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Paris Court Halts Export as Christie's Suspends Sale of Pascal's 'La Pascaline'

A provisional ruling blocks export, with scientists urging national‑treasure status.

Overview

  • Christie's withdrew the lot from today's Paris auction at the owner's instruction following a late‑Tuesday order from the administrative court.
  • The court's provisional measure suspends a May export certificate that the culture ministry issued after reviews by experts from CNAM and the Louvre.
  • La Pascaline is one of nine surviving Pascal calculators and the only example believed to be in private hands.
  • The 1642 machine, built when Blaise Pascal was 19, had been estimated at €2–3 million as part of the sale of collector Léon Parcé's library.
  • A final court decision could take several months, and the suspension prevents any buyer from taking the instrument abroad.