Christie’s auction sold a pigeon-delivered internet packet for $24,600
A framed data packet originally sent by carrier pigeon in 2001 was sold at Christie's auction house for $24,600.
The original 2001 experiment
Network engineer David Waitzman created a proof of concept using racing pigeons to carry data. The project began as an April Fool's joke but gained acceptance within the early Linux community. Norway's Bergen Linux User Group ran the live test over a distance of three miles.
Auction details and price
The framed scroll measured 41mm by 210mm and was part of a collection presented to Waitzman in 2002. Although the listing suggested a modest starting price, the item attracted considerable attention from buyers. The final sale price reached $24,600 during the Fine Printed Books and Manuscripts auction.
Physical description of the lot
The tiny capsule containing the packet would have been tightly rolled for transport on a bird's leg. Christie's sold this rare survivor as part of their Americana and Science category. The item represents one of the slowest pings in history due to its delivery method.
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