Merry Christmas: A Text That Won Big Bucks
When you think of a Merry Christmas text, you probably envision a quick, almost forgotten message sent from your phone. Turns out, this one fell into the jaws of high‑end collectors and snagged a jaw‑dropping €107,000 (US$121,000) at a Paris auction house on Tuesday.
The Tale Behind the Texter
- Sent on Dec 3, 1992 by Vodafone engineer Neil Papworth from his computer to a British manager.
- The manager picked it up on a 2kg (“4lb”) Orbitel phone, a cordless desk‑phone with a built‑in handle. Imagine texting on something that could double as a prayer beacon.
- “It was the end‑of‑year vibe,” explained Maximilien Aguttes, head of development at Aguttes Auction House. “He just wanted to spread the holiday cheer.”
What Makes an NFT a Hot Ticket?
A Non‑Fungible Token (NFT) is essentially a digital signature locked onto a blockchain. Think of it as a certificate of authenticity for anything from artwork to that historically iconic text. NFTs have surged this year, with a few pieces raking in millions.
Why This Phone Message Is So Special
- It’s the first ever text message ever sent.
- The NFT includes the communication protocol code used to transmit the message—so it’s a literal snapshot of tech history.
- The seller, Vodafone, turned the intangible into a digital frame to comply with French law, as selling purely intangible goods is a no‑go there.
A Big‑Audible Good Deed
The lucky buyer will receive a digital replica of the original protocol. All proceeds? They’re heading straight to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), giving that little Merry Christmas a chance to bring smiles to people worldwide.
So next time you text someone “Merry Christmas,” remember: this message was once so cool it fetched over a hundred thousand euros, all thanks to a simple, heartwarming phrase—and a little ‘old school’ phone.
