Concorde fragments go under the hammer

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2007

TOULOUSE, France (AFP) — Dozens of collectors' items from the now defunct supersonic passenger jet Concorde went under the hammer Friday in southern France, kicking off a hotly-awaited four-day auction.

Over the weekend to Monday, fans of the iconic aircraft will be able to bid for one of 835 lots including instruments, oxygen masks, baggage compartment doors, photographs signed by the first Concorde crew, and even a toilet seat.

Some 300 enthusiasts turned out for a chance to take home one of 79 lots up for grabs on day one of the auction in central Toulouse, headquarters of the French aerospace industry.

Friday's top sales included a brake pressure indicator, which sold for 1,400 euros (1,000 dollars) -- four times its estimated price, organisers said,...