In France, one of the original fragments of the spiral staircase of the Eiffel Tower, which once connected the second and third levels of the famous structure, is up for auction. This is not just an old metal structure, but a historical artifact from the industrial revolution, directly associated with the name of engineer Gustave Eiffel.
The history of such lots dates back to 1983, when, during the reconstruction of the tower, the old staircase was dismantled for safety reasons and replaced with modern elevators. The structure was divided into 24 parts: some fragments were given to French museums, while others ended up in private collections and cultural centers in various countries.
The segment up for auction is approximately three meters tall and includes about fifteen steps. According to the auction organizers, the fragment has been preserved in almost its original condition — with the original gray shade of the metal and characteristic rivets. Experts suggest that the lot could be worth several hundred thousand euros. Moreover, similar parts of the staircase have already been sold for significantly higher than the expected price.
The interest of collectors in such objects is explained not only by the rarity of the item but also by its cultural value. Today, the Eiffel Tower staircase is viewed as a symbol of engineering art from the late 19th century and an important part of world architectural history. For many buyers, such an artifact represents an opportunity to literally touch one of the most recognizable symbols of France.
In the opinion of the editorial team, such auctions demonstrate how technical elements of the past gradually transform into cultural relics of global significance, and the interest in the heritage of the Eiffel Tower remains unchanged even more than a century after its creation.
