaise Pascal's calculator
- When
- Wednesday, late Tuesday
- Where
- Paris, France
- Why
- To potentially keep the calculator in France as a 'national treasure'
Keep in France
Allow Sale
Historical Significance
Keep in France
A national treasure that should be preserved in France
Allow Sale
A private collector's right to sell their property
- Machine Name
- La Pascaline
- Creator
- Blaise Pascal
- Year Created
- 1642
- Estimated Value
- 2-3 million euros
- Existing Examples
- 9
- Current Location
- Private hands