Eiffel Tower staircase section to be auctioned in Paris

A section of the Eiffel Tower's original spiral staircase will be auctioned in Paris on May 21, Le Parisien reported Monday.

The piece, consisting of 14 riveted steel steps and dating to the tower’s construction in 1889, will be sold by Artcurial.

It has an estimated value of €120,000 ($140,000) to €150,000 ($175,000) and has been held by a private collector for more than 40 years.

The staircase, designed under engineer Gustave Eiffel, originally connected the second and third levels of the monument.

It was dismantled in 1983 during modernization work, when 20 sections were auctioned and later dispersed worldwide.

Previous sales have shown strong demand, with similar sections selling for over €200,000 in recent years, according to Artcurial.

The auction house said early interest in the upcoming sale has come from international collectors.