A segment of the Eiffel Tower’s original spiral staircase will be auctioned on May 21 by Artcurial in Paris. The historic structure, which once connected the second and third floors of the monument, has stood the test of time, overlooking the French capital for 139 years and surviving two world wars.

A rare piece of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, the Eiffel Tower, is set to go under the hammer, offering collectors a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a fragment of history.

A segment of the tower’s original spiral staircase will be auctioned on May 21 by Artcurial in Paris. The historic structure, which once connected the second and third floors of the monument, has stood the test of time, overlooking the French capital for 139 years and surviving two world wars.

Built as part of the tower’s original design during construction that began in 1887, the staircase was removed in 1983 when elevators replaced parts of the internal structure. The dismantled staircase was divided into 24 sections, with a few pieces now housed in prominent Parisian institutions such as the Musée d’Orsay and La Villette, while another remains within the tower itself.

The segment going up for sale has been held in a private collection for over four decades and is now being made available to the public for the first time. Comprising 14 steps attached to a cross-shaped base, the piece is crafted from steel and riveted sheet metal, reflecting the engineering brilliance of its era.