A Paris court has issued a provisional ruling blocking the export of La Pascaline, one of the world’s first calculating machines, which was scheduled for auction by Christie’s in France. This decision has prompted Christie’s to halt the sale of the historic item, designed by French mathematician Blaise Pascal in 1642.
La Pascaline had been anticipated to sell for between €2 and €3 million (£1.77 million to £2.65 million). It is noted for being a significant scientific instrument in history, with only nine known surviving units in existence. Scientists and researchers advocated for heritage protections for the machine, arguing that it should be designated a “national treasure.”
The court’s intervention came after an appeal highlighted concerns about the legality of an export authorization previously granted by France’s culture minister. This authorization had received endorsements from two experts, including one from the Louvre Museum. However, the judge expressed “serious doubts” about the validity of the minister’s certificate, leading to the provisional ruling until a final determination is made.
Christie’s confirmed in a statement that, in accordance with the court’s provisional decision, it is suspending the auction of La Pascaline. The court underscored the machine’s historical and scientific importance, suggesting it may qualify for protections under France’s heritage code. The French heritage group Association Sites & Monuments, one of the petitioners, expressed approval of the court’s decision.
La Pascaline had previously been showcased at Christie’s venues in New York and Hong Kong and was included in an auction featuring items from the library of the late collector Léon Parcé, which also comprised Pascal’s philosophical work “Pensées” and the first published version of “Pascal’s wager.”
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