Watch CBS News

Section Of Eiffel Tower Staircase Going To Be Auctioned At Christie's

NEW YORK (AP) -- A New York City auction house is offering a piece of iconic history from the City of Lights.

A 14-foot high spiral staircase section from the Eiffel Tower is being offered by Christie's on June 16. It's estimated to bring $80,000 to $120,000.

It's part of a staircase that was conceived as a temporary structure for the tower in 1889.

It was cut up into 24 sections of varying lengths and removed in 1980 because of structural concerns. It was replaced with the current zigzag staircase.

Three sections were given to museums in France. The rest were auctioned in 1983.

Christie's identified the owner of the section it's selling only as an American collection who purchased it at the 1983 auction.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.