Paul Allen, the late co-founder of Microsoft, had a vast collection of assorted items that will be up for auction at Christie’s. The collection includes computing equipment, historic letters, artworks, space-related memorabilia, and more. Many of the items are from Allen’s personal history with Microsoft and personal computing, making them of particular interest to tech enthusiasts and collectors.
Some of the standout items from the collection include the Puma RS-Computer shoes, a 2018 re-release of a 1986 running shoe with a computer chip built into the heel. These shoes were originally designed for runners to track distance, time, and calories and have since been updated with features like USB charging and Bluetooth connectivity. Another interesting piece is the Strati 3D Printed Car, produced by Local Motors using a large-scale 3D printer and made of carbon-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic.
For gaming enthusiasts, the auction includes a vintage Pac-Man arcade game, the most successful coin-operated game of all time. There is also a Microsoft Green-Eyed Mouse, described as a significant advancement in mouse technology when introduced in the mid-1990s. This optical mouse with an ergonomic shape and green eyes is sure to appeal to fans of classic computing technology.
One of the more intriguing items up for auction is a Titanic First Class Luncheon Menu dated April 14, 1912, the same day the doomed passenger liner struck an iceberg. The menu belonged to a first-class passenger who survived the disaster, offering a glimpse into the lavish dining options available on the Titanic. Another fascinating piece is the Matchless Canyon Diablo Meteorite, a 4 billion-year-old iron meteorite with a unique history that includes crashing into the Arizona desert with the force of more than 100 atomic bombs.
For those interested in vintage gaming consoles, the auction includes an Atari Pong Home Console from 1975, which brought video gaming into the home with a simple table tennis game. Along with the classic console, the item also includes a pale yellow Toshiba TV, offering a nostalgic look back at the early days of home gaming. Additionally, there are artworks featured in the sale, such as photographs by Henri Cartier-Bresson showcasing scenes at the John F. Kennedy Space Center in the 1960s.
Overall, the Paul G. Allen Collection auction at Christie’s offers a wide range of unique and intriguing items for collectors and enthusiasts. From vintage gaming consoles and computing equipment to historic artifacts like the Titanic menu and meteorite, there is something for everyone in this diverse collection. With estimated auction prices ranging from $1,000 to $150,000, these items provide a glimpse into the life and interests of one of the tech industry’s pioneers. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, history buff, or art lover, there’s sure to be something that catches your eye at this upcoming auction.
