by Fred Fuld III
Step into a captivating journey through time at Christie’s auction “Pushing Boundaries: Ingenuity from the Paul G. Allen Collection,” where nearly 40 remarkable documents and objects narrate the evolution of technology from pre-history to the present day. This extraordinary collection, primarily composed of 20th-century artifacts, mirrors Mr. Allen’s deep-seated passions and stands as a testament to the dizzying pace of technological advancement within our lifetimes.
If you are interested in technology and investing, you might want to place a bid on an Apple I personal computer, made in 1976, which formally rested on Steve Job’s desk. This item is has an estimated hammer price range of $500,000 to $800,000.
The auction’s crown jewel is Einstein’s pivotal letter to President Roosevelt, a document that catapulted the United States into the nuclear age and underscores the profound impact of technology on society. The collection also celebrates humanity’s relentless pursuit of exploration, featuring treasures like a 16th-century portolan chart, Jacques Cousteau’s visionary pitch-book, and key artifacts from the Space Race, including Ed White’s spacesuit cover layer, the pilot’s logbook from Apollo 8, flown items from Apollo 11, and the checklist from the first American spacewalk in June 1965.
Select highlights from this extraordinary sale will be on display at Christie’s New York through July 19. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the milestones of human ingenuity and discovery.
Picture courtesy of Christie’s.