Bonhams Sells Rare M4 Enigma Machine for $463,500, Setting World Record
The Facts
A rare M4 Enigma machine, designed for the German Navy during World War II, sold for $463,500 at Bonhams History of Science and Technology Sale in New York, setting a world record for the model. The fully operational machine, dating from 1943, exceeded its pre-sale estimate of $280,000-350,000. The previous record of $350,000 was also set by Bonhams in 2015. The sale total reached $1,109,000, with 73% of lots sold. Other highlights included a signed first edition of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity ($125,000), a Charles Darwin letter ($93,750), an Isaac Newton manuscript ($60,000), and a piece of Alexander Fleming's penicillin mold ($46,500).
The Signal
The record price for the M4 Enigma underscores the robust demand for historically significant scientific artifacts, particularly those with wartime provenance. With most surviving M4 machines held in museums or government collections, the rarity of this example drove competitive bidding. The result signals sustained collector interest in code-breaking history and objects tied to pivotal WWII events, reinforcing Bonhams' leading position in the science and technology auction market.
The Morning Signal · Daily
Enjoying this? Get the daily wire.
The art world in one daily email — auctions, openings, and acquisitions from 90+ primary sources, distilled into a five-minute read. Independent — no marketplace, no gallery ads.
Join collectors, dealers & curators
No spam · free every morning · unsubscribe anytime
- People: Tom Lamb, Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, Alexander Fleming, Karl Doenitz
- Auction Houses: Bonhams
- Locations: New York
- Prices: $463,500, $280,000-350,000, $1,109,000, $125,000, $93,750, $60,000, $46,500
📊 Market Intelligence
Get deeper analysis, artist indices, and auction analytics on Art Collector IQ →
The Morning Signal · Daily
Get stories like this in your inbox
The art world in one daily email — auctions, openings, and acquisitions from 90+ primary sources, distilled into a five-minute read. Independent — no marketplace, no gallery ads.
Join collectors, dealers & curators
No spam · free every morning · unsubscribe anytime
The Jobs Digest · Weekly
New art-world jobs, every Monday
The Jobs Digest rounds up the week’s new museum, gallery, and auction-house openings — with salary when disclosed. One email a week, unsubscribe anytime.
