French Court Blocks Auction and Export of 'La Pascaline' Calculator, Citing National Treasure Status

Historic Calculator's Sale Halted by Paris Court

A Paris administrative court has issued a provisional injunction, effectively blocking the auction and export of 'La Pascaline,' a groundbreaking 17th-century calculating machine. The ruling, delivered late on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, came mere hours before the historic artifact was scheduled to go under the hammer at Christie's in Paris on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. The court cited the machine's immense cultural and scientific significance, suggesting it warrants classification as a 'national treasure' under French heritage law.

The Legacy of Blaise Pascal's Invention

Invented by the renowned French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal in 1642 when he was just 19 years old, 'La Pascaline' is considered a foundational artifact in the history of computing. Pascal developed the intricate, gear-operated device to assist his father, a tax collector in Rouen, with laborious calculations. Christie's had described it as 'the first attempt in history to substitute the work of a machine for that of the human mind,' marking a pivotal step in the evolution of computational devices. The specific model at the center of this dispute is a rare surveying Pascaline, uniquely calibrated for pre-metric French units of measurement, including feet, inches, and fathoms. It is believed to be the only such example remaining in private hands. Only about eight or nine authentic Pascalines are known to exist globally, with most housed in European museums, including five in French public collections.

Legal Challenge and 'National Treasure' Status

The legal challenge was initiated by a coalition of prominent scientists and researchers, alongside various heritage organizations and associations, who argued that the machine's historical and scientific value necessitated its protection within France. This intervention came despite France's culture ministry having issued an export license in May, a decision that had been approved by experts from the National Centre of Arts and Crafts and the Louvre Museum. However, the administrative court found 'serious doubts' regarding the legality of this export certificate, leading to its provisional suspension. The court's decision underscores the argument that 'La Pascaline' is 'likely to be classified as a 'national treasure',' which would prevent its export.

Auction Suspended Pending Final Ruling

The Pascaline was part of a collection belonging to the late French engineer and collector, Léon Parcé, and was expected to fetch between €2 million and €3 million (approximately $2.4 million–$3.5 million) at auction. Following the court's provisional decision, Christie's confirmed it has suspended the sale 'in accordance with the instructions of its client.' The ruling prohibits the machine from leaving French territory, and a final judgment on its status could take several months. This development highlights France's commitment to safeguarding its rich scientific and cultural heritage.